Solitary
Islands Marine ParkSolitary
Islands Marine ParkThe Solitary Islands Marine Park is located on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales between Coffs Harbour and the Sandon River. It is the first protected area in Australia which combines estuaries, beaches, headlands, islands and offshore waters in a single multi-use management unit. The diversity of marine life found around the islands and rocky outcrops is considered to be amongst the most outstanding in Australia. The waters around the Solitary Islands are bathed by the warm southward flowing East Australian Current which begins its journey from the equator. Adding complexity to this region the coastline and nearshore islands are also influenced by cooler currents from the southern latitudes. The result is a fascinating mix of marine life, where species from the Great Barrier Reef can be found together with marine life which occur as far south as Tasmania.
Some of the more commonly known animals of the tropics that settle
and reproduce in the marine reserve are corals. The Solitary Islands are
recognised as the southern limit of many reef building corals. This tropical,
subtropical and temperate scene is therefore of great interest to divers,
photographers and scientists.
Another outstanding feature of this area is the giant anemone and their symbiotic anemone fish. North Solitary Island is considered to have the densest aggregation of anemones and anemone fish in the world.
The
Solitary Islands Marine Park means different things to different people.
The area is not only ecologically significant but its importance as an
economic and social resource is also greatly acknowledged. There are a
host of recreational and commercial activities available to the many people
who use this stunning but fragile environment. The Solitary Islands Marine
Reserve is a multiple use reserve.
Managing a multiple use reserve must strike a balance between using the areaís resources and conserving the values which make the reserve attractive to use in the first place. To successfully achieve this NSW Fisheries have developed a comprehensive zoning scheme that protects sensitive areas, provides for continued use and reduces conflict amongst the users of the area.
The zoning scheme has been developed through constructive input of the general community. Four different zones are used to manage the area, these include:
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