Foundational - Iconic species of the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth
Project lead: Ryan Baring (Flinders University)
Project team: Courtney Glover and Cassie Hoepner (Flinders University), Scotte Wedderburn (University of Adelaide), Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation and Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation)
Project overview
Iconic species are defined for several reasons, including social, cultural and economic importance. The CLLMM region provides habitats for a diverse range of iconic species that are nationally threatened and migratory, important for community and culturally significant. Several of those species are listed as threatened under Australia’s EPBC Act (2023) and at the state level under the National Parks and Wildlife Act (1972).
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This project will identify an agreed list of species that can define future research projects implemented by the CLLMM Research Centre. This will be achieved by:
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Compiling a list of agreed iconic species (with input of scientists, community and First Nations);
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Evaluating the current status (distribution, abundance, trends) of iconic species (with input of experts);
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Reviewing existing research and knowledge to identify gaps in understanding, with particular focus on implications of future climates;
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Defining research priorities to address gaps in understanding and enhance existing projects; and
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Identifying opportunities to communicate the value of iconic species across the region.
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The project will involve literature review of Iconic Species, workshopping and stakeholder engagement to identify of key knowledge gaps, particularly under climate change scenarios, will be presented with recommendations for identified future projects for each species.​The project will summarise the current status and implications of future climates for Iconic Species across the region, which is of strong management importance. Further, the identification research priorities relating to Iconic Species, which will guide research delivery by the CLLMM Research Centre, will help to instigate research that improve management and decision-making. The identification of Iconic Species will provide a platform to engage with community and First Nations on future changes to the region.
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The project has strong links with community, First Nations and research-users. The project will partner with Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation and Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation and will engage with First Nations and community.
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The project will summarise the current status and implications of future climates for iconic species across the region, which is of strong management importance. In addition, the identification of research priorities relating to iconic species, which will guide research delivery by the CLLMM Research Centre, will help to instigate research that improves management and decision-making.
The identification of iconic species will provide a platform to engage with community and First Nations on future changes to the region.
First Nations culture and traditions are rooted within an ancient historical connection with country and countless generations of studying their local environment as a way of life. First Nations traditional ways of life, including land and water management, sustainable harvesting, and the conservation of local species can provide vital perspectives into the ways we manage the lands and waters into the future.
This project will work towards restoration and impact reduction on the culturally significant species of the CLLMM region in the face of climate change. The Nga:tjar (totems) of the Ngarrindjeri and First Nations of the South-East include that of dingoes, birds, frogs, fish, turtles and many more.
There is a cultural obligation for Ngarrindjeri people to care for the Nga;tjar of the CLLMM region and to keep them on country and healthy. These Nga:tjar have cultural significance to the Ngarrindjeri people through their role in creation stories and served and continue to serve as traditional food sources, companions, omens and more.
​By understanding the behaviours, populations, and likely future habits of Nga:tjar in the CLLMM, we can strive to reduce the loss of cultural practices and culturally significant species during the forecast climate change scenarios.
Cultural significance
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