Marine Protected Areas
Links to an another web site
Opens a pop-up window
The Apollo Reserve is located off Apollo Bay on Victoria's west coast in shallow waters (80 to 120 metres) on the continental shelf. It includes 1,184 square kilometres of Commonwealth ocean territory. It complements the Victorian State Government Marine Protected Area (MPA) network.
The Apollo Commonwealth Marine Reserve encompasses the continental shelf ecosystem of the major biological zone that extends from South Australia to the west of Tasmania. The area includes the Otway Depression, an undersea valley that joins the Bass Basin to the open ocean. This valley was an outlet channel from the old Bass Lake and mainland river systems during the last ice age. The shelf is a high-energy environment, exposed to large swell waves propagating from the south-west and strong tidal flows.
Apollo is a relatively shallow reserve with big waves and strong tidal flows. The seafloor features a large valley with remnants of mainland river systems, whilst the rough seas are home to Australian fur seals and school sharks.
| Proclamation date | 28 June 2007 (to come into effect on 3 September 2007) |
|---|---|
| Size (current) | 118,400 Ha (1,184 km2) |
| IUCN category | VI – Multiple Use Zone |
| Biogeographic context | Western Bass Strait IMCRA Transition Bass Strait IMCRA Province |
| Management plan status | In development |
| World Heritage | No |