Kimberley Warrurru (Reefs): Connecting Culture, Science and the Sea, a new exhibition on display at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, showcases the incredible marine life of the Kimberley and the discoveries made through a unique collaboration between scientists, the Wunambal Gaambera Uunguu Rangers and Traditional Owners.
The Kimberley reefs are ecologically significant, yet much remains to be learned about these waters. In 2023, the Kimberley Reef Connect project set out to fill in some of the knowledge gaps.
Scientists from the Western Australian Museum and Curtin University joined Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation’s Uunguu Rangers and Traditional Owners on a 10-day expedition, surveying 22 sites in the Uunguu Wundaagu (saltwater) Indigenous Protected Area and North Kimberley Marine Reserves, including some areas that have been previously unexplored.
Their research recorded rare corals, reef fish and marine invertebrates, revealing new insights into the biodiversity and interconnectedness of these ecosystems and the ecological processes that sustain it.
The project also created opportunities beyond research. A culture camp provided the opportunity for Wunambal Gaambera elders and young people to spend time on sea country, visiting significant places some had never seen before. This was followed by an Emerging Curators Workshop, where Uunguu Rangers worked with scientists at the Western Australian Museum Collections and Research Centre.
Dr Zoe Richards, Associate Professor WA Museum and Curtin University reflected on the collaboration,
Spending time on sea country, and in the lab, strengthened connections between Traditional Owners and researchers. This exchange of knowledge is critical for both cultural and environmental preservation.
Building on this, Uunguu Ranger and Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owner Tabitha Kowan spoke about the experience,
The Kimberley Reef project provided a good opportunity for us to work with scientists from the museum, who are specialists in their fields, who can explain all the details about the animals we found on Wunambal Gaambera Wundaagu. Seeing it all come together in the exhibition and being able to share it with everyone is really valuable.
The Kimberley Warrurru (Reefs) exhibition shares information about the discoveries made during the project through photography, video and detailed interpretation, alongside displays that offer a closer look at some of the marine life observed. The exhibition also explores how Kimberley reefs have evolved over thousands of years, shaped by changing sea levels and shifting landscapes.
WA Museum Acting CEO Jason Fair emphasised the importance of bringing these stories to a wider audience,
“These reefs are home to incredible marine life and hold deep cultural significance, yet some areas are out of reach of the public. By combining science, conservation and the knowledge of Traditional Owners, this exhibition highlights why these ecosystems are so important and the urgent work that must be done to protect them.”
Kimberley Warrurru (Reefs): Connecting Culture, Science and the Sea will be on display from 15 February - 27 April 2025 and is included as part of general admission.
For more information, visit: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip/kimberley-warrurru-reefs-connecting-culture-science-and-sea
