Arnhem Land Marine Wildlife Rescue – 7 Days

What is the Experience?

Be part of a feel good community project in the heart of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory! This project aims to work alongside and under the direction of the Yolngu Aboriginal Rangers, where you can be part of the team that helps to rescue marine wildlife facing environmental threats.

The North East Arnhem Land Coast is one of Australia’s most beautiful coastlines, virtually free from development and enjoying the custodianship of the Yolngu Aboriginal Traditional owners. However, this virtually pristine coastline is facing a significant environmental threat from marine debris washed in on the ocean currents. Discarded fishing nets, rubber footwear, empty bottles and plastic bags are all carried by these currents from throughout the South East Asian region and deposited on the Arnhem Land Coast. All of this waste is a major threat to the wildlife, as animals get caught up in the nets and choke on the rubbish.

This project aims to work alongside and under the direction of the Yolngu Aboriginal Rangers from Dhimurru Land Management as we together collect, catalogue and dispose of the marine rubbish. Dhimurru also conducts helicopter rescue flights to free marine turtles caught in ghost nets. There may be opportunities to assist in releasing marine turtles through this program depending on seasonal conditions. Not only will we be using high-tech techniques for dealing with this modern problem, but also relying on and learning from traditional Yolngu Aboriginal knowledge and understanding of the land, sea and animals.

The marine rescue project will follow the following itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive in Gove for community project briefing and travel to base camp,
Day 2 to 6 – Community project work with Dhimuru rangers along coastline,
Day 7 – Return to Gove where trip concludes.

The 7 day project includes 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners, permit fees, a professional guide and the services of Dhimurru rangers, 6 nights camping on a twin share basis and 4WD transport from Gove.

Where & When
Suitability & Guidelines

Venue:

Gove, Northern Territory – approximately 1000km east of Darwin in Arnhem Land.

Session Length

This experience is 7 days in duration and departs on selected dates throughout the year. It is graded as an moderate experience. Please Note: The price quoted is for the land only component – it is your responsibility to arrange transport to and from the departing city at your own expense.

Map

The map below gives you the location of this experience to allow you to plan.

Exact location, directions and meeting place will be available to you once you have purchased your voucher(s).

Guidelines:

You will be required to complete a medical form before departure, qualifying you in good health to participate. If you are over 70 years of age, participating on a challenging grade adventure, or have a pre-existing medical condition, you are required to have your doctor complete the medical form.