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Marine Protected Areas
Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs Marine National Nature Reserve is located in the Tasman Sea approximately 600 kilometres east of Coffs Harbour. The reserve includes two separate reefs; Elizabeth Reef and Middleton Reef.
Elizabeth Reef is at latitude 29°56'S and longitude 159°05'E. Middleton Reef is at latitude 29°27'S and longitude 159°07'E.
The Reserve is relatively remote from other areas of marine conservation significance in Australia and is the most easterly site of marine conservation significance in Australia. The closest Marine and Estuarine Protected Areas, between 600 and 700 km distant, lie along the southern coast of Queensland and the northern coast of New South Wales. The southernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park lies about 900 kilometres to the north-west.
Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, together with reefs around Lord Howe Island 150 km to the south, are regarded as the southernmost coral reefs in the world. Their location, where tropical and temperate ocean currents meet, contributes to an unusually diverse assemblage of marine species.
