Collier, Catherine, Armstrong, Desmond, Tyrrell, Hayden, Savo, Kiyisha, Bee, Richie, Snowden, Maxine, Carruthers, Luis, Hodgon, John, Hogno, Mark, Proctor, Megan, Settli, Embla, Groom, Rachel, Carter, Alex, and Wilson, Thomas (2026) From knowledge gaps to Sea Country planning: large-scale seagrass mapping in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. In: AMSA 2026: Delegate Handbook. 237. p. 165. From: Australian Marine Sciences Association 2026 Conference, 30 August - 3 September, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

PDF (Abstract only) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

Abstract

Seagrass meadows of the Gulf of Carpentaria support dugong, green turtles, and fisheries of cultural and economic importance, yet their distribution along the Queensland coastline remains poorly resolved. Existing data were sparse, coarse, and often outdated, limiting the capacity to assess change and inform management of these habitats within Sea Country.

This study presents the first large-scale, co-designed mapping of coastal seagrass habitats across ~500 km of the southern Gulf coastline, led by Gangalidda-Garawa Rangers, Normanton Rangers, and scientists. Intertidal habitats were mapped using helicopter surveys, while subtidal habitats in the Kurtijar Indigenous Protected Area were assessed using drop cameras. Extensive intertidal meadows were recorded northwest of Burketown, with clear evidence of dugong feeding, consistent with Traditional Owner knowledge of key foraging areas. In contrast, eastern areas near Karumba supported smaller, fragmented meadows to 14m depth, likely reflecting recent high rainfall and flooding. Drone-based monitoring programs were established to support ranger-led, long-term observation.

This work fills critical knowledge gaps on habitat distribution and connectivity across the Gulf, improving understanding of movement pathways for culturally important migratory species and strengthening the evidence base for Sea Country planning.

Item ID:	93628
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2026 02:25
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3108 Plant biology > 310801 Phycology (incl. marine grasses) @ 50% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring @ 50%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 30% 18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1802 Coastal and estuarine systems and management > 180201 Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems @ 30% 21 INDIGENOUS > 2104 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture > 210402 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connection to land and environment @ 40%
	More Statistics