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Marine Protected Areas
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The Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve takes in 6,123 square kilometres of Commonwealth ocean territory in deep water (below 3,000 metres depth) off the far south-east of South Australia.
The Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve spans the deep water ecosystems of the major biological zone that extends from South Australia to the west of Tasmania. It encloses geological features including plateaus, knolls, canyons and the abyssal plain (i.e. a large area of extremely flat or gently sloping ocean floor just offshore from a continent). The knoll features provide a rocky substrate above the abyssal plain.
Scientists believe these areas are home to unique fauna, but little is known about what lives on the seabed of this reserve. It is known to be an important area for a number of whale species including the southern right, sperm, minke, killer, pilot and blue.
| Proclamation date | 28 June 2007 (to come into effect on 3 September 2007) |
|---|---|
| Size (current) | 612,300 Ha (6,123 km2) |
| IUCN category | IUCN VI – Special Purpose Zone |
| Biogeographic context | West Tasmania Transition |
| Management plan status | In development |
| World Heritage | No |