Australia’s marine ecosystems face increasing pressure from climate change and human activities, requiring management approaches that draw on both modern science and the cultural knowledge of Indigenous peoples. In Western Australia, the Southwest Native Title Settlement, established through Indigenous Land Use Agreements with the Noongar Nation, has strengthened the governance role of Traditional Owners across Land and Sea Country, creating opportunities for Indigenous-led environmental management.
Through a partnership between Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation, Parks Australia, and The University of Western Australia, a culturally guided project is supporting Traditional Owner leadership in Sea Country management across the Gnaala Karla Booja region. The project brings together Elders, Knowledge Holders, rangers, and researchers through a series of workshops, on-Country meetings, and community engagement activities to document cultural connections to Sea Country for the Binjareb/Pinjarup, Wilman, Ganeang, and Wardandi groups. Ranger training alongside researchers is also building skills in marine monitoring and cultural knowledge recording, ensuring knowledge exchange occurs in both directions.
Outcomes will include a Gnaala Karla Booja-endorsed report identifying cultural values and Sea Country management priorities to guide ranger programs and inform the 2028 Australian Marine Park management reviews, demonstrating how Indigenous knowledge, science, and data sovereignty can work together to support sustainable marine governance.