Reviving Australia's First Export: Sea Cucumbers Create Jobs and Conservation Opportunities in WA

Shark Bay or Gathaagudu, located at Australia's most westerly point, is a world heritage area where the bronzed earth meets turquoise waters abundant with marine life. Among its treasures is the sea cucumber, Australia's first ever export, now at the heart of a revival by an Indigenous-owned business, Tidal Moon.

A Tradition Reborn

From the early 1700s, Makassan fisherman traded sea cucumbers with Aboriginal people for iron. Malgana Traditional Owner Michael Wear is recreating this ancient trade through Tidal Moon, combining traditional knowledge with sustainable harvesting practices.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Tidal Moon is not just about exporting a delicacy to South East Asia; it's about creating employment opportunities in regions where jobs are limited. The company has trained around a dozen Indigenous divers, fostering a middle class in small coastal towns.

Conservation is also key. Shark Bay is home to the planet's largest reserve of seagrass, a carbon storage powerhouse. Tidal Moon leads one of the world's largest seagrass restoration projects, with divers replanting seagrass while harvesting sea cucumbers.

A Symbiotic Relationship

Marine scientist Jennifer Verduin highlights the mutually beneficial relationship between seagrass and sea cucumbers, emphasizing the importance of Tidal Moon's careful and circular approach to marine conservation.