Current Research

Current Research Projects Associated with Roebuck Bay

Benthos

Benthic fauna survey

This is an ongoing research project conducted in partnership with the Groningen Sea Research Institute, of Holland. Samples of fauna living on and in the vast mudflats of Roebuck Bay are collected for identification and analysis. This helps to bring understanding to the lives of the birds of the region and the habitat in general.

Birds

Bush-bird studies

The Broome region is home to over 300 species of birds, most of which are not shorebirds. The Observatory also participates in research projects on “bush birds” in the locality.

Shorebirds

AWSG Broome Expedition – Every year members of the Australasian Wader Study Group are joined by scientists and enthusiasts from across the globe for a three week study tour of Roebuck Bay and nearby Eighty Mile Beach. An intensive program of trapping, measuring, banding and flagging takes place along with other studies for research projects.

Life cycle studies – Global Flyway Network – How long do shorebirds live? What are their movements? What conditions might effect these aspects of the lives of migratory shorebirds? How are shorebirds responding to changes on the flyway? How will they respond to climate change? Scientists based out of the BBO are conducting long term research to find answers to these questions and much more. more »

Wader counting – At regular intervals across the year, wader counts around Roebuck Bay are conducted. These counts help to keep us up to date with roost choices, movement patterns and a general overview of population composition.

Shorebird disturbance trends – Shorebirds are highly susceptible to disturbance at roost sites from predators and human activities. Learning and understanding more about the patterns of disturbance and their frequency will help us in conserving the shorebirds of Roebuck Bay.

Marine Wildlife

Title: Conserving Iconic Marine Wildlife in the Kimberley
Partners: Marequus, WWF-Australia, Kimberley Land Council
Funders: Coastcare, WWF-Australia
Summary: This project aims to provide the critical science and community capacity necessary for the conservation of endemic, threatened and data deficient marine species in the near-shore waters of the Kimberley Coast. This project will improve knowledge of habitat requirements and the population status of Australian snubfin dolphin and other marine wildlife in this region, whilst improving the skills of local Indigenous rangers and the local community. This project will come at a time when critical decisions will be made that, without accurate scientific and community input, have the potential to impact negatively on marine species, their habitats and the long term sustainable use of the marine environment by the people of this region.

This project will achieve a number of conservation outcomes including:

• Improved understanding of high value, iconic marine species and impacts of human activity leading to improved marine planning and resilience to climate change
• Improved awareness and engagement of local communities leading to improved management of Kimberley coastal ecological values
• Increased application of best management practices by indigenous communities that will help protect marine wildlife
• Local community has information to make more informed decisions about the management of sea country.