The Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) 2025 conference, supported by FRDC, has cemented the position of First Nations voices in fisheries science innovation.

For first-time Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) 2025 conference participant, Desmond (Des) Purcell, a Taribelang Bunda Traditional Owner and Cree Crispin, a proud Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr man, the annual event was a “fantastic eyeopener”, helping them bridge their Indigenous cultural roots with leading scientific knowledge.  

The pair were among the 19 First Nations professionals awarded ASFB’s inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander travel bursaries*, supported by a variety of sponsors including FRDC.

Des, who is Traditional Owner Project Manager with the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) in southeast Queensland, said the ability to engage with leaders in the fishing and aquaculture research community has been invaluable to his career growth.

“I have been able to expand my knowledge, skills and networks in fish and waterway management,” Des said. 

"The opportunity to learn from experts has given me the tools to enhance local BMRG projects through integrating Traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methods, including in species conservation and water quality monitoring.”

Similarly, for 18-year-old Cree, who is completing a Fisheries Technician Traineeship at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Grafton Fisheries Centre, the conference has elevated his learning.

“As a young Aboriginal trainee in aquaculture, it gave me the chance to step outside of my everyday work and engage with the broader world of fish biology, conservation and science communication,” said Cree. 

‘Connecting Waters- Connecting Cultures’ panel session a success

A highlight for both Des and Cree was ASFB’s ‘Connecting Waters- Connecting Cultures’ panel session. 

The session led by trailblazing Indigenous changemakers including Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation Executive Officer Stephina Salee and Namultja Aboriginal Corporation representatives David Barrett and Gillian Limmen aimed to showcase the meaningful intersections between Western science and First Nations knowledge has and how the two can be combined to yield powerful economic, social and cultural benefit for all Australians.  

Des said he was deeply moved by the session for the genuine and respectful discussion it fostered.

“To hear from other Traditional Owners facing similar environmental concerns and how the implementation of different conservation efforts across fresh water and sea water species worked was insightful,” he said.

Cree said as a young Indigenous man hearing from First Nations leaders, Elders and scientists on stage was “incredibly powerful and affirming”.

“It reminds me that my cultural background is not separate from my career; it’s actually one of my biggest strengths,” he said.

“It made me feel like I belong in this space and gave me the confidence to see myself continuing in the fisheries and aquaculture industry after my traineeship.”

Stronger together

Des said he hoped to see continued representation of Traditional Owners at all major conferences.  

“By coupling old and new knowledge sets, our efforts to retain our nature’s beauty together can only make us stronger.”    

Incoming ASFB President Dr Katherine Cheshire said this year’s conference demonstrated the power First Nations voices bring to fisheries science.

“By weaving Traditional knowledge with Western research, we are shaping stronger, more inclusive pathways for fisheries science in Australia,” she said.  

“ASFB is committed to creating opportunities through our annual forums that elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in aquatic science and management."

ASFB is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led society supported by numerous industry and organisational bodies including FRDC through its Capability and Capacity Project 2023-074. The annual conference brings together scientists, Indigenous leaders, students and managers to collaborate and share knowledge across fishing and aquaculture disciplines.  

The conference plays a pivotal role in recognising and supporting young and emerging scientists—including  those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—ensuring diverse perspectives are woven into aquatic science discussions.

* The other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander travel bursary recipients included Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation’s Chairperson Conway Burns; Yimpinari Homelands Land Owner and fisher Dennis Dunn; River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation’s Director and Project Officer Fiona Giles; Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation Project Officer and Lalang-gaddam Marine Park Joint Management Body Chairperson Francis Woolagoodja; Western Australia (WA) DPRID Technical Officer Jacksyn Taylor; WA DPRID Fisheries Management Officer Jamie Brooks; Groote Aqua Aboriginal Corporation Aquaculture Technician Jason Yantarrnga; Kabi Kabi People’s Aboriginal Corporation Director Kerry Jones; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Senior Policy Officer Lleidan Hunter; Murray Darling Basin Authority Cultural Advisory Group member Mark Koolmantrie; WA DPRID Aboriginal Economic Development branch Senior Project Officer Tom Ellies; Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation Senior Rangers Matt Cameron, Candy-J Edwards, Steven Murray; Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation Ranger Zali Grace; University of Melbourne postgraduate student Charlie Miller and Curtin University undergraduate student Indiana Rutter. The program also sponsored Micah Borok, a Faiwol Wopkai traditional custodian and scientist from Takak Environmental research Services in the upper Fly River region, Western province Papua New Guinea.