Fishers flag tourism potential for '12 species in a day' marine park

Limmen Bight, an area east of Katherine on the Gulf of Carpentaria, is being recognized for its significant tourism potential, driven by its rich and diverse marine ecosystem. Marranbala rangers and local fishers are drawing attention to the abundance of wildlife, both above and below the water, that could attract more visitors.

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We had some great footage of sharks. [We can see] the different seagrass species, but also different corals, soft corals. We were able to look at the fish stocks, which was really cool.

Recent underwater footage captured by rangers in partnership with university researchers has unveiled a thriving underwater world. The recordings show sharks, various seagrass species, and corals, indicating a healthy environment that supports substantial populations of dugongs and turtles. Rangers have reported navigating waters so dense with dugongs and turtles that they had to slow down to avoid collisions.

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It was amazing to see that amount.

David Barrett, a lead Marranbala ranger, believes that upgrading local roads could unlock further tourism opportunities. He highlighted the importance of the seagrass meadows, which serve as a crucial food source for dugongs, turtles, fish, prawns, and mud crabs, making the area ecologically significant.

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It's food for dugong, turtles, but it's also good for fish, prawns, mud crabs. It's really important.

The Northern Territory government is currently considering a proposal to extend the existing Limmen Bight Marine Park. This extension would create a continuous protected corridor and add approximately 185 square kilometers, including a vast seagrass meadow. Environment Minister Marie-Clare Boothby indicated that an announcement regarding the extension is "imminent" following public consultations.

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No one's going a million miles an hour.