Ashmore Reef Marine Park

The marine park encompasses 583 square kilometers of coral reefs, lagoons, seagrass meadows, and three small islands in the Indian Ocean north of Broome.

The British Government annexed Ashmore Island in 1878 before transferring control to Australia in 1931 following concerns about pearl fishing poachers.

Indonesian fishermen maintain traditional access rights to specific areas within the marine park under a 1974 Memorandum of Understanding with Australia.

Visitors require approval from the Director of National Parks to enter the Sanctuary Zone, with designated moorings available in the Recreational Use Zone.

The marine park hosts 100,000 breeding seabirds annually and contains 45 species of sea cucumbers across its protected waters.

Location: Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Operator: Parks Australia

Address: Ashmore Reef, Australia

Website: https://parksaustralia.gov.au/marine/parks/north-west/ashmore-reef

GPS coordinates: -12.24047,123.09331

Latest update: March 6, 2025 12:21