Gumurr Marthakal Homelands Resource Centre (Marthakal)
Marthakal manage a large area at the north-east tip of Arnhem Land. There are currently 6 Rangers working throughout this area who are based at Galiwinku for most of the year.
In 2002, WWF worked with the Rangers and conducted 2 extensive marine debris surveys at Galiwinku (Elcho Island) on Banthula and Gitan beaches. In 2003 Banthula Beach was re-surveyed. The results showed plastics made up 83.6% of the total rubbish collected during the survey which includes nets.
The community are concerned about the levels of rubbish and nets washing ashore on their coastline and have shown keen interest to be involved in the Ghost Net Programme.
The Project Officer returned after one month to discuss and plan out the on-ground Activity Plan. In the mean-time, there was a Mala (clan) leader meeting at Galiwinku. At this meeting, the Marthakal Rangers informed the Mala leaders of the Ghost Net Programme and asked them if they support the programme and which locations they would like to focus on. The Mala leaders did support the programme and identified a number of areas of priority. These areas included around Galiwinku itself, on the Wessel Islands and around Elizabeth Bay (where a pearl farm exists).
The tidal range of the Galiwinku area is between 3 to 4 metres. The Wessel Islands appear to be most exposed to the Gulf influences, however marine debris do wash ashore on the beaches that would appear to be protected by the main land. Marthakal’s coast is a mixture of sandy beaches, mangroves and rocky outcrops/cliffs.
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