ABC Illawarra

Topic: Marine Biology

Friday, 10 July 2026, 9:31 am

An Indigenous-led tour teaches about whales using 60,000 years of stories.

In short:

A new tour teaches people about whales using thousands of years of knowledge.

The tours are led by Jodi Edwards, who studies Indigenous knowledge of whales.

What's next?

The tours will continue during whale season on the New South Wales South Coast.

Jodi Edwards sang to whales in her language during a tour last month.

A humpback whale jumped out of the water after she sang.

A tourist said it felt like the whale connected with them.

Dr. Edwards is a researcher at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security.

Jodi Edwards says whales use old objects under the sea to find their way.

She teaches people how whales behave based on the landscape 60,000 years ago.

The shoreline was 17 kilometers further out to sea 60,000 years ago.

US scientist attends tour

Kim Kirchberg-Sawicki is a scientist who helps fishermen avoid hurting whales.

Kim Kirchberg-Sawicki went on the tour with her grandson.

The scientist from the US wanted to learn from an Indigenous perspective.

Indigenous communities have observed these waters for many generations.

Kim Kirchberg-Sawicki was surprised by how well cultural stories and science fit together.

She learned that knowledge can be passed down through generations by observing nature.

Kim Kirchberg-Sawicki says it's essential to listen to Indigenous people about whale research.

Conservation is strongest with unity

Every country can benefit from listening to Indigenous people about conservation.

The ABC has gathered the best Indigenous films and documentaries.

Conservation works best when it brings people together.

Dr. Edwards was given a $300,000 grant to study how Indigenous songlines protect whales.

Jodi Edwards says Indigenous knowledge fits well with modern science.

She draws on knowledge from her project Unbroken Whispers.

Indigenous science is based on long-term observations and stories.

Indigenous science and Western science follow the same patterns.

Friday, 10 July 2026, 9:31 am

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