MARINE BIRD AREAS: Western Australia
Written as an Appendix for RESEARCH PAPER: Lyme Disease / Borreliosis: An Overview of Lyme and Direction for further Research required in Australia
Western Australia Coastline: 13,000 kms
WA Islands: http://www.australianexplorer.com/western_australia_islands.htm
WA Islands: http://www.australianexplorer.com/western_australia_islands.htm
Information for : Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory is still in note form and yet to be completed.
Basic Notes to date:
Moving from Western Australian border – Northern Territory:
South Coast Region: South Coast Region is richly endowed with islands; 77 are 20 ha or larger, while there are numerous smaller islands. The Archipelago of the Recherche Nature Reserve has more than 230 islands, islets and rocks. A few of these islands are:
Shelter Island (known locally as Mutton BirdIsland, this is actually the name of a nearby islet): Very close to mainland: 130 metres off-shore. (flesh-footed shearwaters, penguins)
Coffin Island (part of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve): 300 metres offshore: Great-winged petrel (major colony), flesh-footed shearwater, little penguin, little shearwater, and other seabirds
Breaksea Island: Less than 5kms off Flinders Peninsula: Little penguin, major colony; Flesh-footed shearwater, minor colony; great-winged petrel.
Eclipse Island: Important Bird Area around 15kms off the coast (Albany) Supports over 1% of the world's breeding population of Flesh-footed Shearwaters (6000-8000 pairs) and Great-winged Petrels (10,000-15,000 pairs). Other birds include Wedge-tail and
little shearwaters, Caspian terns, Pacific gulls.
Archipelago of the Recherche. About 230 islands, islets and rocks; many of the smaller ones are un-named. Many very important islands, seabird breeding. Stretch 230 kilometres (143 mi) from East to West and up to 50 kilometres (31 mi) off-shore. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archipelago_of_the_Recherche
Warren Region: Few islands occur in Warren Region. Four are 20 ha or larger and there are some smaller islands, three of which are located within inlets.
Quagering Island: Hugging the coast near Windy Harbour: Flesh-footed shearwater, little penguin and other seabirds breed there.
Chatham Island: One kilometre offshore: little penguin and flesh-footed shearwater breed there
Saddle Island: One kilometre offshore: Flesh-footed shearwater and little shearwater reported breeding
Sandy Island: Approx thirty kilometres offshore. Major flesh-footed shearwater colony, other seabirds.
South West Region: Very few islands are located within South West Region. None are 20 ha or larger.
Hamelin Island: Seabird breeding. Close to mainland and boat launching area - receives much visitation.
Saint Alouarn Islands: Seabird breeding. Ranging from 1.5 – 9km’s offshore: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Alouarn_Islands
Swan Region: Swan Region has only three islands 20 ha or larger
Penguin Island: Major little penguin and other seabird breeding island. 700metres from the coastline of Rockingham (near Perth)
Shoalwater Bay islets (Bird, Seal): Seabird breeding : Mainland
Carnac Island: Important seabird colonies Approx 10kms offshore
Rottnest Island: 16 km off the coast of Freemantle – 18kms due west of Perth:
Perth city extends a long distance from Perth CBD, both north and south, hugging the Indian Ocean coast. Perth's Swan River is a broad waterway connecting Fremantle to central Perth. Perth Beach areas extend along the Indian Ocean Coast as mostly one long stretch of beach. http://www.discoverwest.com.au/western_australia/
Birds of Rottnest: CSIRO: http://www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=MU932030.pdf
http://birdingwa.iinet.net.au/sites/rottnest.htm
Midwest Region: There are 17 islands 20 ha or larger in the Midwest Region; however, there are numerous smaller ones, many of which have high biodiversity values. Many Islands in this area important to seabirds: Some of the more significant – and close to
the mainland are:
Bernier Dorre and Koks Islands: Bernier and Dorre Island Nature Reserve
Pelican, Faure, Dirk Hartog and Salutation Islands.
