In shark research and management, as in many natural resource management fields, there remains an opportunity to better understand and appreciate Indigenous knowledge systems to enhance the completeness, value and relevance of available knowledge. Despite the extensive evidence of the cultural significance of sharks and rays for many countries and communities around the world, there is very little research that examines the application or collection of Indigenous knowledge to improve the scientific understanding, conservation and/or management of sharks. This talk will provide an overview of Indigenous knowledge systems and the cultural values attributed to sharks and rays, and will introduce a newly established, collaborative project that involves a number of Traditional Owner groups within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The project aims to recognize and record the Indigenous knowledge regarding sharks and rays that exists for each group. As well as mapping and recording Indigenous knowledge, the project will provide a better understanding of how Traditional Owners want their knowledge to be recognised and applied in science and management.
The intricacies of developing a culturally appropriate, collaborative project (such as two-way sharing, Intellectual Property protection in data sharing agreements and community investment and ownership of project outcomes) will also be presented.