Influence of freshwater flows on growth and abundance of Barramundi and Mud Crab in the Northern Territory
Identifying the key social and economic factors for successful engagement in aquaculture ventures by indigenous communities
This proposal aims to identify social, cultural and economic factors that might be developed and reconstructed to facilitate Indigenous engagement in sea cucumber aquaculture. Foster (1997), Carter (2001), Nikolakis (2008) and other researchers have identified social and economic factors that affect Indigenous enterprise development, but these are generic in their nature, and these factors have not been tested and validated at the community level (mostly relying on expert interviews and documentary analyses) nor during a specific application such as the establishment of a sea cucumber ranching enterprise. As such this proposal will draw on previous research to develop key themes, test these themes, and propose more workable models to Indigenous engagement in sea cucumber aquaculture.
The aquaculture sector is highly relevant to the continuing investment and need for sustainable enterprise models for indigenous sea owners. This project is strongly related and interlinked to the proposal by the Fisheries Unit of the NT government which seeks to conduct a scoping study of options for an Indigenous “centre of excellence” to facilitate promotion and engagement by Indigenous people in fisheries co-management enterprises.
Final report
Development of sponge (Spongia Spp.) farming as a viable commercial enterprise for remote Aboriginal communities
There is an urgent need for employment and income generating projects within remote communities of northern Australia.
Despite there being several excellent sites for aquaculture near indigenous communities, there is currently no significant indigenous involvement in aquaculture in Northern Australia. This is partially the result of cultural norms in communities not being compatible with the intensive and high technology farming systems now in common use. There is a need to develop small-scale projects with a level of technology that will allow the participation of indigenous groups.
Such projects will form the basis for a diversified aquaculture industry in the NT which will be inclusive of both indigenous and non-indigenous groups in remote areas. Such projects have the capacity to generate income from a comparatively low investment and collectively form a significant export for the NT.
The proposed project will:
*meet a well-defined need and contribute to the public good.
*Form the basis for the development of a viable, community based aquaculture industry that will enhance the aquaculture industry of the NT and provide employment and income to remote communities.
*Provide a basis for future research into the establishment of appropriate sponge farming systems in the NT.
*Involve members of indigenous communities in the identification of options and related research
- direct involvement of community members will be a primary method of extension