ABORIGINAL MUD CRAB FISHERY DEVELOPMENT ADVANCES IN KIMBERLEY WITH KARAJARRI SEA RANGERS’ TRAINING
DPIRD's Dr Al Harry demonstrating finfish dissections
BY ASAD KHAN
The journey to establish an Aboriginal-owned mud crab fishery in Western Australia's Kimberley region took a significant step forward this month as the Karajarri Sea Rangers completed a four-day training and survey program.
Conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the program introduced the rangers to scientific data collection techniques essential for sustainable fisheries management and commercial fishing.
DPIRD researchers and trainers led the workshops at Bidyadanga, working closely with the rangers to equip them with skills in scientific sampling and data recording for mud crabs and finfish.
Dr Danielle Johnston, DPIRD’s Senior Research Scientist, emphasized the long-term goals of building capacity within Aboriginal communities to manage their own marine resources.
Mud crab measuring during fisheries survey training at Bidyadanga
“Our focus is on empowering Aboriginal groups to conduct fisheries research that can support both sustainable practices and economic development,”
“This training is a big step in merging traditional fishing knowledge with Western scientific methods.” she said.
During the training, the rangers learned about various sampling techniques, mud crab trapping, and the use of gear for surveying shark and fish species.
The program also covered survey design, marine species classification, and data management — all essential skills for creating long-term fisheries that are both profitable and sustainable.
Dr Johnston highlighted the rangers’ enthusiasm and the mutual knowledge exchange between the scientists and Karajarri Rangers.
“The rangers were very collaborative and genuinely interested in understanding the fishery species in their waters,” she noted.
“They provided valuable cultural knowledge of the region and shared traditional fishing methods, enriching the scientific process.”
The Kimberley region’s potential for Aboriginal-owned commercial fisheries aligns with broader efforts to enhance economic participation and socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
Over 90 percent of the Kimberley is under Native Title, giving Traditional Owners a vital role in the region’s resource management and economic ventures.
With DPIRD’s support, the Karajarri Sea Rangers are positioned to play a significant role in fisheries research and resource management in the Kimberley.
celebration photo at the end of karajarri training workshops
Dr Johnston said our goal is to help rangers develop the skills needed to perform fisheries surveys independently.
“This empowers them to manage their marine resources sustainably, building a future for Aboriginal fisheries in the region.”
The program at Bidyadanga represents a promising model for Aboriginal-led fisheries, combining traditional knowledge with scientific rigor to ensure sustainable economic opportunities for Kimberley communities.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Lead Journalist speak with Dr Danielle Johnston, DPIRD’s Senior Research Scientist: