For Indigenous people all aspects of life are intimately connected to the health of their coastal lands and seas. The Territory is famous for fishing, boating and camping thanks largely to our healthy rivers and coasts, teeming with fish and wildlife.
But our coasts are under threat and we are seeing signs of decline. It’s time to put the Plan to protect our Top End coasts into action, to help recover our Top End economy and safeguard our fishing, culture and lifestyle.
The Roper River in the Northern Territory flows into Limmen Bight Marine Park sustaining the ecosystem, which includes extensive seagrass beds, home to turtle and dugong populations, and habitat for prawns, barramundi and mudcrab. Sign the petition to protect the Roper from industrial-scale dams and cotton.
Keep Top End Coasts Healthy welcomes the Northern Territory Government's announcement today to ban seabed mining, saying it’s a win for marine life, fishing and culture.
Rhett Walker of Lorella Springs Wilderness Park shares his family's extraordinary story of survival growing up on the remote Gulf coast: "we didn't have any money so we lived off the land. We lived under a truck tarpaulin in the bush through the wet season and we managed just to survive. And through that process, we learnt to love the land". Rhett and his family manage and protect Lorella Springs - 4,000km2 of land and a 30km stretch of coast. Lorella is bigger than many countries in the world. Rhett has a dream to turn Lorella into a wilderness sanctuary.
Rhett Walker of Lorella Springs Wilderness Park shares his family's extraordinary story of survival growing up on the remote Gulf coast: "we didn't have any money so we lived off the land. We lived under a truck tarpaulin in the bush through the wet season and we managed just to survive. And through that process, we learnt to love the land". Rhett and his family manage and protect Lorella Springs - 4,000km2 of land and a 30km stretch of coast. Lorella is bigger than many countries in the world. Rhett has a dream to turn Lorella into a wilderness sanctuary.
"We have to look after our gapu; the sea. Together." - Sylvia Nulpinditj Yolŋu leader, a presenter for Yolngu Radio, and traditional artist. Sylvia provides but a snapshot into the depth and breadth of Yolŋu connection to country. And she has an important request to politicians in the NT election to respect seacountry.
"We have to look after our gapu; the sea. Together." - Sylvia Nulpinditj Yolŋu leader, a presenter for Yolngu Radio, and traditional artist. Sylvia provides but a snapshot into the depth and breadth of Yolŋu connection to country. And she has an important request to politicians in the NT election to respect seacountry.
“My concern is that the sea is getting higher and warmer, and we're losing all the coastal trees. That’s yakka mynmuk (no good)” - Rrawun Maymuru, Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation Ranger. The Dhimurru Rangers are on the frontline of land and sea management in north-east Arnhem Land, one of the country's most spectacular coastlines. But it is a big job. A small organisation strives to manage and protect 550,000 hectares of land and sea country on behalf of the Yolngu people.
“My concern is that the sea is getting higher and warmer, and we're losing all the coastal trees. That’s yakka mynmuk (no good)” - Rrawun Maymuru, Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation Ranger. The Dhimurru Rangers are on the frontline of land and sea management in north-east Arnhem Land, one of the country's most spectacular coastlines. But it is a big job. A small organisation strives to manage and protect 550,000 hectares of land and sea country on behalf of the Yolngu people.
An appeal from one of Australia's most remote Homelands, Bukudal in East Arnhem Land - "We live near the sea and we are very much connected to the sea... Protect the coast and keep it healthy and we stay healthy, and our culture stays strong, for the future."
An appeal from one of Australia's most remote Homelands, Bukudal in East Arnhem Land - "We live near the sea and we are very much connected to the sea... Protect the coast and keep it healthy and we stay healthy, and our culture stays strong, for the future."
"Coming home with those catches, and then preparing them and cooking them for friends and sharing the lifestyle of the Top End and integrating that love of the ocean and the waters and the mangroves, at the dinner table" - Rick Mooney.
"Coming home with those catches, and then preparing them and cooking them for friends and sharing the lifestyle of the Top End and integrating that love of the ocean and the waters and the mangroves, at the dinner table" - Rick Mooney.
"We're so lucky in the Territory to have such untouched biodiversity that allows us to fish, camp and do everything we want to, to enjoy everything that is on offer. And if we can't keep them healthy we won't be able to enjoy it" - Charlotte Klose.
"We're so lucky in the Territory to have such untouched biodiversity that allows us to fish, camp and do everything we want to, to enjoy everything that is on offer. And if we can't keep them healthy we won't be able to enjoy it" - Charlotte Klose.
