Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve

The marine park encompasses islands and surrounding waters in the Southern Ocean, providing protection for diverse marine species including seals, penguins, and seabirds.

The Australian government established this marine reserve in October 2002 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, with significant expansion occurring in March 2014.

Research stations within the reserve contribute scientific data about marine ecosystems, climate change impacts, and wildlife populations in subantarctic environments.

Access to the marine reserve requires special permits and remains limited primarily to scientific expeditions, located 4,000 kilometers southwest of mainland Australia.

The territorial waters contain specific zones dedicated to protecting benthic and pelagic environments, supporting local foraging activities of land-based marine predators.

GPS coordinates: -53.10400,73.52900

Latest update: November 17, 2025 13:50