Thesis
Indigenous ecological knowledge in fisheries research: an assessment of Latona deltoides and associated biotoxins on the Mid-North Coast, Australia (Abstract and Citation only)
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.573
Appears in Recent Southern Cross PhD Theses
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Abstract
Co-design methodologies that incorporate Indigenous ecological knowledge (IEK) and conventional scientific knowledge (CSK) frameworks are required if marine management strategies are to enhance the protection of culturally significant resources and practises. Our First Nations communities have intricate knowledge of resources within their clan and nation areas that has been passed down through generations. On the east coast, in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, pipi (garlaany in Gumbaynggirr, Latona deltoides) is a culturally significant species. The aim of this research project was to use a co-design methodology to incorporate IEK and CSK frameworks in developing a survey method to assess pipi abundance and size and to investigate food safety. This included Traditional Owner participation through-out the research process and incorporated Indigenist research methodology of place-based research practise, reciprocity and respect. Culturally relevant harvest techniques were used for quantitative data collection on pipi abundance and size, which was applied to a temporal assessment on one beach over 13 months and expanded to a spatial assessment of 10 beaches over two seasons in two consecutive years. To assess food safety, a laboratory study was undertaken to assess biotoxin accumulation in pipis. The co-designed field study was successful for quantifying temporal and spatial differences in pipi size classes. IEK indicators were useful for identifying sampling sites and certain indicators, such as the presence of recently opened shells and pied oystercatchers (Haematopus longirostris) correlated with the abundance of harvestable (adult size) pipi. Many beaches within Gumbaynggirr, Ngambaa and Dhungatti Country were found to have a low abundance of pipi, that is insufficient to support cultural harvest by First Nations communities of the area. The study also revealed some beaches with high recruitment and healthy population structures, that could be used in recovery strategies. The biotoxin study revealed higher accumulation of toxins in the crystalline style and viscera compared to the non-viscera, consistent with IEK postharvest food preparation techniques that remove the more toxic body regions before consumption. Overall, the co-designed research project was successful at delivering quantitative assessments, benefiting both IEK and CSK marine management systems. Working together on Country also fosters stewardship and co-management by providing opportunities for Traditional Owners to re-connect to country. The co-designed research framework supports the acquisition of a collaborative knowledge system that can be used to support the protection of resources globally. Protection of culturally significant species enables the continuation of cultural practise and the evolution of IEK.
Details
- Title
- Indigenous ecological knowledge in fisheries research: an assessment of Latona deltoides and associated biotoxins on the Mid-North Coast, Australia (Abstract and Citation only)
- Creators
- Jade Fredericks
- Contributors
- Kirsten Benkendorff (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityKarina Hall (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Identifiers
- 991013374261502368
- Copyright
- © Jade Fredericks 2025
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; National Marine Science Centre
- Resource Type
- Thesis