Short Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association 2026 Conference

New Tools for the Trade - Shaping Research Collaborations for Management Impact in a Jointly Managed Kimberley Marine Park   (139471)

Dean Mathews 1 , Wil Bennett 2 , Jaz Cook 2 , Jenna Hounslow 3 , Adrian Gleiss 3 , Melissa Marshall 4 , Lloyd Pigram 4 , Michael Hughes 5 , Kelly Waples 6
  1. Environmental Services Unit, Nyamba Buru Yawuru, Broome, WA, Australia
  2. Yawuru Marine and Conservation Parks, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Broome, WA, Australia
  3. Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
  4. Nulungu Research Institute, University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA), Broome, WA, Australia
  5. Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
  6. Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, WA, Australia

Yawuru Nagulagun is the traditional saltwater Country and feasting place of the Yawuru people around Broome and Roebuck Bay in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. It is also home and habitat for dozens of threatened fauna including culturally significant migratory green turtles and dugong, and is the ocean playground of modern Broome, its tourists, fishing boats, pearlers and port workers. To navigate the swirling currents of overlapping recreational, ecological and cultural use, joint managers of Yawuru Nagulagun / Roebuck Bay Marine Park (Yawuru native title holders and WA Parks and Wildlife) enlisted the support of an inter-disciplinary, cross-cultural cohort of nearly 20 researchers, determined to ensure Roebuck Bay remains a critical feeding ground for humans and animals of all kinds for all time.     

Now in its final year of collaborations, the Yagarrajalajalan Nagula Buru (We All Care for Saltwater Country) research project is focusing on connecting the knowledge of researcher, Traditional Owner, and broader Broome community participants to deliver novel science outputs for actionable and lasting management impact.   

Joint managers of the Yawuru Nagulagun / Roebuck Bay Marine Park provide insight into a complex research journey through the eyes of those left driving the boat when the research party is over. 

  1. https://www.yagarrajalajalan-nagula-buru.org