Standard Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association 2026 Conference

Co-developing aerial survey approaches for Indigenous-led management of marine megafauna in the Gulf of Carpentaria (139801)

Christophe Cleguer 1 , Daniele Cagnazzi 2 , Anindilyakwa Rangers 3 , Yirralka Rangers 4 , Dhimurru Rangers 5 , li-Anthawirriyarra Rangers 6 , Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation Rangers 7 , Napranum Rangers 8 , Kowanyama Rangers 9 , Mapoon Rangers 10 , Pormpuraaw Rangers 11 , Jenna Peed 1 , Chloe Edwards 1 , Emily Webster 1 , Rachel Groom 12
  1. James Cook University, Douglas, QUEENSLAND, Australia
  2. Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Queensland Government, Brisbane, QLD - QUEENSLAND, Australia
  3. Anindilyakwa Land and Sea Rangers, Groote Archipelago, Northern Territory
  4. Yirralka Sea Rangers, Northeast Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
  5. Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation, Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory
  6. li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Rangers, Borroloola, Northern Territory
  7. Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Cairns, QUEENSLAND, Australia
  8. Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, Napranum, QUEENSLAND, Australia
  9. Kowanyama Aboriginal Land and Natural Resources Management Office, Kowanyama, QUEENSLAND, Australia
  10. Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, Mapoon, QUEENSLAND, Australia
  11. Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, Pormpuraaw, QUEENSLAND, Australia
  12. Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Darwin. Australia, Darwin, Northern Territory

The Gulf of Carpentaria supports globally significant populations of dugong (Dugong dugon) and coastal dolphins, yet no comprehensive cross-jurisdictional survey has been conducted since 2007. This has limited the evidence available to manage vulnerable migratory species across the Northern Territory and Queensland. In 2025, Traditional Owners, ranger groups, scientists and government agencies co-developed and implemented a standardised aerial survey to establish a contemporary baseline of dugong and dolphin distribution and abundance.

Surveys undertaken between October and November covered ~40,000 km² of inshore habitat. We recorded (raw sightings) 441 dugongs, 297 snubfin dolphins, 90 bottlenose dolphins, 29 humpback dolphins, 22 spinner dolphins, and a hotspot for leatherback turtles. We present abundance analyses of these observations.

Dugong distribution was spatially heterogeneous, with the highest densities in Yanyuwa Sea Country (NT) and lower than expected densities across the Queensland Gulf.

A key premise of the project is that effective management must connect ecological and cultural scales. Broadscale aerial surveys capture distribution and habitat use at scales relevant to migratory populations, while assessment at the scale of clan estates and language groups provides a culturally meaningful basis for Indigenous-led management. Co-developed recommendations with Traditional Owners will support a coordinated, cross-jurisdictional monitoring and management program.