Hi Bilal,
Thanks for your questions, it’s clear to see you’re doing your research! I’ve answered your questions below:
Q: We are just seeking some clarification on why current methods are deemed in appropriate. For example sea cages are a current method used in hinchinbrook and is a method of aquaculture with a high yield. In conjunction with strong currents and certain chemicals the waste can biodegrade safely with a low impact on the environment. Is this considered inappropriate due to the lack of strong currents in the region? Or is it due to the impact on the local community as they might not like an aquaculture business on the coastline? There are successful aquaculture ventures that circumvent this issue by operating around 6km out to sea however we assume this is inappropriate due to the operational costs of being so far from shore.
A: Great research, it’s obvious that you’ve sought to understand the Yirrganydji context! As you go through your project for the EWB Challenge, you will come up with various solutions which you will have to narrow down through a set of criteria. Things like suitability for ocean currents, operational cost, low environmental impact etc may be part of your selection criteria to determine whether your proposed solution will be appropriate. Ultimately your research and understanding of the context (which I can see here!) will enable your team to make informed decisions about which solutions are appropriate, and move forward with a particular design for your final proposal. You are also able to make suggestions in your report as to how your design could be deployed which might make it more appropriate, for example with the cage aquaculture example you’ve provided, if this was to be your final design proposal you can suggest it be deployed close to shore to reduce operational costs. One final thing for you to keep in mind about what would be considered an appropriate design proposal for Dawul Wuru, is that Dawul Wuru have expressed a desire to incorporate traditional aquaculture processes as a way of maintaining culture with future generations.
Q: Is there the option to lower the yield and instead incorporate community events and tourism which would greatly reduce the environmental impact and granting many other benefits?
A: Great question, and again this will be up to your team to decide. As I imagine you’re finding out, when looking at different project options there are often competing priorities and options. Based on the brief, what you know about Dawul Wuru and what you know about Yirrganydji Country, you and your team will need to weigh up the respective benefits and drawbacks of each option and make justifications for your choice. This previous question on the forum might help you in thinking about balancing different options.
Q: Current information on Mars stars indicates success in growth of coral further out to sea in areas that have coral debris. In terms of the repurposing of Mars stars is this with the idea of having aquaculture further out to sea or is it for coastal areas?
A: Once again, this will be up to your team to decide! Based on what you know about Mars Stars, how they work and the context of Yirrganydji Sea Country, you can make recommendations about the best way for these to be repurposed and used in aquaculture ventures (if this is a project proposal route you go down ultimately). As mentioned in the answer above, there will be pros and cons to each approach and balancing these will ultimately up to your team to decide on as you go through your design process.
Q: Will this aquaculture venture be run by Dawul wuru or is the goal to provide the foundations for an aquaculture business that is run by members of the yrrganydji community?
A: Great question. The idea would be that it would sit under the organisation of Dawul Wuru, but would be operated by members of the Yirrganydji community, which is the same as how their other programs operate currently – you can learn more about them on Dawul Wuru’s website.
Q: Is there the option of a small jetty/pontoon and gangway to be constructed? There was interest in a boat ramp but has Dawul wuru expressed any interest or disinterest with this idea?
A: The construction of a small jetty or pontoon could be difficult due to land ownership reasons – Dawul Wuru currently does not own any land and therefore would need permission to construct a jetty or pontoon on either the land they are leasing or wherever the construction is proposed. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but this information should be considered and incorporated into your design and final report if this was to be included in your proposal.
Ultimately, it sounds like you and your team have been doing some great research and have a lot of information about Dawul Wuru, Yirrganydji Country and existing aquaculture practices which is a great foundation for screening potential project ideas!
I hope this information helps, please reach out if you have any further questions.
Rachel
Rachel Alford.
Bilal Ali
Rachel Alford