The Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation (NWAC) Sea Ranger Program operates within the proposed Gaagal Wajaar Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) on Gumbaynggirr Sea Country, mid-north coast of New South Wales. The project supports Indigenous-led stewardship through the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and contemporary scientific approaches.
Rangers carry out activities to assess and improve the health of Sea Country within the proposed IPA. Activities include monitoring marine mammals, estuarine systems, debris, and water health; cultural mapping; and training programs through the Junior Rangers Program. Often these activities are enhanced by collaboration with research institutions and environmental organisations, strengthening broader marine conservation efforts.
The Bara-Barugu (mangrove) project at Boambee Creek investigates the limited natural recovery of the mangrove ecosystem following severe hailstorm damage. Co-designed with Kirsten Benkendorff at Southern Cross University the project builds capacity in Western scientific monitoring while embedding Gumbaynggirr knowledge systems. Seasonal indicators and historical Cultural Knowledge have been central to identifying ecosystem decline and recovery, demonstrating the value of integrating western and Gumbaynggirr knowledge systems in monitoring and management.
The NWAC Sea Ranger Program provides a strong model for integrating community-based monitoring and governance into contemporary coastal management frameworks while building capacity for Indigenous people to continue to care for and protect Country.