Aboriginal fish trap found when the wetland was dried out for the first time since 1925.

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Cultural values of Yatco Lagoon for the Riverland Indigenous community

(Section 2.7.5 of the Wetland Management Plan)

Riverland Indigenous community

Aborigines occupied the Moorook area, including Yatco Lagoon, for thousands of years prior to European settlement.  The indigenous culture is evident throughout the landscape with scar trees, middens, cooking ovens, burial sites, cutting tools and other artifacts scattered throughout the area.

 Many of the plants around the wetland and floodplain had uses such as canoes, shields, spears, rope, baskets, cooking, medicine, food, etc.   

Of particular significance were:
 

-  Putch-it-up (Coobah or Acacia stenophylla) which was used extensively for wooden artifacts because of the three colour timber.

- Panpandi (Native Cherry or Exocarpus cupressiformis) bark was used as an antidote to snake bite and the timber was burnt to attract cod to the surface for easy spearing.

- Pee-al (River Red Gum or Eucalyptus camaldulensis) fruit and seeds were eaten and the timber used extensively for wooden artifacts particularly large item such as shields and canoes. 

 Animals also provided a source of food and clothing, and significance to the spiritual beliefs of the indigenous people.