Principles Behind CROCWISE

Saltwater crocodiles are common in the Northern Territory and pose a significant risk to human life

Top End waterways are some of the best remaining habitats for saltwater crocodiles in the world. There is estimated to be over 100,000 crocodiles in the wild in the NT at the moment. Population studies indicate that saltwater crocodile populations are stabilising in some rivers; the average size is increasing as the population ages; more animals are moving further upstream and into more marginal habitats.

There are important reasons to continue to protect and manage saltwater crocodiles in the Top End:

People live and participate in recreational activities in or near waterways where saltwater crocodiles live

Most Territory towns and urban areas were, for very good reasons, established on the coast, harbours or rivers. These are all places where saltwater crocodiles live. Darwin is located close to the Adelaide River flood plain, one of the best breeding areas for saltwater crocodiles in the world, and the expansion of Darwin into the rural areas is bringing more people close to significant populations of crocodiles.

Many of the recreational activities enjoyed by Territorians and visitors to the Top End, such as fishing, swimming, camping, boating, wildlife viewing and bushwalking, can bring people and crocodiles close together and the subsequent risk of a fatal attack is increased. The risk of a crocodile attack is increasing due to changes in both crocodile and human populations.

There are ways to enjoy the Top End waterways in safety.

In areas where saltwater crocodiles live, there are no guarantees that a natural waterway is 100% safe

Crocodile management activities such as surveying, trapping and removing saltwater crocodiles are used to reduce the risk of crocodile attacks in many locations across the Top End. In some places, the risk of a saltwater crocodile entering the area is reduced to a level where it is possible to recommend swimming. However, even in those locations there is still a small risk that a saltwater crocodile may enter an area unobserved. In all other locations, people need to assume that a saltwater crocodile could be present at any time and behave accordingly.

Only swim where there are designated safe swimming signs

Designated safe swimming signs are erected in locations that are considered safe from crocodiles due to crocodile management practices, such as Berry Springs Nature Park and Litchfield National Park.  

Although warning signs have a role to play, it is not possible to have warning signs at every location across the NT that saltwater crocodiles may inhabit. It should be assumed that any water body in the saltwater crocodile’s natural range in the NT is unsafe to swim, unless signposted otherwise.

Your personal safety is your responsibility

Safe behaviour in and around Top End waterways is ideal. Think about your actions and do not become complacent.

The safety of the public depends largely on public behaviour to reduce the risk of a crocodile attack. Do not behave recklessly and place yourself at risk.

The NT Government has a strategic approach to saltwater crocodile management

The NT Government has dedicated and active saltwater crocodile management programs for public water bodies in a number of locations across the Top End, to reduce the likelihood of a fatal crocodile attack. The programs are run by the Department’s Parks and Wildlife Service, who apply a risk-based strategic management approach to determine the level of management activity for any given area.

The Parks and Wildlife Service assists other landowners and managers with crocodile management on their land. However, responsibility for public safety on those lands remains the responsibility of those landowners and managers who may choose to implement a range of crocodile safety measures.

The Australian Government has responsibility for crocodile management on their land, such as in Kakadu National Park.