❓ This parliamentary question seeks to understand the biodiversity conservation values of the Montebello Islands, a former nuclear test site, and the justification for creating a Class A marine park in the area. The answer highlights the unique and diverse marine ecosystem and the need for sustainable management.
AnsweredQoN 2648Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
What are the bio-diversity conservation values that exist on, and in the vicinity of, the former nuclear test site known as the Montebello Islands, that necessitate the creation of a Class A marine park?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
30 March 2004
Responded by
Minister for the Environment
Response time
28 days
The Montebello Islands are surrounded by a tropical marine ecosystem unparalleled in Australian waters. This area contains a coral reef system as rich in marine life but not as extensive as the more well–known Ningaloo Reef further south. The marine flora and fauna are diverse and typical of largely undisturbed coral reefs of the Indo-West Pacific. As well as excellent coral reefs, the area also contains extensive algae beds, mangroves, abundant fish life and a diverse assemblage of molluscs, starfish and other invertebrates. The physical impacts of the atomic bomb can be seen as a depression in the seabed at the bomb site and as derelict buildings and equipment on nearby islands. The marine life at the bomb site has recovered over the past 50 years so as to be indistinguishable from surrounding areas. The need to conserve and protect the area’s unique natural values and ensure the many current and potential future uses of the area are managed sustainably provides the rationale for the increased management focus that is brought to an area by the declaration of an Class A marine park.
The need to conserve and protect the area’s unique natural values and ensure the many current and potential future uses of the area are managed sustainably provides the rationale for the increased management focus that is brought to an area by the declaration of an Class A marine park.
The need to conserve and protect the area’s unique natural values and ensure the many current and potential future uses of the area are managed sustainably provides the rationale for the increased management focus that is brought to an area by the declaration of an Class A marine park.
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