This project is currently inviting input from Indigenous groups or community members interested in this strategy.
Commonwealth fisheries Indigenous engagement strategy
Photo credit: Nick McClean
Following recent legislative changes to the Commonwealth Fisheries Management Act, Commonwealth government agencies now have an obligation to take into account the interests of Indigenous groups when making decisions about how Commonwealth fisheries are managed.
The aim of this project is to develop a strategy to guide effective engagement between Indigenous fishing interests and management agencies responsible for Commonwealth fisheries, and with applicability to appropriate state and local level processes.
The project is working with a group of capable Indigenous experts and community leaders with relevant knowledge and experience in fisheries and Sea Country matters to advance the project activities. The first meeting of the project Indigenous working group can be found in the resources below.
The team is working with these government agencies to build clear commitments to engaging with Indigenous groups in the process of managing Commonwealth fisheries. A Statement of Commitment from these agencies can be found below.
Provide your input into the strategy
The project team would like to hear from any groups who would like to share their views on how this strategy should be developed.
Please contact project co-lead Nick McClean to discuss your input.
E: Nicholas.mcclean@uts.edu.au
Chief investigators
The project team includes senior Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers as follows:
- Dr Nick McClean, Climate Society and Environment Research Centre, UTS.
- Stephan Schnierer, Independent fisheries researcher.
- Prof Daryle Rigney, Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research.
- A/Prof Steve Hemming, Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research.
Funding body
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Australian Government, and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
Project Reference FRDC 2021-024: Development of an Indigenous engagement strategy for fishing interests with a focus on Commonwealth fisheries.