The islands in Freycinet Estuary
South Shark Bay : Slope, Friday, Lefebre, Charlie, Freycinet, Double and Baudin Islands
Shark Bay is a World Heritage Area with many areas important to seabirds: Almost all are used by seabirds for breeding,
though some are more important than others. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_islands_in_Shark_Bay
Shark Bay, Birds of Shark Bay (240species) : http://www.sharkbay.org/default.aspx?WebPageID=119
Islands between Dongara and Lancelin: The following Islands are all relatively close to the mainland and significant seabird (a number of them also sealion) breeding sites.
Wedge Island (On Mainland); Whitlock Island: (Hugs the mainland) Lancelin Island
Buller Island (human visitation high) Boullanger Island (High recreational use from Jurien) Edwards Island
Favorite Island Escape Island Tern and Osprey Islands Whittell Island Sandland Island
Island Groups: Green Islands Beagle Islands Cervantes Islands Fisherman Islands
Pilbara Region: There are 101 islands 20 ha or larger in the Pilbara, plus many smaller ones.
The following Islands are all relatively close to the mainland and significant seabird breeding sites:
Tent Island: (Joined to mainland at low tide) Roberts Island(Narrow channel to mainland)
Doole Island Y Island Bedout Island North Turtle Island
Thevenard Island Sholl Island Frazer Island (Surrounded by Ningaloo Marine Park)
Onslow Area: Airlie Island Bessieres Island Serrurier Island Locker Island
Island Groups: Muiron Islands: (Significant tourist and local use)
Dampier Archipelago: A very important island group with many high biodiversity conservation.
http://www.australiasnorthwest.com/Destinations_of_the_North_West/The_Pilbara/Dampier_Archipelago
Lake McCloud (Mainland): Carnarvon area Important area for seabirds such as little terns. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Macleod
Kimberly Region: There are 343 islands 20 ha or larger in the Kimberleyand numerous smaller ones.
The following is those islands/areas in the region that are all relatively close to the mainland and significant seabird breeding sites:
Roebuck Bay (Broome): Little terns species is reported to breed on the mainland of far southern Western Australia (Higgins & Davies 1996; Johnstone & Storr 1998). http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=814
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north-west/publications/pubs/northwest-report-card-seabirds.pdf
Lacepede Islands: are group of four small islands situated on a large platform reef that lies 19 km off the west coast off the Dampier Peninsula, from which they are separated by the Lacepede Channel. (Visited by tourist charter boats) West and Middle Islands provide habitat to one of the largest breeding colonies of Lesser Frigate Birds (Fregata ariel) and Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) in the Indian Ocean.
http://www.oceandots.com/indian/kimberley/lacepede.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacepede_Islands
Low Rocks and Sterna Island : Close to coast near Mitchell Plateau (far north Kimberly region)
Important Bird Area: These small islets support more than 1% of the world population of Roseate Terns with over 4000 breeding pairs using the site. Other seabirds include Crested and Lesser Crested Terns and Pied Cormorants. http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sitefactsheet.php?id=23921
http://www.geodata.us/australia_names_maps/aumaps.php?fid=324243&f=318&name=Sterna%20Island
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Rocks_and_Sterna_Island_Important_Bird_Area
Lesueur Island : The 58 ha Lesueur Island lies around 10 km northwest from Cape Rulhieres and Koolama.
The majority of the above information with regards to seabirds and important island locations of Western Australiawas sourced from the following readings:
Species group report card– seabirds. Supporting the draft marine bioregional plan for the North-west Marine Region, prepared under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Commonwealth of Australia 2011.
