A beautiful piece of Aboriginal history and culture is found a short walk from my home at Arrawarra Beach. The construction is a large stone fish trap consisting of a complex arrangement of large, square, stone-walled enclosures, strategically built into the bedrock of the southerly curve of a wide bay, which is flanked by a headland.
The two enclosures visible today are constructed at different depths so that the upper trap drains into the lower, which is only revealed after the recession of high tide. The fish would be swept into the trap with the current or when looking for food. The hunters would then place rocks to close the entrances at high tide and then gather the fish from the shallow pools at low tide
A similar - but single - stone fish trap also exists at Point Plumer on my homeland in Biripi country. Fish were an integral part of our ancient food source and life, especially in the saltwater estuary areas nearby, which were rich, abundant ecosystems providing immense value and even holding spiritual significance for our people.
The site is ancient, yet remains clearly visible and recognisable today, standing testament to the skill and ingenuity of the original inhabitants of this land. More importantly, the fish traps continue to speak of Aboriginal people’s deep understanding of and connection to the land and the harmonious nature of receiving its sustenance.
