The Limmen Bight Marine Park Plan of Management is now operational – delivering on an election commitment from the Territory Labor Government and celebrating a milestone in marine and coastal management across the Territory.
The Plan proposes to improve management and protection of the marine environment while supporting Aboriginal economic development and the fishing industries, boosting nature-based tourism, and safeguarding the area's unique marine wildlife.
Limmen Bight is important to Territorians – it is an area rich in marine life, including sea grass beds, dugong, sea turtles and endangered sawfish.
It is the ancestral home of the Marra people, who continue to care and look after their sea-country.
Limmen Bight also supports exceptional recreational fishing and sustains valuable seafood industries benefiting the Territory's economy.
The draft plan went out for public comment and a total of 301 submissions were received between 17 September 2019 and 17 October 2019.
Amendments were then made to the Plan after further input from Marra Traditional Owners, who gave their support for the Plan to progress to finalisation.
The Territory Government will continue to work with Marra Traditional Owners and other key stakeholders in developing a sound scientific framework so future management actions are evidence based.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
"The Limmen Bight Marine Park Plan of Management is a model for supporting Aboriginal and tourism employment opportunities while safeguarding a unique Territory landscape.
"The Plan was carefully crafted with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations, industry, conservation groups, the Federal Government and the general public.
"It proposes sensible, science-based management developed through a comprehensive consultation process.
"The plan provides a framework for the ongoing management of Limmen Bight Marine Park using best-practice monitoring and evaluation. It also supports the development of an Aboriginal Ranger Group for Limmen Bight, which is something Traditional Owners are keen to establish. We have raised this with the Federal Government, which funds such groups.
"This Plan spells out a bright future for the Marine Park and everyone who has an interest in it. The Territory's second marine park management plan should be celebrated."
As stated by Marra Traditional Owners:
"It is good we are working with Parks – got to work together to look after country," said Bobby Nunggumarjbarr, Marra Traditional Owner.
"Our sea country is very important to us, our old people taught us about all the sacred sites - we're happy that Parks have consulted us for the marine park plan and that they are putting Marra people at the centre of the plan," said Shaun Evans, Marra Traditional Owner.
"Us Marra mob want economic development for our people – we aren't against development like tourism. But we need a Marra ranger group to look after that country – no good if we have no eyes and ears to make sure people behave," said Sammy Evans, Marra Traditional Owner.
"That Maria Island is very important to us – we don't want to see it damaged. We have many sacred sites all over Marra country. We need that ranger group to look after it for us," said Grace Daniels, Marra Traditional Owner.
As stated by Keep Top End Coasts Healthy Alliance Marine Campaign Manager, Adele Pedder:
"Thousands of Territorians joined us in calling for Limmen Bight Marine Park to safeguard the unique cultural, conservation and fishing values of the region. It is fantastic to see the Gunner Government deliver this Park today.
"Our coasts make a significant contribution to Territory jobs and the economy. It is critical now, more than ever, that we invest in their management and protection."
