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Photo of Associate Professor Kerrie Swadling

Associate Professor

Kerrie Swadling

Associate Professor

Ecology and Biodiversity

Orcid identifier0000-0002-7620-841X
  • Associate Professor
    Ecology and Biodiversity

PROJECTS

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GRANT
Palawa Shell Necklace Practice and Ocean Change: Climate Change and Aboriginal Culture
Department of Premier and Cabinet1 Sep 2020 - 31 Jan 2022
People funded by this grant: Fischer M, Layton C, Peacock H, Greeno D, Pecl G
Project Total: $15,225; The health and wellbeing of the Lutruwita Aboriginal community are connected to practice of making necklaces from maireener shells, and although the end product is beautiful and has been displayed in art galleries globally, to the Lutruwita Aboriginal women who uphold this practice the most important thing is the process they take to get there. Over the last decade Elders have noticed a change in abundance and shell thickness of the maireener shells - changes that are consistent with scientists' expectations under climate change. We propose oral histories be recorded to robustly document the important shifts observed in these culturally valuable species. There is little mention of these species in any other studies (Indigenous or western science) despite their immense value to the community. We propose the collection and analysis of oral histories to develop baseline data on this culturally critical species, to 1) help establish any contemporary climate change impacts, 2) indicate any required future scientific studies, and 3) provide the basis for developing future adaptation options. Funded by: Department of Premier and Cabinet - Climate Research Grants Program; University of Tasmania ($10,000).