A toolkit for ranger-led seagrass monitoring in northern Australia Sea Country

Indigenous Ranger groups are increasingly taking the lead in monitoring seagrass health. Equipped with small boats, underwater cameras, drones, and trained staff, these groups are well-placed to conduct coastal monitoring. For these programs to have the greatest conservation impact, a consistent approach across the whole of northern Australia is essential. This means using appropriate indicators and methods and access to high-quality training material to build capacity.

By working with Indigenous rangers, researchers, and filmmakers, this project will develop engaging training materials and a monitoring framework tailored to diverse Sea Country environments and circumstances. This robust and consistent decision-making framework for seagrass monitoring across northern Australia will ensure reliable data is gathered to guide conservation and management. This initiative supports national priorities, enhances Indigenous-led conservation, and improves data for managing species like dugongs and green turtles.

Approach

This project will:

• Partner with Torres Strait Regional Authority Land and Sea Management Unit, Karajarri Traditional Lands Association, Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation, Namultja Aboriginal Corporation and Girringun Aboriginal Corporation to create high-quality training materials on the importance of seagrass and effective monitoring methods, including publicly accessible short films.
• Strengthen capacity within Indigenous ranger groups to monitor seagrass confidently and support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.
• Create a decision-making framework for consistent monitoring of the diverse seagrass habitats of northern Australia.
• Enhance expertise to monitor seagrass health and support the restoration and conservation of these habitats.

Expected outcomes

• Improve decision-making and better conservation and management of seagrass habitats with a consistent and robust framework for ranger-led seagrass monitoring across northern Australia.
• Increase support for the conservation of listed threatened species and biologically important areas (BIAs) while raising public awareness about seagrass ecosystems.
• Establish a foundation for integrating seagrass habitats into environmental market schemes through effective monitoring.
• Strengthen partnerships between researchers, Indigenous rangers, and other stakeholders.