Tiwi Islands seagrass surveys and development of ranger-led monitoring program
Role
Principal Investigator
Description
Tiwi People aspire for a healthy, managed Sea Country and to establish an integrated Marine IPA (MIPA). Tiwi Sea Country estate has high cultural and biodiversity significance, but this is poorly documented. The presence of important species such as dugong and turtle is known, but habitats important to these species has not been quantified. Collecting data efficiently and co-designing monitoring that rangers can maintain in their workplans is a priority of the Tiwi rangers. Subtidal seagrass needs to be mapped and monitoring of these habitats designed for rangers to implement. We will: • Participate in On-country consultations and knowledge sharing sessions (timing to be determined) • Co-design subtidal benthic habitat surveys with Tiwi Resources • Undertake benthic habitat surveys using a drop camera in collaboration with Tiwi sea rangers • Analyse drop camera images, create maps and prepare draft data report • Co-design and undertake two years of monitoring in collaboration with Tiwi sea rangers • Purchase underwater camera system for Tiwi sea rangers • Contribute to progress reports from Tiwi Resources to the Northern Territory Government as needed
Date
01 Mar 2024 - 30 Jun 2027
Project Type
GRANT
Keywords
Seagrass;Benthic Habitats;Mapping;Monitoring;Indigenous Protected Area
Funding Body
Northern Territory Government
Amount
430386
Project Team
Catherine Collier;Alexandra Carter