Indigenous Ecological Knowledge of marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems on Sea Country: from past absences to future inclusion

Abstract

For over 60,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia have developed an enduring knowledge of marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems on Sea Country. However, it has taken more than 200 years since colonisation, and a biodiversity and habitat crisis for Australia, to begin to recognise and value Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK). This perspective piece builds on previous work to define IEK in the context of Sea Country research, particularly within Australia. It discusses reasons for the rarity of IEK in marine and freshwater literature, the loss of intergenerational transmission of IEK, the erosion of cultural heritage and the tensions between Western science and IEK, and strategies for change. The elevation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge in national research priorities offers an opportunity to correct historical wrongs and develop effective strategies for the inclusion of IEK and Indigenous researchers. Together we need to protect what has been lost and restore and sustain marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems on Sea Country.