Under cultural leadership, this project combines Indigenous Wudjari kaartdijin (knowledge) and Western Science to fill critical data gaps and increase knowledge and understanding of cultural landscapes in the Marine Parks of southwestern Australia. The study area is focused on the Eastern Recherche Marine Park and South-west Corner Marine Park around Investigator Island, exploring species and their habitats along the ancient coastline that extends out to approximately 120 m, where the coastline was about 20,000 years ago.
Voyages of discovery, designed and supported by Traditional Owners will explore the ancient coastline that have remained unmapped by Western Science, including submerged ridges and palaeochannels that today support high levels of biodiversity and endemism. Studies of the seabed will help resolve how marine and coastal landforms have evolved in relation to climate and sea-level change and how marine fauna have adapted to this evolving coastline.
Increased understanding of this area is a priority for Parks Australia and would provide guidance on how to best manage the cultural and biological values of the parks. This approach enables the cultural knowledge of these areas to be connected alongside the western knowledge, providing a conduit between management, research, conservation and communication.