13 February 2026
Top End conservationists, tourism operators and Traditional Owners have welcomed the opening of public consultation on the extension of Limmen Bight Marine Park, calling it a positive step for fishing, culture, tourism and local jobs.
The Northern Territory Government has begun statutory consultation on extending the marine park south to Rosie Creek, marking an important step towards delivering on its election commitment to strengthen protection for one of the Top End’s most special coastal places.
“The expansion will provide continuous protection for 65 kilometres of seagrass meadows that are critical habitat for dugongs and important nursery grounds for prawn and fish species,” said Adele Pedder, Manager of Keep Top End Coasts Healthy.
“Limmen Bight Marine Park is one of the Territory’s great coastal treasures.
“Our coasts are at the heart of our Top End lifestyle. Limmen supports some of the best fishing in the Territory and is home to dugongs, turtles and dolphins,” said Ms Pedder.
David Barrett, Chairperson of Namultja Aboriginal Corporation, said the expansion is a positive step for visitors and for Marra Sea Country.
“Extending the marine park will help protect and enhance important cultural and ecological values across Marra Sea Country,”
“Marra elders and families want to see sacred sites and songlines managed with care, in line with the Marranbala Land and Sea Country Plan.
“We’ve been working with the NT Government since the 2016 election commitment to establish the marine park, and we welcome the opportunity to keep working together on strategic, integrated marine management in Limmen Bight.
“The Marranbala Rangers are now operational and well positioned to support effective on-water management,” said Mr Barrett.
“Tourism operators say marine parks and net-free areas attract visitors seeking high quality fishing and wildlife experiences.
“Our business operates at Garig Gunak Barlu (Cobourg) Marine Park, which is heralded as one of the best fishing destinations in Australia,” said David McMahon, Head Guide with the mutli-award-winning Cobourg Fishing Safaris.
“Visitors travel from across Australia and the world because they know they’ll have a superior fishing and wildlife experience in a marine park,
“Healthy waters and abundant wildlife are what make the Top End special. Expanding Limmen Bight Marine Park strengthens our reputation as a world-class fishing and nature destination,” said Mr McMahon.
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Media contact:
Adele Pedder
Ph 0422 108 539
More Information:
Government consultation webpage, including report and maps, available here.
Limen Bight Marine Park Extension Report* states:
- The Northern Territory Government has committed to extending the Limmen Bight Marine Park south to Rosie Creek, responding to long-standing community interest and ecological evidence.
- The proposed extension would shift the southern boundary to Rosie Creek encompassing more than 185 km2 of coastal waters.
- The extension will protect one of the most significant seagrass meadows in northern Australia - an essential habitat for dugongs, turtles, prawns, and fish species - while reinforcing collaborative management with Marra Traditional Owners and other stakeholders.
- The extension addresses a critical coastal gap between the Commonwealth’s Limmen Marine Park and the existing NT-managed coastline. This gap contains the region’s most important seagrass beds - habitats that support globally significant dugong and turtle populations and nursery for prawns and fish species vital to commercial and recreational fisheries.
* Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976 Section 14(1) Report Pertaining to a Section 12 Declaration to extend the Limmen Bight Marine Park February 2026. Available at https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/limmen-bight-marine-park-plan-of-management