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Brief by Qifeng Ye, Mark Sutcliff and Cortney Wallace.
Video produced by ‘Environmental and Science Media’ supported by the Lower Murray Flow-MER team.
Pondi (Murray cod) holds deep cultural significance for First Nations People of the Lower Murray and Coorong, Lower Lakes, and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Area. They play a big role in the creation story of the Murray River itself and all fish. The Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) and the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation (RMMAC) identified Pondi monitoring as a priority for caring for Country.
The Lower Murray and CLLMM Area-scale Project team worked with NAC and RMMAC rangers to co-design a Pondi monitoring project. The project design included activities to engage Elders and the broader community. Cultural Advisors and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) strongly supported this work.
During February 2025, First Nations Rangers from NAC/Raukkan and RMMAC worked with South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) researchers to monitor Pondi. They used the internationally-standardised boat electrofishing method. Four sites were assessed across the river reaches between Renmark and Swan Reach. Rangers stood at the front of the boat to net stunned fish under the guidance of SARDI staff.
The team weighed and measured the captured Pondi. The team also collected DNA samples and then tagged the fish with both passive integrated transponder (PIT) and external dart tags. The Pondi were then released close to their point of capture.
To engage the community, an electrofishing demonstration event was held in Loxton. The event opened with a Welcome to Country delivered by RMMAC Elder Uncle Eric Cook. Uncles Phillip Johnson and Dale Abdulla conducted the smoking ceremony. Elder Alban Kartinyeri (NAC) acknowledged the invitation to visit and work on RMMAC Country. Approximately 50 participants attended the event. These included NAC and RMMAC Elders, community members, and representatives from the Commonwealth and state governments.
Attendees watched the electrofishing process safely from a pontoon boat that followed the SARDI electrofishing boat. Pondi were captured at all 3 demonstration sessions by First Nations Rangers. This was a unique chance for Elders and participants to see the fish and watch the data collection process up close. For many attendees, this marked their first sighting of Pondi in decades. Some Elders reported they hadn't seen a Pondi in 60 years. Other species were also captured during the demonstration. These included Pilaki (golden perch) and Pyberry (bony herring). These encounters led to more discussions, learning, and sharing of cultural and scientific knowledge among participants.
After the electrofishing demonstration, a yarning circle was undertaken. First Nations Elders, rangers and other participants discussed the event and the broader project. The Elders then shared their knowledge about the environmental changes in the area. They also discussed how water for the environment could help to restore river health.
This project stands out for its collaborative approach. It brought together two First Nations groups with scientists and water managers. It shows how Western science, combined with cultural knowledge, can improve environmental outcomes. The initiative has strengthened existing partnerships and reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration. Participants expressed a shared sense of optimism for the future health of the Murray River and its native species.
