Sibsey Island is an island off the coast of South Australia. Located at in the Sir Joseph Banks Group, it was discovered in 1801 by Matthew Flinders. In modern times, the island is uninhabited, but it does have an automated lighthouse upon it. English Island is nearby.
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There are two anchorages on the island, one on the western side of the island, and another on the east. There is a navigational light set up on the highest point on the island. Dangerous Reef, a nearby reef, makes approaching the island in large craft hazardous.
Australian Sea Lions from nearby English Island are often seen on the rocks near to Sibsey. Seabirds nest on the island, but there are no other large animals present. Marine predators often hunt in the channel between Sibsey and English Islands. The island is part of the Sir Joseph Banks Islands Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International because of its importance as a breeding site for seabirds and for Cape Barren Geese.[1]
The island has no native economy, being uninhabited. However, the waters surrounding it are used extensively by recreational fishermen. The nearby Dangerous Reef is also a popular tourism spot, with scuba diving operators taking advantage of the natural formations and fish stocks. It is a significant bird, sea lion and great white shark breeding area.[2] The area is also covered under the Lower Eyre Peninsula Aquaculture Policy.