Aboriginal Corporations and Ranger groups we work with

Click on the logos to learn more about our collaborations. Zoom in for a more detailed view of locations and Kimberley language groups. 

ISWAG partnerships in the Kimberley

The Aboriginal Corporations identified in the Kimberley region on the map above have collaborated with the NWSFTCP to conduct marine turtle research under the ‘Marine Turtles in the Kimberley’ Western Australian Marine Science Institute (WAMSI) projects between 2013 - 2018. The aims of the projects were to document the distribution and abundance of nesting populations; complete genetic analysis of the region’s stocks; assess the impacts of climate change on incubating eggs; and to exchange traditional knowledge and scientific understanding for improved management. These projects established ‘right way’ relationships with Traditional Custodians, focusing on putting culture and co-design first. 

With 11 saltwater communities across the Kimberley coastline and the Kimberley Land Council involved, the Traditional Custodians and Indigenous Ranger Groups were integral in the success of the projects. They guided the project teams to key locations across their Country, provided invaluable traditional knowledge that enriched project outcomes, they completed the surveys alongside WAMSI researchers and were co-authors on project outputs. The insights gained from the WAMSI projects have informed National, State and local management coordinated and led by Indigenous Rangers, and the formation of the ongoing Indigenous Saltwater Working Group (ISWAG) who lead the development of local research projects today.