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north-west/publications/pubs/northwest-report-card-seabirds.pdf
Status Performance Assessment: Biodiversity Conservation on Western AustralianIslands. Phase I - Conservation Commission of Western Australia. Approved at Conservation Commission meeting, 11th May 2009 (Further details are available at: www.conservation.wa.gov.au.) Reading Accessed at:
http://conservation.wa.gov.au/media/8611/islands%20spa%20-%20may%2013th%202009%20-%20final.pdf
Status Performance Assessment: Biodiversity Conservation on Western AustralianIslands. Phase II – Kimberly Islands,
Final Report. Conservation Commission of Western Australia. April 2010.
http://conservation.wa.gov.au/media/8919/final%20version_14april2010.pdf
Basic Notes to date:
Moving from Western Australian border – Northern Territory:
South Coast Region: South Coast Region is richly endowed with islands; 77 are 20 ha or larger, while there are numerous smaller islands. The Archipelago of the Recherche Nature Reserve has more than 230 islands, islets and rocks. A few of these islands are:
Shelter Island (known locally as Mutton BirdIsland, this is actually the name of a nearby islet): Very close to mainland: 130 metres off-shore. (flesh-footed shearwaters, penguins)
Coffin Island (part of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve): 300 metres offshore: Great-winged petrel (major colony), flesh-footed shearwater, little penguin, little shearwater, and other seabirds
Breaksea Island: Less than 5kms off Flinders Peninsula: Little penguin, major colony; Flesh-footed shearwater, minor colony; great-winged petrel.
Eclipse Island: Important Bird Area around 15kms off the coast (Albany) Supports over 1% of the world's breeding population of Flesh-footed Shearwaters (6000-8000 pairs) and Great-winged Petrels (10,000-15,000 pairs). Other birds include Wedge-tail and
little shearwaters, Caspian terns, Pacific gulls.
Archipelago of the Recherche. About 230 islands, islets and rocks; many of the smaller ones are un-named. Many very important islands, seabird breeding. Stretch 230 kilometres (143 mi) from East to West and up to 50 kilometres (31 mi) off-shore. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archipelago_of_the_Recherche
Warren Region: Few islands occur in Warren Region. Four are 20 ha or larger and there are some smaller islands, three of which are located within inlets.
Quagering Island: Hugging the coast near Windy Harbour: Flesh-footed shearwater, little penguin and other seabirds breed there.
Chatham Island: One kilometre offshore: little penguin and flesh-footed shearwater breed there
Saddle Island: One kilometre offshore: Flesh-footed shearwater and little shearwater reported breeding
Sandy Island: Approx thirty kilometres offshore. Major flesh-footed shearwater colony, other seabirds.
South West Region: Very few islands are located within South West Region. None are 20 ha or larger.
Hamelin Island: Seabird breeding. Close to mainland and boat launching area - receives much visitation.
Saint Alouarn Islands: Seabird breeding. Ranging from 1.5 – 9km’s offshore: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Alouarn_Islands
Swan Region: Swan Region has only three islands 20 ha or larger
Penguin Island: Major little penguin and other seabird breeding island. 700metres from the coastline of Rockingham (near Perth)
Shoalwater Bay islets (Bird, Seal): Seabird breeding : Mainland
Carnac Island: Important seabird colonies Approx 10kms offshore
Rottnest Island: 16 km off the coast of Freemantle – 18kms due west of Perth:
Perth city extends a long distance from Perth CBD, both north and south, hugging the Indian Ocean coast. Perth's Swan River is a broad waterway connecting Fremantle to central Perth. Perth Beach areas extend along the Indian Ocean Coast as mostly one long stretch of beach. http://www.discoverwest.com.au/western_australia/
Birds of Rottnest: CSIRO: http://www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=MU932030.pdf
http://birdingwa.iinet.net.au/sites/rottnest.htm
Midwest Region: There are 17 islands 20 ha or larger in the Midwest Region; however, there are numerous smaller ones, many of which have high biodiversity values. Many Islands in this area important to seabirds: Some of the more significant – and close to
the mainland are:
Bernier Dorre and Koks Islands: Bernier and Dorre Island Nature Reserve
Pelican, Faure, Dirk Hartog and Salutation Islands.
The islands in Freycinet Estuary
South Shark Bay : Slope, Friday, Lefebre, Charlie, Freycinet, Double and Baudin Islands
Shark Bay is a World Heritage Area with many areas important to seabirds: Almost all are used by seabirds for breeding,
though some are more important than others. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_islands_in_Shark_Bay
Shark Bay, Birds of Shark Bay (240species) : http://www.sharkbay.org/default.aspx?WebPageID=119
Islands between Dongara and Lancelin: The following Islands are all relatively close to the mainland and significant seabird (a number of them also sealion) breeding sites.
