Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00322:front:0:p87
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00322
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 249597–252682

the most important areas for migratory shorebirds in Australia; and the Western Australian Yawuru Nagulagun/Roebuck Bay Marine Park, providing connectivity between offshore and inshore coastal waters of Roebuck Bay.
Natural values
The Marine Park includes examples of ecosystems representative of the Northwest Shelf Province—a dynamic environment influenced by strong tides, cyclonic storms, long-period swells and internal tides. The bioregion includes diverse benthic and pelagic fish communities, and ancient coastline thought to be an important seafloor feature and migratory pathway for humpback whales.
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 and resting habitat for seabirds, foraging and internesting habitat for marine turtles, a migratory pathway for humpback whales and foraging habitat for dugong.
Cultural values
Sea country is valued for Indigenous cultural identity, health and wellbeing. Across Australia, Indigenous people have been sustainably using and managing their sea country for tens of thousands of years.
Yawuru people have always recognised the waters of Roebuck Bay as nagula (Yawuru sea country), and have customary responsibilities to care for it. They have a deep spiritual connection to offshore landscapes from Bugarrigarra (creator beings), and believe that snake-like metaphysical beings inhabit the sea. Cultural sites in sea country are also a source of law. The Yawuru people harvest marine resources according to the six Yawuru seasons. They have harvested pearl shell for food and cultural purposes. Fish are a staple food source, and fishing a form of cultural expression, connecting people to their country, modelled on tradition and based in traditional law. Access to sea country by families is important to cultural traditions, livelihoods and future socio-economic development opportunities. The Yawuru Native Title Holders Aboriginal Corporation is the Prescribed Body Corporate representing traditional owners with native title over coastal areas adjacent to the Marine Park, and is the point of contact for sea country in the Marine Park. The Kimberley Land Council is the Native Title Representative Body for the Kimberley region.
Heritage values
No international, Commonwealth or national listings apply to the Marine Park at commencement of this plan, however the Marine Park is adjacent to the West Kimberley National Heritage Place.
Social and economic values
Tourism, commercial fishing, pearling and recreation, including fishing, are important activities that occur in the Marine Park. These activities contribute to the wellbeing of regional communities and the prosperity of the nation.

Figure S2.8 Roebuck Marine Park
Mermaid Reef Marine Park
The Mermaid Reef Marine Park (Figure S2.9) is located approximately 280 km north-west of Broome, adjacent to the Argo–Rowley Terrace Marine Park and approximately 13 km from the Western Australian Rowley Shoals Marine