Tasman Fracture Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Tasman Fracture Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a 42,502 km2 marine protected area within Australian waters located off the coast of south-west Tasmania. It extends to the southerly limits of the Australian exclusive economic zone in the Indian Ocean and encompasses the Tasman Fracture. The reserve was established in 2007[2] and is part of the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network.

Tasman Fracture Commonwealth Marine Reserve
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources)
LocationIndian Ocean, Australia
Nearest townMelaleuca, Tasmania
Coordinates44.83°S 144.81°E / -44.83; 144.81[1]
Area42,501 km2 (16,410 sq mi)
EstablishedAugust 31, 2007 (2007-08-31)
Governing bodyParks Australia (Commonwealth of Australia)
environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-reserves/south-east/tasman-fracture

The reserve includes a number of undersea peaks rising to less than 1,500 m (4,900 ft) below the sea surface that provide habitat to deepwater hard corals. The reserve is also habitat to many seabirds, seals and cetaceans, such as dolphins and killer whales. The fauna of this reserve includes subantarctic fishes and seabed invertebrates. Biodiversity within the reserve is influenced by the most easterly extent of the Zeehan Current.[3]

Protection

Most of the Tasman Fracture marine reserve area is IUCN protected area category VI, however there are multiple zoned areas within the reserve with different protection classifications.[3]

Zone IUCN Activities permitted Area
(km2)
Recreational fishing Commercial fishing Mining
Marine National Park II No No No 692
Special Purpose VI Yes No with approval 21,313
Multiple Use VI Yes with approval with approval 20 496
[Note 1]

See also

Notes

  1. Summary of permitted activities only, see source for details[4]

References

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