Marine Protected Areas
The Solitary Islands Marine Reserve (Commonwealth Waters) protects and conserves a relatively undisturbed, distinct and species-rich ecosystem associated with its open ocean, subtidal reef, and soft substrate habitats.
Pimpernel Rock is the most significant feature in the Reserve. It is a submerged pinnacle that rises from the seabed to within a few metres of the surface, providing habitat for benthic communities, pelagic fish, grey nurse sharks Carcharias taurus, black cod Epinephilus damelii, and marine turtles.
The marine reserve is located in a mixing zone between tropical and temperate environments, and many species are at, or close to, their southern and northern geographical extents. Biogeographic overlap zones such as this, where many species are at the extremities of their natural distributions, are important natural laboratories in which to study ecological processes, inter-specific competition, larval dispersal mechanisms, reef formation and limiting environmental factors.
It is also home to a number of species which are listed as endangered or vulnerable under Commonwealth legislation or international agreements. Examples include humpback whales, dolphins, grey nurse sharks, the black cod, Bleekers devil fish, the little tern and other seabirds.
