Key points
- Torres Strait Islander researcher Isaak Kadel is working to improve aquaculture sustainability.
- Isaak brings Traditional Knowledge to his scientific research to improve aquaculture efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
- His work includes developing new aquaculture feeds, researching sea cucumber hatcheries, and promoting diversity in science.
Isaak Kadel is a proud Torres Strait Islander man from the Semsep tribe of Erub Island in the Torres Strait. He joined us through our Indigenous Traineeship Program in 2014, and is now working as a research assistant with our Agriculture and Food team.
"The traineeship program provided me with an opportunity to start a career in CSIRO that I wouldn’t otherwise have known was available," Isaak said.
During the traineeship program, Isaak studied at TAFE where he learned essential laboratory skills. He also worked on-site with researchers to get some hands-on lab experience. After completing his traineeship, Isaak secured the position of research assistant with us and now works at our Bribie Island site researching aquaculture.
Feeding the fishes
As a research assistant, Isaak conducts experiments and collects data on aquatic life under the guidance of the head of research. His current focus is to support the development of the aquaculture industry at their facility. The information and data he and his team gather are pivotal in finding practical solutions to the challenges affecting our marine life today.
Isaak takes pride in the work done at his facility. Although many are aware of Australia's national science agency, few people are familiar with the details of our operations.
“People are normally surprised when they ask what I do for work. It’s not an area of research people really think about," Isaak said.
"One of the perks of the job is being able to show people outside of work how to identify the gender of a prawn or tell people when I’ve spent a day harvesting worms."
When he isn’t harvesting worms, Isaak is building skills in microalgae production. This is a valuable food source for many aquatic species during larval phases. Isaak is working within a team investigating the potential of setting up a sea cucumber hatchery in the Torres Strait Islands. The team is excited about the potential of this project.
“Our research focuses on enhancing the sustainability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of existing practices in the aquaculture industry," Isaak said.
"I have been involved in various projects that involve the development and testing of aquaculture feed and ingredients, which are designed to reduce the reliance on wild fish products. We are also working on low-input production systems that aim to minimise the impact on the environment."
Isaak has had several opportunities to travel and learn. He recently went to Indonesia to work on painted crayfish and was excited to visit the research facility there. He was also part of a collaboration with the Tiwi Island community to launch a pilot project for the tiger prawn industry.
Scaling sustainability
Isaak finds a strong connection between his work and the Traditional practices upheld by the Torres Strait community for centuries. His work reflects his values and helps carry on the traditions of his people.
In 2022, Isaak visited Erub Island, which his family is from.
"During my visit, I was able to see the fish traps that have been used by my family for generations to provide food for the community. My uncle explained how the traps are managed in a way that minimises the impact on the wild fish population," Isaac said.
"This experience is similar to aspects of my work, where I also aim to achieve the same goal but on a much larger scale."
Fishing for insight at Garma
A highlight of Isaak's role with us was attending the 2023 Garma Festival. Only a select few are chosen every year to participate. The Garma Festival is Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering, a four day celebration of Yolngu life and culture held in remote northeast Arnhem Land.
Isaak applied to attend the festival because he believed it would be a great opportunity to network, expand his cultural knowledge and gain valuable insight.
“A highlight of Garma was going to Wurrwurrwuy/Macassan Beach. This is where, historically, the Macassan people of Sulawesi, Indonesia, harvested Trepang (sea cucumber) and traded with the Yolngu," Isaak said.
"It felt like a very special place to visit and highlighted for me the importance of sharing culture."
Making waves
Outside of his research work, Isaak also provides input into CSIRO's Indigenous Engagement Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and associated action plans. He promotes increasing Indigenous employment opportunities, facilitating educational opportunities, and sharing information on the range of activities across our sites, programs, and operations to foster progress towards reconciliation.
“I really enjoy working in a dynamic environment, such as with the RAP team, where I can take on new challenges and keep learning every day. It's a fantastic opportunity to grow my skills and explore my interests further,” he said.
Navigating success
Despite being in the early stages of his career, Isaak has already taken several steps to further it. He didn't wait for opportunities to come to him but instead, sought them out. Isaak is determined to continue working hard, striving for success, and staying true to his values and principles.
With his dedication and passion, there is no doubt Isaak will achieve great things in the future.