Limmen Bight Marine Park

Park declaration

The Territory Government declared Limmen Bight Marine Park. This followed public consultation  on the proposed Limmen National Park and Limmen Bight Marine Park, with over 60  submissions received.

The area has  important natural, recreational and tourism, commercial and historical values,  and the Government has recognised this with the declaration of each Park.  National Parks that connect oceans to the land are special and world class.

The public will continue to be consulted throughout the management planning process  for the Park.

 
• Limmen Bight Marine Park  Frequently Asked Questions  
• Map of Limmen Bight  Marine Park  
• Map of Limmen National  Park and Limmen Bight Marine Park 
• Map of Limmen Bight  Marine Park and Proposed Marine Reserves (Commonwealth) 

Overview

Limmen Bight Marine Park comprises 880  km2 of shallow sea in the Gulf of Carpentaria with a rich array of  saltwater wildlife species. The Marine Park includes part of the largest  density of Dugongs in the Northern Territory and is also home to some rare,  listed Pipefish species.  The Park has a rich and active Aboriginal  culture. The Marra, Yanyuwa, Alawa and Wandarang peoples  have strong cultural affiliation with this saltwater country.

Limmen River mouth looking out into Limmen Bight Marine Park

How  to Get There?

Limmen Bight  Marine Park is located 340 km south-east of Katherine along the Carpentaria  Highway and 100 km north-east of Borroloola. The Marine Park can be accessed  via boat ramps at Borroloola and fishing camps on the Roper and Limmen Bight  Rivers. It can also be accessed by sea from the Gulf of Carpentaria.
 

When  to Visit

The Park is open  all year. The dry season (May-Sept) is the most pleasant months to visit.  Please remember that tropical cyclones and storms can affect this area during  the wet season.

What  to See and Do?

The Marine  Park is a multi-use “fishing-friendly” park so therefore one of the main  activities on the Park is recreational fishing. However wildlife spotting is an  ever-growing activity across the Northern Territory with many visitors coming  to the Territory to see specific species in the wild. The range of wildlife  species that can be observed and photographed include marine seas turtles,  saltwater crocodiles, dugongs, dolphins, freshwater sawfish and many others.  The surrounding islands and mainland are also important areas for a multitude  of waterbirds, shorebirds and seabirds.
Please remember: Swimming is not advised as  Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodiles live and travel throughout the Marine Park.
 
  Flatback Sea Turtle Natator  depressus
  Please  Remember
  Safety and Comfort

 
• Ensure that your boat is properly equipped for remote area  boating. (include safety EPIRB details) 
• Carry and drink plenty of water.  
• Wear a shady hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.  
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear.  
• Carry a comprehensive first aid kit suitable for remote areas.  
• Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day.  
• Beware of theft, lock vehicles and secure valuables at boat  ramps.

Please  Remember

• Take all your rubbish away with you.  
• All cultural items and wildlife are protected.  
• Check that your vehicle/boat is not transporting pests like  weeds and cane toads. 
• All non-fish wildlife are protected.

Fact Sheets

• Limmen Bight Marine Park Factsheet
• Limmen Bight Marine Park: Overview of cultural and biodiversity values 

Recreational  Activities

  The  largest recreational activity in this area is fishing. Important fish stocks  make this marine park a paradise for the fishing enthusiast who enjoys remote  areas. The area also includes important commercial quantities of prawn,  mud crab and barramundi. These populations are important for both the  commercial and recreational fishers of the region.

  Mud Crab Scylla  serrata
 

Plants  and Animals

The  Marine Park has a multitude of important wildlife. Most of the area has not been  extensively surveyed so it is expected that even more important marine species  will be discovered in the area into the future.

At least three species of pipefish (Hippichthys cyanospilos, H. parvicarinatus and H. penicillus) live in the seagrass meadows  of the Park. Pipefish are closely related to seahorses and these species are  listed marine species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and  Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Blue-spotted Pipefish Hippichthys  cyanospilos

The Park also protects part of the largest density  of Dugongs in the Northern Territory. The important and extensive seagrass  meadows provide important feeding grounds for this species. The meadows are  also critical for the local marine turtle populations that include flatbacks, greens,  hawksbills and olive ridleys. Marine turtle populations are in decline across  the planet and this area protects one of their important feeding areas,  adjacent to important nesting areas.

The Park  provides feeding resources for the adjacent waterbird, shorebird and seabird  populations. These colonies include species such as the great, intermediate and  little egrets, Australian Pelicans, Pied Cormorants, Black-winged Stilts,  Red-necked Avocets, Silver Gulls and many other notable species.
 
  Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus
  Suitable habitat exists for inshore dolphins such as  Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback, and the region is expected to be  important for both species.