Subtidal Habitat of North-West Marra Sea Country
Other Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Marra Sea Country extends from the Roper River to Warrawarda (Rosie Creek) in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory (NT). It includes Aboriginal Land Trust intertidal zones, the Limmen Marine Park (Commonwealth Government), and the Limmen Bight Marine Park (NT Government). The region supports diverse marine habitats and fish communities. Co-management aspirations outlined in the Marranbala Healthy Country Plan and the two marine park management plans emphasise the need for improved habitat data. Since 2021, a collaboration between Marra Traditional Owners, Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation, li-Anthawirriyarra rangers, researchers from TropWATER (James Cook University) and the Northern Institute (Charles Darwin University), Parks Australia, and the NT Government has worked to address this gap through large-scale marine habitat surveys. This survey builds on those efforts, focusing on subtidal habitats in northwest Marra Sea Country, including the northern section of the Limmen Bight Marine Park (LBMP). Subtidal surveys were conducted from 19–21 October 2023 aboard the NT Parks and Wildlife vessel Barranyi, with support from the live-aboard MV Eclipse and the li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Ranger boat A-Walamakamaka. A total of 63 sites were surveyed using drop cameras and grab sampling. The area was highly turbid, with bare substrate and minimal cover of seagrass, algae, and macroinvertebrates. Two seagrass species were recorded: Halodule uninervis within the Limmen Bight Marine Park near Williyurru and Halophila decipiens outside the Limmen Bight Marine Park near Kurrulinya (Maria Island). Erect macrophyte algae were present at 5% of sites, while solitary soft corals, including sea pens and whips, were recorded at 8%. This project delivers essential baseline data and maps to support Marra people and the NT Government in the planning and management of Marra Sea Country. Spatial data such as this enables communities to identify key areas for monitoring and management, particularly those with cultural significance, ecological importance, or resource management priorities.
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25/16
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22
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TropWATER, James Cook University
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Cairns, QLD, Australia
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