Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00324:front:0:p79
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00324
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 225374–228340

and species-rich environments in the North Marine Region. A number of endemic species occur in the area, and nationally and internationally significant aggregations of migratory shorebirds, seabirds, marine turtles and a variety of unique sponge and coral communities.
Natural values
The Marine Park includes examples of ecosystems representative of the Northern Shelf—a dynamic region with gently sloping shelf topped with a number of pinnacles at depths ranging from 5 m to 30 m. Tidal eddies induce localised upwellings and hotspots of productivity that correspond with aggregations of marine life within the Marine Park.
The key ecological feature in the Marine Park is the Gulf of Carpentaria basin—characterised by soft sediments that support abundant and diverse communities dominated by polychaetes, crustaceans, molluscs and echinoderms, with pelagic fish species such as shark, snapper, tuna and mackerel.
The Marine Park overlaps the Arafura Sill, which is a seafloor barrier that restricts movement of water into the Gulf of Carpentaria basin and forms a distinct biogeographical transition point for sessile invertebrate (e.g. sponges and corals) and fish species.
The Marine Park supports a range of species, including species listed as threatened, migratory, marine or cetacean under the EPBC Act. Biologically important areas within the Marine Park include breeding habitat for seabirds and internesting and foraging habitat for marine turtles.
Cultural values
Sea country is valued for Indigenous cultural identity, health and wellbeing. Indigenous people have been sustainably using and managing their sea country for tens of thousands of years.
The Yolŋu people have responsibilities for sea country in the Marine Park. The Marine Park contains sites which are registered under Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989. The Northern Land Council is the Native Title Representative Body for the Northern Territory's northern region.
Heritage values
No international, Commonwealth or national heritage listings apply to the Marine Park at commencement of this plan.
Social and economic values
Commercial fishing, tourism, and recreation, including fishing, are important activities in the Marine Park. These activities contribute to the wellbeing of regional communities and the prosperity of the nation.

Figure S2.5 Wessel Marine Park
Limmen Marine Park
The Limmen Marine Park (Figure S2.6) is located approximately 315 km south-west of Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory, in the south-west of the Gulf of Carpentaria. It extends from Northern Territory waters, between the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands and Maria Island in the Limmen Bight, adjacent to the Northern Territory Limmen Bight Marine Park. The Marine Park covers an area of 1399 km² and water depths range from less than 15 m to 70 m.
The Marine Park was proclaimed under the EPBC Act on 14 December 2013 and renamed Limmen Marine Park on 9 October 2017. The Marine Park is