Poster Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association 2026 Conference

Engaging Indigenous science in climate-related marine research: what the literature reveals (139863)

Mibu Fischer 1 2 3 , Emily Ogier 2 3 , Jess Melbourne-Thomas 1 2 , Kathleen Beyer 4
  1. CSIRO, Hobart, TAS
  2. Centre for Marine Socioecology, Hobart, Tasmania
  3. IMAS, UTAS, Hobart
  4. School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences, UTAS, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

This presentation examines how Indigenous science and knowledge are engaged within research practices across environmental sciences, with particular attention to marine science as a disciplinary context. While Indigenous knowledge is increasingly acknowledged in environmental and climate-focussed research, there remains limited understanding of how such knowledge is incorporated within research practices and evidence bases, rather than referenced at a rhetorical level. Drawing on structured-style literature review and broad critical discourse analysis, this research investigates how Indigenous science and knowledge is referenced, framed and operationalised in peer-reviewed climate related literature. The analysis considers the nature of engagement, theoretical positioning, methodological and data practices, and discursive tendencies evident within the literature. For this presentation, patterns observed within marine science research are considered alongside those emerging from other disciplines engaged with climate related work, allowing for exploration of potential disciplinary differences in how knowledge systems are positioned and valued. Critically examining research literature is essential for uncovering implicit assumptions, power relations, and knowledge hierarchies embedded in scientific practice. Without reflexive analysis, claims of progress risk remaining unexamined, limiting meaningful change in how knowledge systems are engaged. This work contributes to broader discussions of epistemic equity, disciplinary norms, and the role of diverse knowledge systems in environmental research.