What is the Heard Island & McDonald Islands Marine Reserve?

One of the world’s largest highly protected IUCN category 1A marine reserves the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve was established by Australia in the waters surrounding HIMI in 2002.

Is there a threat to Heard Island and the McDonald Islands?

Ongoing and accelerating climate change poses an increasing risk of fundamental alterations in biodiversity. Geological processes (primarily volcanism and glacial retreat) continue undisturbed. The overall assessment is that there is a low threat to the World Heritage values of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands if visitation remains low.

Where are the Heard and McDonald Islands located?

The Heard and McDonald Islands are remote subantarctic volcanic features located in the Southern Ocean, halfway between Australia and South Africa. They are approximately 1700 km from the Antarctic continent and 4000 km southwest of mainland Australia (Australian Government 2016 ). Heard Island is 43 km long and 21 km wide.

Why are Heard Island and McDonald Islands isolated?

However, the site’s isolation assists in reducing anthropogenic impacts upon the site’s values. Heard Island and McDonald Islands are located in the Southern Ocean, approximately 1,700 km from the Antarctic continent and 4,100 km south-west of Perth.

What causes methane seeps near Heard Island?

Methane seeps have recently been discovered near Heard Island and may be a result of volcanic activity and/or accelerated decomposition of biological material in sediments due to geothermal energy (Spain et al., 2020).

How many submarine banks are there on Heard Island?

The five discrete submarine banks rising less than 500 metres with gazetted names: Pike, Discovery, Aurora and Coral banks to the north and north-west of Heard Island; and Shell Bank to the east, which is separated from the plateau by a trough were confirmed by Brolsma (ibid.).