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Marine Protected Areas

Management arrangements for activities in the Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island marine reserves

The following table outlines activities allowed without approval (Tick), allowed with approval (A) or not allowed (Cross) in the Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island marine reserves.

Activity* Area open to the public (IUCN II Zones) West Island Lagoon, east beach and central corridor of West Island Areas closed to the public (IUCN Ia zones) Majority of Ashmore Reserve (including Middle & East Islands) & all of Cartier
General Access Tick A
Commercial Activities
Fishing (including collecting#) Cross Cross
Filming and Photography A A
Tourism and Charters A A
Other Commercial Activities Cross Cross
Recreational Activities
Scuba diving & snorkelling Tick Cross
Fishing Tick
(general approval)**
Cross
Scientific Research A A

* Camping and lighting fires is not allowed in any part of the reserve.
** Fishing (finfish only) for subsistence purposes is allowed.
# No collecting allowed. Collecting refers to the collecting of any object, animal or plant from the Reserve, including coral, shells and sedentary species such as sea cucumbers.

To apply for an approval to access closed areas or to conduct activities within the Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island Marine Reserves contact the Ashmore Reserve Manager on (02) 6274 1111 or email mpa@environment.gov.au.

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