An award-winning exhibition capturing a decade of social and environmental change within the small fishing community of the Abrolhos Islands will go on display at the Western Australian Museum – Albany from June 26.
WA Museum – Albany regional manager Rachael Wilsher-Saa said the Museum is thrilled to host the Seeing Change: A photographic story from Abrolhos fishers exhibition, named the Best Temporary Exhibition under $20,000 at the Museums and Galleries National Awards (MAGNAs) in May.
“Seeing Change focuses on the many physical and emotional changes the rock lobster industry and island community of the Abrolhos have observed over the last five to ten years,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.
“The combination of the fishing community’s stories and photographs alongside the scientific data tells a poignant and powerful story in the community’s own voice.”
Ms Wilsher-Saa said the environmental, climatic and social changes impacting the Abrolhos community have undoubted parallels to those affecting the fishing communities along the many south coast fishing zones.
“The project has proven to be very successful in galvanising the Abrolhos community to explore views about environmental and social change, and encouraged discussion of climate change science,” Ms Wilsher-Saa said.
“The nature of the fishing community’s daily interaction with their environment meant they were ideally placed to inform scientists of subtle changes, and in sharing this fascinating, striking and thought-provoking exhibition, I hope it serves as a catalyst for similar discussions amongst our local fishing communities, too.”
Seeing Change: A photographic story from Abrolhos fishers is a collaboration between the WA Marine Science Institution, Curtin University, WA Department of Fisheries, Coastwest, ABC Open, the Northern Agricultural Catchment Council, the WA Museum and the Abrolhos fishing community and will be on display at the WA Museum - Albany from 26 June to 21 July, 2013.
Media contact:
Niki Comparti
Western Australian Museum
6552 7805 niki.comparti@museum.wa.gov.au
