Lihou Reef National Nature Reserve, Marine reserve in Coral Sea Islands Territory, Australia.
Lihou Reef is a marine protected area in the Coral Sea Islands Territory featuring a U-shaped atoll structure. The reserve contains multiple islands and reef formations that create a distinctive seascape with shallow and deep water zones.
The reef was discovered in 1823 by Lieutenant John Lihou while navigating through uncharted waters on HMS Zenobia. The area later received formal protection status to conserve its marine environment.
The reserve received recognition as a Ramsar wetland site in 2002, marking its status among internationally significant marine environments.
The reserve is remote and accessible mainly by boat through open ocean waters requiring proper maritime experience. A navigation lighthouse on one of the islands serves mariners traveling through the region.
The lagoon spans 100 by 30 kilometers with depths reaching 60 meters, making it the second largest atoll formation in the Coral Sea.
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