Indigenous artist Rodney Lucas has spent 35 years fishing in the pristine waters off the coast of Karumba in Queensland’s Gulf of Carpentaria.
Internationally renowned for its bountiful sea life, fishers from far and wide flock to these shores to try their luck at the reel.
But the popular practice is taking a toll on unique underwater species like sawfish.
Hunted for its saw-like nose, or rostrum, the once-thriving population is now endangered across the region.
Although illegal to kill, sawfish are still actively caught and mutilated for their saw feature, while net fishing has also contributed to population decline.
But over the past six years, Mr Lucas has been convincing tourists to swap out the idea of a trophy catch for an even better prize.
The Tagalaka man uses plaster models, steel and fibreglass to create large saw trophies that showcase vibrant Indigenous paintings or custom banners.
Read more:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-15/karumba-artist-using-his-work-to-fight-for-endangered-sawfish/100828104