Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Overview
Summary
| Proclamation date | 10 May 2007 |
|---|---|
| Size (current) | Approximately 300 Ha |
| IUCN category | IUCN Category 1a (Sanctuary zone) |
| Biogeographic context | Central Eastern Province |
| Management plan status | Interim management arrangements |
The Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve was declared on 10 May 2007 to protect important habitat of the critically endangered grey nurse shark. New management arrangements came into force from 28 May 2007.
The Reserve comprises a 1000m radius from a point at 152° 54' 37" East 31° 40' 52" South. It covers an area of about 300ha and will be managed as an IUCN Category 1a (no take) Sanctuary Zone. Under the new management arrangements all fishing is prohibited in the Reserve.
This declaration follows two periods of public consultation and the undertaking of a structural adjustment process for commercial fishing businesses under the Government's Marine Protected Areas and Displaced Fishing Policy.
Special features
The east coast population of grey nurse shark is listed as critically endangered and highly vulnerable to extinction due to its low reproduction rate and fishing related mortality. The area known as the Cod Grounds is a series of underwater pinnacles which is a significant aggregation site for the grey nurse shark. The Cod Grounds provide prime habitat for the sharks which are often observed in unusually large numbers in or near deep sandy-bottomed gutters between the Cod Ground pinnacles. The Cod Grounds support a large proportion of female sharks compared to other aggregation sites surveyed off the New South Wales coast and also provide habitat for prey species preferred by the grey nurse shark.
The Recovery Plan for the Grey Nurse Shark recommends that the Cod Grounds be declared as a sanctuary zone as it provides critical habitat for the grey nurse shark in terms of feeding and reproduction.
Also in this section
Existing Commonwealth reserves under the EPBC Act
Marine Protected Areas
East Marine Region
- Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve
- Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve
- Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs Marine National Nature Reserve
- Solitary Islands Marine Reserve (Commonwealth Waters)
- Lord Howe Island Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters)
- Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve