Special Features of Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve

Hermit crab, Coral Sea, Mark Hallam.

The Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve is largest reef structure in the Coral Sea. It is best known for its

pristine environmental condition
shelf-edge oceanic reef
rich and diverse marine flora and fauna, including potentially undescribed species
spectacular and unusual underwater topography
internationally significant populations of breeding seabirds
undisturbed habitat for nesting green turtles Chelonia mydas.

The reef habitat supports marine benthic flora and fauna that are distinct from those of the Great Barrier Reef. A diverse range of marine algae, sponges, soft and hard corals, crustaceans, starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and fish have been recorded within the Reserve. The green turtle, Chelonia mydas, breeds in the Reserve and a number of species of dolphins and whales are known to occur in the area.

The Reserve contains extensive and regionally significant seabird colonies, and many of the species recorded from the Reserves are listed under the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement. The buff-banded rail, Gallirallus philippensis subsp., and the purple swamphen, Porphyra porphyra, are the only species of land bird breeding within the Reserve.

The Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve is a valuable reference site for scientific research and monitoring of marine ecosystems, seabirds and turtles. They are also an internationally renowned destination for diving, snorkeling and bird watching. An automatic weather station and a solar powered navigation beacon have been established within Lihou Reef NNR. No permanent structures have been established in Coringa-Herald NNR.