NESP 4.24 - Towards assessing the values of reefs in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria
Role
Collaborator
Description
In this project, existing data and knowledge on reefs in the Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Park and surrounding waters will be compiled and anaysed with the aim of identifying knowledge gaps and providing recommendations for future research priorities. The Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Park, adjacent to the Wellesley Islands, was only recently declared, in 2013. The marine park has National Park and Special Purpose (Trawl) zones that support commercial prawn fisheries, and it is culturally important for the Lardil, Yangkaal, Kaiadlit, and Gangalidda people who have responsibilities for sea country there. The marine park is due for renewal by 2028. The coral reefs in this area were only recently discovered, in the early 2000s, and they remain poorly studies. Only a few reefs have been assessed ecologically, and even then, only briefly. The main source of ecological data is from a citizen science program, Reef Life Survey, where volunteer divers are trained to conduct visual surveys. Using this data, and through meetings/workshops with relevant scientific, management, industry and Indigenous authorities, we will examine what is known about the reefs in this area and their values.
Date
01 Feb 2024 - 30 Jun 2025
Project Type
GRANT
Keywords
marine park;management;traditional owner
Funding Body
Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW)
Amount
100000
Project Team
Gemma Galbraith;Maya Srinivasan