Wedge Island (On Mainland); Whitlock Island: (Hugs the mainland) Lancelin Island
Buller Island (human visitation high) Boullanger Island (High recreational use from Jurien) Edwards Island
Favorite Island Escape Island Tern and Osprey Islands Whittell Island Sandland Island
Island Groups: Green Islands Beagle Islands Cervantes Islands Fisherman Islands
Pilbara Region: There are 101 islands 20 ha or larger in the Pilbara, plus many smaller ones.
The following Islands are all relatively close to the mainland and significant seabird breeding sites:
Tent Island: (Joined to mainland at low tide) Roberts Island(Narrow channel to mainland)
Doole Island Y Island Bedout Island North Turtle Island
Thevenard Island Sholl Island Frazer Island (Surrounded by Ningaloo Marine Park)
Onslow Area: Airlie Island Bessieres Island Serrurier Island Locker Island
Island Groups: Muiron Islands: (Significant tourist and local use)
Dampier Archipelago: A very important island group with many high biodiversity conservation.
http://www.australiasnorthwest.com/Destinations_of_the_North_West/The_Pilbara/Dampier_Archipelago
Lake McCloud (Mainland): Carnarvon area Important area for seabirds such as little terns. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Macleod
Kimberly Region: There are 343 islands 20 ha or larger in the Kimberleyand numerous smaller ones.
The following is those islands/areas in the region that are all relatively close to the mainland and significant seabird breeding sites:
Roebuck Bay (Broome): Little terns species is reported to breed on the mainland of far southern Western Australia (Higgins & Davies 1996; Johnstone & Storr 1998). http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=814
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north-west/publications/pubs/northwest-report-card-seabirds.pdf
Lacepede Islands: are group of four small islands situated on a large platform reef that lies 19 km off the west coast off the Dampier Peninsula, from which they are separated by the Lacepede Channel. (Visited by tourist charter boats) West and Middle Islands provide habitat to one of the largest breeding colonies of Lesser Frigate Birds (Fregata ariel) and Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) in the Indian Ocean.
http://www.oceandots.com/indian/kimberley/lacepede.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacepede_Islands
Low Rocks and Sterna Island : Close to coast near Mitchell Plateau (far north Kimberly region)
Important Bird Area: These small islets support more than 1% of the world population of Roseate Terns with over 4000 breeding pairs using the site. Other seabirds include Crested and Lesser Crested Terns and Pied Cormorants. http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sitefactsheet.php?id=23921
http://www.geodata.us/australia_names_maps/aumaps.php?fid=324243&f=318&name=Sterna%20Island
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Rocks_and_Sterna_Island_Important_Bird_Area
Lesueur Island : The 58 ha Lesueur Island lies around 10 km northwest from Cape Rulhieres and Koolama.
The majority of the above information with regards to seabirds and important island locations of Western Australiawas sourced from the following readings:
Species group report card– seabirds. Supporting the draft marine bioregional plan for the North-west Marine Region, prepared under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Commonwealth of Australia 2011.
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north-west/publications/pubs/northwest-report-card-seabirds.pdf
Status Performance Assessment: Biodiversity Conservation on Western AustralianIslands. Phase I - Conservation Commission of Western Australia. Approved at Conservation Commission meeting, 11th May 2009 (Further details are available at: www.conservation.wa.gov.au.) Reading Accessed at:
http://conservation.wa.gov.au/media/8611/islands%20spa%20-%20may%2013th%202009%20-%20final.pdf
Status Performance Assessment: Biodiversity Conservation on Western AustralianIslands. Phase II – Kimberly Islands,
Final Report. Conservation Commission of Western Australia. April 2010.
http://conservation.wa.gov.au/media/8919/final%20version_14april2010.pdf
