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Apollo Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Overview
| Name | Apollo Commonwealth Marine Reserve |
|---|---|
| Proclamation date | 28 June 2007 (effective 3 September 2007) |
| Area | 1,184 km2 |
| Types of zoning | VI – Multiple Use Zone |
| Management plan status | Interim management arrangements |
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.
Special features
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.