Developing a Kimberley Aboriginal Mud Crab Fishery

Funded Activity Summary

The commercial mud crab fishery in WA has yet to develop to its full potential due to a limited understanding of the mud crab resource, a lack of capacity, isolation from markets, and the logistical constraints of the remote and challenging environment of the Kimberley region. The development of Aboriginal fisheries is a high priority for DPIRD and FRDC, and this proposal to promote the Kimberley Aboriginal mud crab fishery aligns directly with this strategic objective. The project also addresses key priorities adopted by the WARAC and WAFIC, such as the development of Aboriginal and under-utilised fisheries in WA. The project represents a 2-way capacity building opportunity between Aboriginal people and DPIRD staff, with data generated during this project on species biology, spatial distribution and relative abundance informing future stock assessments to improve certainty around the sustainability of the WA mud crab resource. Specifically, the project will:

• use applicable and demonstrative scientific outcomes to develop participative management approaches for the Kimberley mud crab fishery that aim for fairness through prescribed fishery controls (trap allocations, harvest
strategies etc.) (Fair and secure access to aquatic resources).

• increase learning and sharing between Traditional Owners and DPIRD through identifying, documenting and promoting Aboriginal fisheries management systems and fishing practices. Identify a suitable working model for the
Indigenous mud crab fishery in the Kimberley which is culturally informed and reflects the relative abundance of the available mud crab resource. (Best practises and production systems).

• improve connection of Traditional Owners in the Kimberley region with mud crab fishing initiatives that promote economic opportunities (Growth for enduring prosperity).

• strengthen the association across Traditional Owner groups, commercial and recreational mud crab fishers, FRDC and DPIRD to maximise cooperative partnerships that promote greater inclusiveness, creative thought and solution
seeking to support the economic viability of the Kimberley mud crab fishery (A culture that is inclusive and forward thinking).

• promote relationships and communications between stakeholders and the Kimberley community through transparent decision-making tools and best practice fisheries management that ensures a fair distribution of economic and
societal benefits from the Kimberley mud crab resource (Community trust, respect and value).


Objectives:
1. Determine the biology and distribution of mud crab species (Scylla serrata and S. olivacea) in King Sound and Cambridge Gulf areas of the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
2. Determine the relative abundance of mud crabs within and between sites in King Sound and Cambridge Gulf across different habitat types (mangrove creeks vs channels vs mud flats) and tidal cycles (spring vs neap).
3. Transfer of mud crab commercial fishing methods, western scientific techniques, and traditional knowledge between Traditional Owners and DPIRD for future commercial application, through collaborative research surveys, DPIRD-led On-Country workshops and a related DPIRD-CRCNA Aboriginal Fishing and Aquaculture project (2022-24).

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-07-2023

End Date: 30-06-2026

Funding Scheme: Funding Scheme not available

Funding Amount: $736,621.00

Funder: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

There are no FoR codes available for this funding activity

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Capacity Building | Commercial Species | Fisheries Management | Indigenous | RAC NSW | RAC NT | RAC QLD | RAC WA

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