Marine Protected Areas
The island and surrounding area are unique in their geological characteristics. It is the only known location where oceanic crust, from a normal mid-ocean ridge, has been lifted above sea level in a major oceanic basin. Moreover, its overall north-south trend means that it acts as a major barrier to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the earth's largest and most important oceanic current, which flows eastward about the Antarctic landmass. This impacts on the balance of oceanic and atmospheric heat and chemical exchange, which in turn has an effect on the southern hemisphere's weather patterns.
A number of species found in the Macquarie Island Region, including five albatross species, four penguin species and two seal species, are under local or global threat and because most of these species require extremely large migratory or foraging ranges, protection of their critical feeding and migratory areas has international significance.
These species include:
Although the timing of many species seasonal occupation of the Region and their behaviour while onshore are well documented, the behaviour of these animals while in the marine environment or outside breeding seasons requires further research.
Elephant seals at Middle Beach, Rowan Butler, Australian Antarctic Division