Knowledge gaps in Angkamuthi Sea Country

The seagrass meadows and other marine habitats in Angkamuthi Sea Country of West Cape York are home to culturally and commercially important species including prawns, mud crabs, and fish, and support dugongs and green turtles. Angkamuthi Sea Country includes the eastern side of the West Cape York Marine Park – a protected area of over 16,000 square kilometres.

However, monitoring habitat changes, identifying potential threats, and planning for protection or restoration here have previously been challenging because of the remoteness of this region and a lack of baseline data on marine habitats.

Habitat mapping and Traditional Owner-led monitoring are needed to identify and manage environmental changes while prioritising cultural and ecological values in Angkamuthi Sea Country.

Marine and coastal mapping

Our team is partnering with Angkamuthi Traditional Owners, researchers from Charles Darwin University, and Parks Australia to better understand coastal habitats from the river to the sea in Angkamuthi Sea Country.

Building on an initial survey we conducted in 2021 in the northeastern section of the marine park, we are working to:

• Survey benthic habitats and fish biodiversity in the eastern section of the West Cape York Marine Park using sled tows and baited underwater cameras, providing a baseline for future monitoring.

• Survey intertidal habitats using helicopters.

• Identify any changes or trends in seafloor habitats in areas covered by the 2021 initial survey.

• Provide hands-on skills training for Angkamuthi Traditional Owners in survey methods and fish video analysis.

• Produce bilingual maps and spatial data that reflect Angkamuthi Sea Country values.

Recent work, from sharks to sponges

In December 2024, we completed the first comprehensive baseline survey for the southern section of the West Cape York Marine Park, as well as monitoring in the northeastern section. Together with our project partners, we collected benthic habitat data at 129 sites and deployed baited underwater cameras at 85 sites.

We found:

• A high diversity of sharks and rays, part of a total of 80 fish species identified

• Seagrass cover and biomass were low across the survey area, whereas algae communities were more widespread.

• Soft corals, sponges, and hard corals were diverse but had low coverage.

• We also recorded feather stars, crustaceans, and molluscs.

In August 2026, we completed the next phase of baseline surveys focused on filling data gaps in the intertidal zone, connecting coastal rivers to the sea. We also began a habitat monitoring program around inshore waters near Crab Island.

Data from these projects will support decision-making by Traditional Owners, the Seven Rivers Aboriginal Corporation, and the Commonwealth Government and form the foundation of a co-designed monitoring and management framework for Angkamuthi Sea Country.

Project details

These projects are led by Dr Alex Carter in collaboration with Seven Rivers Aboriginal Corporation and Charles Darwin University. This work is funded by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Parks Australia and Migratory Species Departments – and the Queensland Government Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.