Groom, R., Nadji, J., Nadji, S., Nadji, D., Nadji, T., Nadji, O., Nadji, D., Cooper, O., Cooper, A., Marimowa, J., Dempsey, M., Christophersen, J., Cooper, C., Nadji, J., Nayinggul, C., Nayinggul, A., Dempsey, J., Maralngurra, A., Kenyon, G., Yates, H., Wauchope, D., Cunningham, J., Vasvadeen, B., McLean, N., Lindner, G., Lindner, D., and Hunter, F. (2026). Kakadu Sea Country Strategy 2025–2035. Reef & Rainforest Research Centre, Cairns. (Consultations conducted at: East Alligator Ranger Station, Mamukala, Gunbalanya, South Alligator Ranger Station, Bowali, and Pudakul.)
September 2026
Overview
Kakadu National Park’s marine and coastal ecosystems are globally significant and culturally and ecologically rich, yet they are still underrepresented in management, research, and protection efforts. With a rapidly changing climate, increasing development pressures, and the spread of invasive species, these environments face escalating threats that demand an ambitious and strategic response.
This Sea Country Strategy for Kakadu National Park builds on the foundations of previous management and aligns with the Kakadu Research Strategy 2025–2035. It sets out a coordinated, culturally responsive and scientifically rigorous research agenda to protect and enhance Kakadu’s marine and coastal values.
The Strategy emphasises Indigenous leadership and ‘two-way science’, recognising Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners’ cultural authority, deep connection to Sea Country and their role in decision-making, research, and management. Based on a consultative process with Bininj/Mungguy Traditional Owners, key themes for research priorities were identified, including:
Sea Country management and protection, protecting culturally significant marine species and habitats, including mapping and assessing biodiversity and cultural values across seagrass meadows, mangroves, mudflats, wetlands and estuaries.
Culturally important species, including turtle, dugong, barramundi, golden snapper, shellfish. Important places, evaluating human activities, including tourism, recreational fishing, and adjacent development.
Feral animal and weed management, pigs and buffalo programs paired with data-driven removal strategies and assessing the extent and impact of weed invasion across coastal floodplains.Climate change, monitoring and adapting to impacts such as saltwater intrusion and sea-level rise.
This Strategy provides a pathway for prioritising marine science and management within Kakadu, guiding investment and collaboration with Traditional Owners, government and research institutions. By supporting ethical, place-based, and co-designed research, this Strategy ensures that management decisions are grounded in cultural knowledge and scientific evidence to safeguard Kakadu’s Sea Country for generations to come.
