Guguurr (woodworm; Teredo spp.), are bioculturally important molluscs found within decaying logs in estuarine and brackish systems on Gumbaynggirr Sea Country. For many Aboriginal communities along the east coast of Australia, Guguurr are an important cultural food, with harvesting practices embedded in cultural knowledge, community gatherings, and intergenerational knowledge transfer on Country. In recent years, community members have become concerned regarding the safety of harvesting Guguurr due to increased agricultural activity in upstream catchments and the potential for chemical contamination.
Guided by community-identified priorities, this research investigates the presence of pesticide residues in Guguurr collected from bioculturally significant sites on Gumbaynggirr Country, northern New South Wales. Samples were collected by Indigenous researchers, rangers, and community members from twelve sites along the Nyambaga (Nambucca) and Kalang Rivers across three sampling periods. Samples were analysed for 171 pesticide analytes, including organochlorines, organophosphates, herbicides, and fungicides, alongside a total elemental scan for toxic metals.
Guguurr samples showed accumulation of both pesticides and heavy metals, with pesticides detected in 9 of 12 samples. Arsenic and lead exceeded Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in two samples, while mercury and antimony were detected at concentrations below MRL thresholds.
This is a novel study as all stages of project design, sample collection, and analysis were led by Gumbaynggirr people on Gumbaynggirr Country. The project strengthens community authority in Caring for Country and supports informed decision-making around Guguurr harvesting, contributing to the continuation of culturally significant practices and community connection.