The NAILSMA Dugong and Marine Turtle Project
(DMTP) is ongoing in the Kimberley, Top End of the Northern
Territory, Gulf of Carpentaria, Cape York and the Torres
Strait. Project partners in these regions have been busy
working with participating communities in developing and delivering
management activity plans for their regions.
Regional Facilitator: Simon Hartley
The Anindilyakwa Traditional Owners and Sea Rangers approached
NAILSMA late in 2006 to see if they could join the DMTP. The
Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) has a well-established turtle and
dugong management program for the Groote Eylandt region. The ALC
recently launched its Indigenous Protected Area and is a leader in
discussions about problems caused by illegal foreign fishers that
includes the taking of eggs and nesting turtles. In addition, the
ALC significantly contributes to marine debris removal and is a
participant in the Carpentaria Ghost Net Programme.
Following discussions late in 2006, a Regional Activity Plan
will be drafted for the ALC Sea Rangers. The types of activities
proposed for the plan include turtle harvest monitoring, monitoring
of stranded marine wildlife, participation in communication
activities and the socio-economic study, information exchanges and
a program of nesting beach patrols. Given the strength and
experience of the ALC ranger program in sea country management and
the regional importance of Groote Eylandt for dugong and marine
turtle habitats and populations, we are confident that ALC Rangers
will make a substantial contribution to our collective
efforts.
NAILSMA looks forward to working with this region in the
future.
