Historically, funding for indigenous research generally has been limited hence not enough is known about indigenous use of aquatic biological resources (fish etc). For example the lack of knowledge about cultural fishing and how to engage indigenous fishers is one of the reasons that the ESD project (Fletcher et al 2002) was unable to come up with any significant contributions on the how to measure impacts of non-indigenous fishing sector on indigenous fishing other than 'a different approach was needed to involve indigenous stakeholders (see below for further details)' page 43 of (Fletcher, W.J., Chesson, J., Fisher M., Sainsbury, K.J., Hundloe, T., Smith, A.D.M. and B. Whitworth (2002) National ESD Reporting Framework for Australian Fisheries: The 'How To' Guide for Wild Capture Fisheries. FRDC Project 2000/145, Canberra, Australia.) All governments need to do more to encourage indigenous research, recognising the associated complexities in conducting this research and therefore the associated added costs.

In relation to the project proposed in this application, there are two interrelated elements both of which expand on the recent FRDC project 2009/308. Participants expressed the need for an extension of that project to investigate governance issues through the development of a LICFMP for their area. Such a plan is needed to provide a basis for better engagement with NSW DPI and it's development will serve as a possible model for the development of other throughout NSW.

The second element of the proposed project is an expansion of the research on the indigenous cultural catch to take other areas of NSW. This work is needed to assist in the further development of culturally appropriate regulations by NSW DPI in consultation with the NSW AFAC and NSWALC.

Sustainable fishing is based in part on management strategies that deliver an equitable share of the total catch to all users including indigenous fishers. Historically fisheries management agencies have ignored indigenous fishing rights which has resulted in restrictions on cultural practices which have contributed not only to a loss of access to traditional target species but a loss of traditional fisheries knowledge (TFK). In some cases indigenous people have been made to feel like criminals when accessing traditional target species for food or cultural purposes. Restrictions preventing cultural fishing can result in conflict, potential ‘non-compliance’ and a loss of TFK. There is strong international and national support for the protection of TFK (see UN Convention on Biological Diversity Article 8(j) and 10 (c), and the EPBC Act 1999.) The N.S.W. Indigenous Fisheries Strategy clearly articulates the need for research into indigenous fisheries as does the N.S.W. DPI.

The establishment of marine protected areas has often proceeded in N.S.W. without knowledge of customary fishing areas nor necessarily a willingness to accommodate cultural fishing. This will build a better picture of where and how much is being taken. Access to traditional foods is essential in insuring a healthier life style. Aboriginal people still assert a desire to procure a regular supply of fresh fish for personal and community consumption yet management regimes put in place to deal with ‘overfishing’ and/or dwindling stock sizes have yet to accommodate the need of indigenous communities to have access to traditional target species for food.

There are large information gaps in relation to;
(i) the size and location of the indigenous take of aquatic organisms in N.S.W.,
(ii) present day cultural associations with various target species (particularly freshwater species) and
(iii) the status of traditional fishing knowledge.

This project will begin to address these information gaps.