Our impact
Our work results in real-world, tangible outcomes.
These case studies highlight a few of our recent projects.
Indian Ocean Territories Marine Park and Fisheries Management
Sea Country Solutions were asked to conduct community consultations to identify local values, concerns, and aspirations for the possible establishment of a new Marine Park.
Upon learning that local concerns centred on recreational fishing rules, we worked with the community, The Shires of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Pew Charitable Trusts, and the federal government to develop a new governance model better suited to the social, cultural, and ecological context of the IOTs.
The IOT fisheries are now managed under a novel governance model which empowers the communities in decision-making, with day-to-day management undertaken by local fisheries rangers. The Marine Park has been established, and new laws to support sustainable fisheries management enacted, both with strong community support.
Sea Country Solutions continue to be involved in fisheries management at the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, acting as the technical partner providing support to Cocos Marine Care. Our work with CMC involves developing strategies for community engagement and outreach, compliance and enforcement, fisheries science and monitoring, and supporting the collection and analysis of recreational fisheries data.
Bardi Jawi Gaarra and Mayala Marine Parks
Sea Country Solutions were invited to support the Bardi Jawi and Mayala people in pioneering the first-ever Traditional Owner-led independent marine park planning process.
From the outset, the project emphasised extensive community consultation and values mapping which followed complex cultural protocols. Elders, community leaders, and families shared their deep-seated connections to the land and sea, recounting stories and cultural practices that have sustained their way of life for generations.
With a comprehensive understanding of the community’s values and priorities, we then worked collaboratively with the Bardi Jawi and Mayala negotiation teams to draft a marine park zone proposal. This proposal was unique in that it was deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge and practices, aiming to protect vital cultural and environmental resources.
We also provided support and capacity building through developing their understanding of marine management frameworks and strategic planning, and played an important role within the early negotiation meetings in helping to translate across the two knowledge systems and cultural frameworks.
The collaborative efforts culminated in the establishment of marine parks that were a testament to the resilience and vision of the Bardi Jawi and Mayala people. The joint management plans developed through this process ensured that cultural management was not just a consideration but the foundation of the park's governance.
This historic initiative has set a precedent for Indigenous-led Sea Country management, showcasing the power of time, community consultation, and capacity building. It stands as a model for future projects, highlighting how traditional knowledge and modern conservation practices can come together to protect both cultural heritage and natural resources.
Seagrass Restoration at Cocos (Keeling) Islands
During community consultations prior to the establishment of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park, we repeatedly heard concerns about the decline in lumut (seagrass) within the lagoon. Seagrass habitats have enormous ecological and cultural value, and underpin local subsistence and recreational fisheries at CKI.
Prompted by suggestions from the Cocos community that grazing by sea turtles and fish may be hindering seagrass recovery, we worked with the community to undertake a pilot caging experiment. We wanted to investigate whether simply protecting seagrass from herbivory would be enough to promote recovery. Following positive initial findings that confirmed protection promoted significant recovery, we expanded this project in collaboration with Cocos Marine Care and seagrass restoration experts from James Cook University, and with funding from Parks Australia, to establish “Operation Lumut Rescue”.
This project brings together local knowledge and ecological expertise to develop a robust, scientifically-tested restoration and monitoring program for seagrass habitats in the Cocos lagoon.
