Coastal & River Survival: Food & Water from Australia’s Shores

Practical Aboriginal techniques for fishing, gathering shellfish, and finding freshwater near coastal or river areas

🌿 Why This Matters

Being near water doesn’t automatically mean survival is easy. Aboriginal people developed methods to harvest food and find drinkable water safely along coasts, rivers, and estuaries. These skills teach:

• Observation and understanding of tides, currents, and animal behavior

• Resourcefulness using simple tools and natural materials

• Safe handling and preparation of wild foods

🐟 1. Fishing Techniques

Tools & Methods:

• Spears: sharpened wooden spears, sometimes hardened over fire

• Hand lines: natural cordage with hooks made from bone or shell

• Traps & weirs: small barriers in shallow streams or tidal flats

Tips:

• Observe fish feeding times — early morning and late afternoon are ideal.

• Use small bait like insects, shellfish, or plant matter.

• Avoid overfishing — Aboriginal techniques were sustainable and low-impact.

🦪 2. Gathering Shellfish

• Locations: tidal rocks, estuaries, mudflats

• Common edible shellfish: mussels, oysters, cockles, pipis

• How to Collect Safely:

  1. Gather only mature specimens to ensure sustainability

  2. Avoid areas with pollution or strong currents

  3. Cook thoroughly over fire to avoid bacteria or parasites

Tip: Shellfish shells can also be used as tools, scraping implements, or for decoration.

🌱 3. Edible Coastal Plants

• Samphire: salty, succulent plant along shores; edible raw or cooked

• Sea celery & saltbush: nutritious leaves often used for flavor or salads

• Caution: Identify plants carefully; some coastal plants are toxic

Tip: Aboriginal knowledge included which coastal plants were safe in which seasons — always observe patterns and local conditions.

💧 4. Finding Fresh Water Near Saltwater

• Estuaries & tidal pools: look upstream or follow vegetation changes

• Boree depressions or springs: Aboriginal people knew hidden freshwater sources in coastal sands

• Rainwater collection: bark, leaves, or natural depressions can gather rain safely

Tip: Always purify water when possible — boiling, filtering through sand, or using cloth.

💡 Practical Notes & Safety

• Understand tides and currents; avoid areas where waves or water flow are dangerous

• Check for signs of predators — snakes, crocodiles (northern Australia), or aggressive birds

• Never eat unknown plants or shellfish; identify species carefully

• Practice low-impact gathering to maintain sustainability
  
  
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  Article By BrotherKris "Kris Brown"
  For more Australian Aboriginal Information and Education CLICK HERE