Ashmore and Cartier Islands, External territory in Indian Ocean, Australia
The Ashmore and Cartier Islands consist of four tropical islands spread across two separate reefs, encompassing 583 square kilometers of marine territory.
Captain Samuel Ashmore discovered the main reef in 1811 during his voyage on the Hibernia, while Captain Nash found Cartier Island in 1800.
Indonesian fishermen maintain traditional fishing rights in these waters through a 1974 agreement that recognizes their historical connection to the region.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts manages the territory from Canberra with support from the Royal Australian Navy.
The territory contains an automated weather station on West Island and serves as a marine research location for environmental scientists studying coral reef systems.
Location: Australia
Inception: May 10, 1934
Elevation above the sea: 3 m
GPS coordinates: -12.25833,123.04167
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:15
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