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South Tasman Rise Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Overview
| Name | South Tasman Rise Commonwealth Marine Reserve |
|---|---|
| Proclamation date | 28 June 2007 (effective 3 September 2007) |
| Area | 27,704 km2 |
| Types of zoning | IUCN VI – Special Purpose Zone |
| Management plan status | Interim management arrangements |
The South Tasman Rise Commonwealth Marine Reserve covers 27,704 square kilometres of Commonwealth ocean territory in deep ocean to the south-east of Tasmania. It includes a section of the mid-continental slope of the South Tasman Rise in 1,200 to 3,000 metre depths and its southern edge follows the boundary of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone, 200 nautical miles from land.
Special features
The South Tasman Rise Commonwealth Marine Reserve spans mid-continental slope and deeper water ecosystems of a primary biological zone to the south of Tasmania. It encloses a submerged ridge of continental rock that stands as the last remnant of the link between Australia and Antarctica.
Deformed by the massive rifting process when the Australian continental block moved north, the south Tasman rise supports unique environments for marine life and is an area of significant scientific interest.
The reserve contains several seamounts, some of which have flat summits, which indicates a period of exposure above the surface at some time.
Squat Lobster, CSIRO