The success of the research is dependent on the collaboration and consultation of all stakeholders.

In order for the estate to gain recognition on the World Heritage List, the research team need to learn more about deep-time archaeology, the contemporary cultural values of Aboriginal people and knowledge of how they managed their cultural sites across the Archipelago.

This Linkage Project commenced in 2015 with funding from the Australian Research Council and Partner Organisation Rio Tinto Iron Ore. The 14 members of the research team are led by Professor Jo McDonald, Director of the Centre for Rock Art Research and Management at the University of Western Australia. Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) is the collaborating organisation

Although the research is in its early stages, the first rock shelter excavation has uncovered evidence of Aboriginal occupation dating before and through the last ice age and through the rising of the seas into more recent times. Pleistocene evidence had not been documented before in this heritage estate.

Site excavations on Rosemary Island – one of the outer islands – demonstrates early Holocene presence, when the rising sea levels first created the maritime shore lines of the Archipelago. An exciting discovery on Rosemary Island has been of the earliest known domestic structures in Australia, dated to between 8,000 – 9,000 years ago.

In documenting and recording the heritage of the Dampier Archipelago, the team are utilising 3D model printing to assist in visualising the rock art. Not only will this provide a visualisation opportunity for elders, many of whom are no longer physically able to visit the sites, but also provide interpretive opportunities for a planned Visitor’s Centre, and in the future the possibility of providing an income stream in the tourist souvenir market.