The Karajarri Indigenous Protected Area in the south-west Kimberley is important to us for our Sea Country and the animals that depend on it. For a long time, there was limited western scientific information about where habitats were and how they supported these species. Karajarri Rangers worked with scientists to bring western scientific knowledge up to speed with Karajarri cultural knowledge by mapping the seafloor across our Sea Country, from Cape Gordon to the 80 Mile Beach Marine Park.
We found there is little intertidal habitat, likely due to very large tides, and most habitats occur in deeper water. Seagrass meadows were found inshore from about 5 m depth, with Halophila decipiens forming deeper meadows down to 34 m. We also mapped large areas of coral and other living habitats, including sea whips, gorgonians, sponges and macroalgae. These habitats are important for the animals we care for and are part of our culture.
From this work, we created the first detailed habitat maps for Karajarri Sea Country to support planning and protection of our IPA. We also produced a film to train Rangers and share knowledge, showing how we monitor, the equipment we use, and how we work together on the boat. This helps new Rangers learn and supports other groups to start monitoring.