Mermaid Reef Marine National Nature Reserve
Blue-spotted stingray,
Mermaid Reef,
DEWHA
Management
Mermaid Reef Marine National Nature Reserve (Mermaid) was declared on 21 March 1991 to protect its marine life and coral formations. Mermaid is assigned the IUCN category Ia - Strict Nature Reserve, which means that it is a protected area managed mainly for scientific research or environmental monitoring.
The Director of National Parks is responsible for managing all Commonwealth reserves including marine protected areas as specified by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Director has delegated authority under the EPBC Act and its Regulations to specific members of the Marine Division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
Interim management arrangements
Interim management arrangements under the EPBC Act for Mermaid commenced on 17 May 2007 following the expiry of the first management plan. These interim management arrangements are consistent with the first management plan for Mermaid.
Under the interim management arrangements, visitors to Mermaid require authorisation from the Director of National Parks to conduct certain activities. These arrangements will remain in place until a new management plan is finalised at the conclusion of the marine bioregional planning process for the north-west marine region.
Find out more about marine bioregional planning in the north-west region.
Strategic objectives
Mermaid is protected and managed to preserve its natural condition according to the following strategic objectives:
- Provide for the preservation of Mermaid Reef in its natural condition and the protection of its special features including objects and sites of biological, historical, palaeontological, archaeological, geological and geographical interest;
- Manage Mermaid primarily for scientific research and monitoring purposes with public access limited;
- Protect Mermaid against damage from human activities; and
- Encourage and regulate the appropriate use of Mermaid.
Management activities
Mermaid is managed under State and Federal partnership arrangements between State and Federal governments.
A number of other agencies also assist in the management of Mermaid, including the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Royal Australian Navy. The Western Australian Department for Planning and Infrastructure is responsible for regulations relating to boating safety.
Also in this section
Existing Commonwealth reserves under the EPBC Act
Marine protected areas
Temperate East Marine Region
- 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
Coral Sea
- Coral Sea Conservation Zone
- Coringa-Herald National Nature Reserve
- Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve
North-west Marine Region
- Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve
and
Cartier Island Marine Reserve - Mermaid Reef Marine National Nature Reserve
- Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters)