Coastal and Marine Natural Values of the Kimberley
The Kimberley coast and offshore marine communities and environments are recognised as some of the world’s most ecologically diverse. Not only is the Kimberley of global importance for its largely intact terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, it is also undoubtedly one of the world’s most intact large tropical marine ecosystems. WWF has recognised the region as having outstanding global biodiversity value by including the Kimberley marine region in its Global 200 inventory of priority places of the Planet.
In the past twelve months, the spotlight has turned towards the Kimberley coast and marine environment, not for its biodiversity values but because of the hydrocarbon resources buried offshore.
WWF-Australia is keen to ensure that a full and accurate picture of marine and coastal natural values is included in any planning and assessment efforts, and commissioned this report to review existing ‘Western’ scientifi c knowledge of the region’s ecological values.
