Recognising the importance of shellfish to First Nations peoples, Indigenous and Traditional Ecological Knowledge in aquaculture and coastal management in Australia

Abstract

Throughout the world, there is a growing recognition of the importance and need for incorporation of Indigenous and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of First Nations peoples in shellfish aquaculture and coastal management. In Australia, however, the incorporation of First Nations TEK of shellfish aquaculture and coastal management is in its infancy. This is a concern because the combined perspectives of Indigenous knowledge and Western Science are needed to restore culturally and economically significant shellfish and create successful, respectful and sustainable outcomes. The aims of this perspective piece are first to describe the evidence for the importance of shellfish aquaculture and management to First Nations peoples of Australia and second to highlight the opportunity to incorporate First Nations TEK in shellfish restoration and aquaculture in Australia. Already, models of successful incorporation of TEK of shellfish exist in Aotearoa, which provide an example for incorporation of TEK of shellfish in Australia. First Nations peoples of Australia hold a deep cultural connection with shellfish and Sea Country that has persisted for millennia. If we are to appropriately sustain and restore shellfish and manage our coasts, we must incorporate First Nations TEK and views, and respect and protect their ongoing connections to Sea Country.