The development of a Kimberley Aboriginal mud crab fishery is one step closer, with surveys of mud crab populations set to expand across the region under a collaboration between the WA government and Traditional Owners based on sharing of cultural and western science.
Mud crab has been identified as a key species of interest for Traditional Owners across the Kimberley, but more information is needed on its biology, species distribution and abundance to help develop appropriate trap allocations and sustainable management arrangements.
The expansion of mud crab surveys builds on a three-year project funded by the Australian government's Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.
A pilot survey in 2022, undertaken by the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Madanaa Nada community members, collected baseline data information on mud crab populations in Derby's King Sound and tested data collection techniques. This was followed by a survey in Cambridge Gulf last year, engaging local Balanggarra and Miriuwung Gajerrong rangers.
Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna welcomed Thursday's announcement which she said "builds on several years of work by Traditional Owners to develop a Kimberley Aboriginal mud crab fishery".
"Increased research participation and collaboration with Indigenous groups will build a shared knowledge of local fisheries for sustainably developing economic opportunities on Country," she said.
Growing interest in the research by many Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley has prompted plans for additional mud crab surveys.
King Sound and Cambridge Gulf will be re-surveyed, along with planned surveys in new locations in collaboration with the Nyul Nyul and Karajarri communities, with potential for other Aboriginal communities to be involved in the future.
The WA government said formal training programs for rangers in scientific data collection methods are being investigated to assist in future proofing the management and sustainability of this important fisheries species.
WA Fisheries and Regional Development Minister Don Punch said it is "fantastic" to see growing interest from Kimberley Traditional Owners in this resource, with an Aboriginal mud crab fishery having "the potential to create new and diversified enterprises across the region".
"The surveys carried out to date have provided a great opportunity to test data collection methods and exchange local cultural knowledge and western science," he said.
