Healing country together: A seagrass restoration case study from Gathaagudu (Shark Bay)

A successful seagrass restoration project in Shark Bay, Western Australia, demonstrates the power of integrating Western science with Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge. The partnership, involving the Malgana Aboriginal Corporation Ranger program, facilitated two-way knowledge sharing through On Country workshops, leading to effective restoration methods tailored for Gathaagudu. This collaboration not only restored seagrass ecosystems but also fostered cultural education, language preservation, and a deeper connection between people and their environment. The study highlights the potential of such partnerships to address long-standing restoration challenges while promoting holistic healing for both people and Country.

Sinclair, E. A., Statton, J., Austin, R., Breed, M. F., Cross, R., Dodd, A., Kendrick, A., Krauss, S. L., McNeair, B., McNeair, N., McNeair, S., Oakley, M., Oakley, P., Oxenham, T., Pedrocchi, N. D., Roelofs, T. P., Wear, L., & Kendrick, G. A. (2024). Healing country together: A seagrass restoration case study from Gathaagudu (Shark Bay). Ocean & Coastal Management, 256, 107274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107274