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Marine Protected Areas

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Macquarie Island Commonwealth Marine Reserve

An unidentified species of seastar collected during a research cruise on the CSIRO FRV Southern Surveyor off Macquarie Island in January 1999. Karen Gowlett-Holmes, CSIRO Marine Research

Summary of Macquarie Island Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Proclamation date 27 October 1999
Size (current) 16,200,000 Ha
(162,000 km2)
IUCN category

Overall — IUCN Category IV . Includes three Zones as follows:

  • Highly Protected Zone — IUCN Category Ia — 5 800 000 Ha (58 000 km2)
  • Northern Species/Habitat Protection Zone — IUCN Category IV — 2 700 000 Ha (27 000 km2)
  • Southern Species/Habitat Protection Zone — IUCN Category IV — 7 700 000 Ha (77 000 km2)
Biogeographic context Macquarie Province Bioregion
Management plan status The first management plan expired 25 September 2008. Interim Management Arrangements apply until new plan takes effect in mid 2009
World heritage Yes
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