Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area (SCIPA)
YSRC successfully obtained a Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area (SCIPA) grant and the project kicked off in May 2023.
There are four pilot projects under the SCIPA grant, including:
Marine debris monitoring and clean-up program.
Biosecurity monitoring program at Abrolhos Islands and Geraldton Port.
Research into climate change at selected at-risk targets within Abrolhos marine and terrestrial ecosystems and coastal wetlands.
Turtle monitoring and protection program in partnership with Central Regional TAFE, as well as priorities and threats for natural resource management of sea lions, migratory sea birds, sea grass and rock lobster.
The SCIPA work program is currently in the consultation phase and over the coming months will involve discussion and planning with Traditional Owners, partners and stakeholders with rights and interests in the proposed Indigenous Protected Area.
The steering committee supporting the project is made up of:
Barry Dodd - Southern Yamatji Cultural Committee Representative
Glenda Jackamarra - Mullewa Wadjarri Cultural Committee Representative
Julie Lewis - Widi Mob Cultural Committee Representative
Karen Whitby - Hutt River Cultural Committee Representative
Following consultation, we hope to be able to determine:
The area of the land and sea we wish to dedicate.
The level of protection we wish to apply to the area.
Our priorities for natural and cultural resource management.
A Management Plan will then be developed for the Indigenous Protected Area, together with the research methodology. An action plan for qualified Yamatji Sea Rangers will also be developed to deal with the threats to listed priority areas.