The Anindilyakwa people of the Groote Archipelago have embarked on a remarkable transformation as they prepare for the forthcoming forfeiture of royalty revenue from the winding-down manganese mine, which has been the mainstay of their economy for 58 years.
In a determined effort to safeguard their land, language, and culture while seeking profitable economic prospects, they are diving deep into the Blue Economy.
On Wednesday Anindilyakwa leaders announced the beginning of a new project marking a significant step in this transformative journey. The Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation (GAAC), under the stewardship of the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC), has partnered with the Northern Hub to initiate a pioneering aquaponics system on Groote Eylandt.
The aquaponics system, funded by the Northern Hub through the Australian government's Future Drought Fund, marks a shift from soil-based farming to a water-based cultivation method that harnesses the Archipelago's pristine aquatic environment and crystal-clear waters. The innovative approach aligns with the community's aspirations of respecting local resources, creating a carbon offset economy, providing food security, optimising nutrition, and striving for self-sufficiency.
Anindilyakwa Land Council chairperson Tony Wurramarrba said: "We, the Anindilyakwa people are Saltwater People. For us, our country is not just the land but also the sea that surrounds it to the horizon and beyond. That is our country. My father used to say – 'The sea is our supermarket'."
The Groote Eylandt aquaponics system is set to revolutionise agricultural practices in the region. By combining aquaculture and hydroponics into one integrated system, the project will cultivate a diverse range of vegetables and leafy greens alongside freshwater delicacies such as barramundi, cherrabin prawns, and red claw crayfish. This system is expected to be operational by mid-year, with first-year yield reports due in June 2024.
The Council said that in addition to its agricultural benefits, the project holds numerous advantages for the Anindilyakwa community and the broader region. It will contribute to economic resilience and autonomy, foster the growth of the Blue Economy, ensure sustainable food security, and align with the cultural and land values of the Anindilyakwa people.
"Moreover, the project will empower community members, create employment opportunities, and facilitate infrastructural expansion for a stable food supply. It will also serve as a valuable training centre, fostering skill development and training in sustainable development practices," the Council said in a statement.
Dr Veronica Toral-Granda, a leading academic with more than 20 years experience in project management and scientific research with special emphasis on marine sciences and protected areas, said aquaponics "is a way to address return to Country, food security and food nutrition, whilst creating new capabilities".
"This is an ideal project for areas with limited agricultural potential to embark in a better way to care for Country and provide nutritious food to Community," she said.
The collaborative efforts of the Anindilyakwa Land Council, the Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation, and the Northern Hub are driving innovation, sustainability, and economic prosperity for the Groote Eylandt community, the Council noted.
Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation Aquaculture Manager Dr Valentin Thépot quoted famed scientist Antoine Lavoisier to highlight the benefits of the project.
"My favourite quote is 'Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed'," Dr Thépot said.
"In an aquaponic system the 'waste' from the fish is a key ingredient to maintain plant health and growth. Instead of feeding just one species (fish) and having nitrogen waste in your effluent water, which can damage the environment, we work with nature and have complementary species that clean the water (plants and red claws) so more healthy foods are produced out of the same amount of feed given to the fish. The result is more healthy food for healthier people without detrimental environmental impacts and minimal freshwater use."
Anindilyakwa Land Council is the peak body representing the 14 clans of the Groote Archipelago and is "committed to safeguarding land, language, and culture".
The Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation was established in 2021 under the stewardship of the Anindilyakwa Land Council and oversees the commercialization of the Groote Eylandt Blue Economy.
The Northern Hub, a key partner in the Groote Eylandt aquaponics project, provides essential funding through the Australian government's Future Drought Fund. The Northern Hub is a collaborative initiative bringing together scientists, policymakers, First Nation's communities, and industry stakeholders to address environmental challenges and support sustainable development in northern Australia.
