A record-breaking number of Indigenous rangers have gathered to protect the Kimberley coastline

The forum delivered the continued support for Indigenous voices in sea Country management and the protection and conservation of dugongs, a culturally significant animal.

Azton Howard is part of the Bardi Jawi ranger group that protects Sea Country north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, his duties include turtle monitoring. Source: Supplied / Kimberley Land Council

As Brazil hosts COP30 climate change talks, over 60 Traditional Owners and rangers have gathered in Broome to protect and preserve Kimberley sea Country.

The Indigenous Saltwater Advisory Group (ISWAG) Annual Forum, hosted by the Kimberley Land Council and Nyamba Buru Yawuru, took place on the Yawuru Country last week.

With 60 participants from 11 member groups, it's the largest forum in the ISWAG's decade-long history.

Representatives from Balanggarra,Bardi Jawi, Dambimangari, Karajarri, Jabirr Jabirr/Ngumbarl, Mayala, Nimanburr, Nyangumarta, Nyul Nyul, Wunambal Gaambera and Yawuru communities were in attendance and shared their knowledge and expertise with key government and research partners.

Over 60 Traditional Owners and rangers gathered as part of the Indigenous Saltwater Advisory Group (ISWAG) Annual Forum in Broome. Source: Supplied / Kimberley Land Council

The congregation discussed an array of issues facing the Kimberley coastline, including illegal finish, over-tourism and climate change, and how each community is managing the threats.

ISWAG Co-Chair and Yawuru man Dean Matthews said the forum is a unique opportunity.

“The forum provides a space for facilitating discussions on collaborative regional projects and opportunity for a collective voice to influence our authority for sea Country, a united voice of Kimberley Traditional Owners and the importance of tackling climate, industry and tourism pressures together,” he said.

Key concerns raised in the forum included the impact of a recent heatwave on coral reefs and seagrass, illegal fishing and unauthorised boat arrivals, management of increasing tourism and offshore oil and gas pressure, and the need for stronger Indigenous representation in fisheries policy and management.

Traditional Owners also advocated for continued investment in conservation efforts for dugong and green turtle populations. This calls was heard with the forum concluded with the committment to a Kimberley-wide dugong monitoring program.

Rangers from across the Kimberley gathered in Broome to learn and share about protecting and conserving sea Country. Source: Supplied / Kimberley Land Council

The forum also saw strengthened ISWAG governance and facilitated new and continued collaboration that seeks to prioritise Indigenous knowledge and voices in marine management across the Kimberley.

“Indigenous rangers are on the frontline, protecting the Kimberley coast every day - from monitoring coral reefs, fish and dugong populations to responding to climate impacts," said Kimberley Land Council's Land and Sea Unit Manager and ISWAG Co-Chair, Daniel Oades.

"We’ve shown that when Traditional Owners lead the way, we can influence national policy and shape how land and sea are managed right across the country. This forum is about working together as one region, sharing knowledge and making sure Indigenous voices guide how the coast is managed.

We’re not just responding to change; we’re leading it, ensuring our sea Country is healthy for generations to come

ISWAG has platformed and prioritised the cultural knowledge and grassroots expertise of Traditional Owners in marine research, policy and management for over a decade. With it's reach along the Kimberley coastline, the group facilitates year-round collaboration between communities, researchers and government agencies.

Nyul Nyul and Karajarri rangers regularly carry out sea grass monitoring on their Country in the Kimberley. Source: Supplied / Kimberley Land Council