Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation (Dhimurru)
Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation is based in Nhulunbuy, NT and currently has 10 Rangers. Dhimurru have been involved with beach cleanups since 1996, however formal surveys started in 2000. These cleanups have been concentrated around the beaches along Cape Arnhem and have been surveyed annually with the assistance of WWF and CVA (Conservation Volunteers Australia).
This area complements other work by Dhimurru in their Turtle Rescue Project which involves surveying this stretch of beach by helicopter since 1996 for stranded animals in nets washed ashore. Helicopter surveys are conducted from around April to August (depending on funding and the dry season duration). It is during the dry season that the majority of the nets/debris wash ashore. They fly from Mount Alexander to the tip of Cape Arnhem checking any ghost nets on the shore for entangled animals. Live turtles found are then tagged with their details recorded. The nets checked are marked with flagging tape and dragged up the beach above the high tide mark to avoid being washed back into the ocean. These nets are collected and disposed of later in the year (if possible).
Most coastal areas within Dhimurru’s Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) have tidal range of 2-3 metres. The coastline consists mainly of sandy beaches and dunes. There are some areas where cliffs and mangroves exist, however sandy beaches are the dominant feature.
Dhimurru have had extensive experience with marine debris and for an extended period of time. They are very motivated to continue this work and to clean up the cost of Dhimurru.
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