Joint media release with Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy.

The inaugural Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems has been awarded to Malgana man, Professor Michael Wear. 

Professor Wear is the founder of Tidal Moon, Australia’s first Indigenous-owned and led sea cucumber fishery and marine restoration enterprise, based in Shark Bay (Gutharraguda), Western Australia. 

Under Professor Wear’s leadership, Tidal Moon is partnering with scientists to restore one of the largest seagrass meadows at the UNESCO Marine World Heritage Site of Shark Bay.  

Drawing on his deep knowledge of Saltwater Country, culture and science, Professor Wear has developed a viable commercial fishery model for harvesting sea cucumbers, while also collecting critical conservation data through culturally directed methods. 

In recent years, scientific research has confirmed the health benefits of sea cucumbers, revealing their medicinal properties such as wound healing, neuroprotection, antitumour activity, anticoagulation, antimicrobial effects, and antioxidant capacity. These bioactive compounds offer promising opportunities for development in both the food and biomedical industries. 

Professor Wear was presented with a new medallion and artwork, developed by multi-skilled artist Brian Robinson, whose lineage extends back to the Maluyligal people of Torres Strait and the Wuthathi people from Cape York Peninsula. The artwork depicts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ deep knowledge of the land, the waters, and the sky.  

The achievements of all 2025 prize recipients can be found at industry.gov.au/PMPrizes. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres: 

“I’m proud the Prime Minister’s Prizes are now acknowledging and elevating the extraordinary contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made and continue to make to science and our nation.   

“Professor Michael Wear’s work exemplifies the ongoing importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems to Indigenous peoples, communities and place. 

“Nominations for next year’s Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are now open and I encourage you to nominate someone whose work deserves national recognition.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy: 

“I congratulate Professor Michael Wear for being the inaugural recipient of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems. His work in Gutharraguda is remarkable and unique.  

“This honour recognises the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems alongside western sciences. 

“I also thank Brian Robinson for his artistry on a new medallion for the prize which reflects First Nations deep knowledge of Country.”