Traditional Owners in Western Australia's Gascoyne region have secured an opportunity to develop a commercial sea cucumber fishing industry after the state government granted the Malgana people fishing rights in the waters of Shark Bay.

The approval is being viewed as an important economic opportunity for the Malgana community, which has a long connection with the region's marine environment and fishing activities.

Sea cucumbers are marine animals found on the ocean floor. They are harvested commercially in several parts of the world and are used in international seafood markets. Their commercial value means that a carefully managed fishery could potentially create income and employment for local communities.

The Malgana Aboriginal Corporation has welcomed the opportunity and is considering how the fishing rights could be developed into a sustainable business. Chief executive Bradley Mitchell said the community had Malgana commercial fishers with more than 40 years of experience in the industry.

That existing knowledge could help the community assess the practical requirements of operating a fishery, including harvesting methods, equipment, workforce needs and access to buyers.

Community engagement is expected to be an important part of the next stage. The corporation plans to hold discussions with Elders and community members to understand their priorities and determine what the opportunity should look like.

Developing a commercial fishery will require more than access to fishing grounds. The community will need to consider how harvesting can be managed responsibly, how marine resources can be protected and how any commercial benefits can be shared.

Sustainable management is particularly important in marine environments such as Shark Bay, where ecological protection and economic activity need to be balanced.

The approval could also provide a broader example of Traditional Owner participation in regional industries. When communities have greater control over commercial opportunities connected to their traditional lands and waters, they can develop projects that reflect local knowledge and priorities.

The project is still at an early stage, and the approval does not mean a fully operating sea cucumber business has already been established. Further planning and community discussions will help determine how the opportunity progresses.

For the Malgana community, the fishing rights represent a potential pathway to economic development while maintaining a connection with the waters of Shark Bay.