The NWSFTCP has a long-standing partnership with Yawuru Traditional Custodians, working together with Nyamba Buru Yawuru Country Managers and Yawuru joint management DBCA rangers for the conservation of marine turtles on Yawuru buru (Yawuru Country). 

It is through this collaboration that the first ever coastal flatback turtle foraging ground was discovered at the jointly-managed Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay Marine Park, establishing pioneering monitoring and research projects together to better understand their in-water biology. 

We also work together to monitor and manage the nesting beaches of other flatback turtle nesting populations, including Cable Beach and Eco Beach.

Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay - Turtle foraging research

Nyamba Buru Yawuru Country Managers and DBCA Yawuru Rangers support the NWSFTCP and Murdoch University researchers for monitoring and research projects on foraging flatback turtles in Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay Marine Park.

Yagarrajalajalan nagula buru project in Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay

Yagarrajalajalan nagula buru project is a multi-disciplinary research project led by Murdoch University in collaboration with DBCA (NWSFTCP and Broome regional office), WA Universities (University of Western Australia, Notre Dame University, Edith Cowan University), Nyamba Buru Yawuru, James Cook University and Sea Country Solutions. The project, following principles of two-way knowledge exchange, aims to advance equity in marine park co-management and enhance shared custodianship of Saltwater Country.

Photo - DBCA

Read more about the project here

Yawuru rangers from DBCA and Namba Buru Yawuru working with flatbacks

DBCA Yawuru Ranger Anthony Richardson holding a juvenile flatback turtle. Photo - DBCA

NBY Country Managers Pius, Desmond, Leroy and Eduardo (L-R) monitoring a turtle on Eco Beach in 2020. Photo - James Gee/DBCA

NBY Country Managers Desmond, Leroy and Eduardo (L-R) assisting to restrain a turtle on Eco Beach in 2020. Photo - James Gee/DBCA

NBY Country Managers Leroy and Pius (L-R) assisting to restrain a turtle on Eco Beach in 2020. Photo - James Gee/DBCA

NBY Country Managers Ronald Wade Jr and Vaughn Lee (L-R) with Dr Jenna Hounslow and a flatback turtle in Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay in 2018. Photo -Sabrina Fossette/DBCA

NBY Country Managers releasing a flatback turtle with a CATS biologger in Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay in 2018. Photo - Sabrina Fossette/DBCA

NBY Country Manager Desmond Billy measuring a flatback turtle in Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck Bay in 2018. Photo - Sabrina Fossette/DBCA

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.