In 2016 Yintjingga Aboriginal Corporation commenced mangrove research in collaboration with Dr Helen Penrose (Jabiru Environmental) and Keith McDonald. While previous studies in the 1980s provided a general account of the mangroves of Princess Charlotte Bay, this research is the first dedicated species diversity assessment for Lama Lama Country.
Data will be collected on the habitat use of Lama Lama mangroves by marine, estuarine and terrestrial fauna and flora. Mangrove habitats are an important cultural resource for Lama Lama People, providing food and fibre. Mangroves play an important role in coastal protection from storms and cyclones, and healthy mangrove communities are essential for climate change adaptation.
The project is mapping current mangrove species distribution, defining current species locations, identifying threats and developing management actions and monitoring requirements.
