Coasts and oceans

Marine Bioregional Planning

The South-west Marine Region

The South-west Marine Region covers more than 1.3 million square kilometres of ocean waters from the eastern-most tip of Kangaroo Island off the South Australian coast to waters off Shark Bay, Western Australia. The Region features high biological diversity and a large number of species found no where else in the world.

The flora and fauna include a blend of tropical, subtropical and temperate species. Temperate species dominate the southern and eastern parts of the Region while tropical species become more common as you move north.

The Leeuwin Current has a significant impact on the productivity, ecosystems and biodiversity in the Region. It is a shallow current that transports warm tropical water southward along the continental shelf, and east, all the way across to the North-West Cape of Tasmania. The Flinders and seasonal currents also have strong influences on the Region's environment.

Water higher in chlorophyll (shown light green) is located on the shelf and is swept into the Leeuwin Current which then spirals off to form eddies.

Water higher in chlorophyll (shown light green) is located on the shelf and is swept into the Leeuwin Current which then spirals off to form eddies.

Ocean colour image NASA/GSFC Orbimage SeaWiFS Project.

Australia's deepest areas of ocean are found in the South-west Marine Region, reaching a maximum depth of 7390 metres in the Diamantina Fracture Zone, south of Cape Leeuwin. The Region is distinguished by a continental shelf with high wave exposure, punctuated by island groups, fringing reefs and sheltered habitats for marine communities. The continental slope is one of the most canyon-rich areas on the Australian margin and the Region contains vast areas of abyssal plain.

The Region is acknowledged as an area of global significance as breeding or feeding grounds for a number of rare and endangered marine animals, including: Australian sea lions, southern right whales and white sharks.

Scientists have also recently identified the south-western corner of Australia as a key area for beaked whales, a group of whales that are very rarely seen and of which we know very little. The Region also provides habitat for a large number of seabird species that nest on nearby islands and coastline.

The south-west has a complex socio-economic structure based on a wide range of industries. The industries and activities of most significance include aquaculture, commercial and recreational fishing, defence, marine tourism and recreation, petroleum exploration and production, ports, and shipping. For more information refer to the South-west Bioregional Profile

The seven provincial bioregions of the South-west Marine Region recognised under marine bioregional planning.

The seven provincial bioregions of the South-west Marine Region recognised under marine bioregional planning.

Source: ERIN

Bioregions

Australian waters have been classified into 41 provincial bioregions, comprising 24 provinces and 17 transitional areas. Bioregions provide a spatial framework that represents broad-scale distribution patterns of seafloor features, marine life and ocean conditions. They are large areas of ocean, considered to be ecologically similar, compared to other similarly sized areas. For further information see Integrated Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia.

The Government recognises 7 provincial bioregions in the South-west Marine Region, from the cool, temperate waters of the Great Australian Bight to the warm waters of the mid Western Australian coast around Shark Bay.

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Australian lesser noddy. Photo: Bert and Bab Wells, WA Department of Environment and Conservation