Australia’s first marine park co-designed with Traditional Owners has been finalised – marking a huge achievement by the Bardi and Jawi Traditional Owners, working with the WA government.

The Kimberley – Like Nowhere Else and its 17,000 passionate supporters helped get this ground-breaking marine park over the line by sending submissions to the WA government that reinforced why the spectacular Buccaneer Archipelago needs protection.

Covering 204,000 hectares, the Bardi Jawi Gaara Marine Park will bring lasting benefits for local communities, supporting sustainable fishing and tourism opportunities, while safeguarding habitat for humpback whales, turtles, dugongs, and rare corals.

For thousands of years, the Bardi and Jawi people have used this area for hunting, fishing, cultural practices and trade.

The marine park, which is jointly-managed and named ‘Gaarra’ after the Bardi and Jawi word for saltwater, will help traditional owners and rangers continue their important work caring for Sea Country.