Browse Island
Browse Island is a small (14 ha) uninhabited island lying in the Timor Sea about 180 km north-west of the Kimberley coast of north-western Australia. It is a Western Australian Class ‘C’ Nature Reserve vested with the state Conservation Commission and managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation.[1][2]
Environment
Fauna
The island is an important nesting site for Green Turtles as well as seabirds. Introduced House Mice are present. It is surrounded by extensive coral reefs. The waters around the island are a site of upwelling associated with concentrations of tropical krill, and there have been unconfirmed reports of Humpback Whales feeding there.[1][2]
Human impact
The island was mined for guano during the 19th century. There are nine historic shipwrecks around the island, including one which is listed on the Register of the National Estate. There is a helipad which is used by the oil and gas industry. The surrounding waters are visited by Indonesian fishers as the island lies in the MOU 74 Box area allowing traditional Indonesian fishing activities within the Australian Fishing Zone.[1][2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Anon (2010). Status Performance Assessment: Biodiversity Conservation of Western Australian Islands. Phase II – Kimberley Islands. Final Report.. Conservation Commission of Western Australia.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Caswell MC3D Marine Seismic Survey Environment Plan: Public Summary". National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority. Retrieved 2013-12-03.
Coordinates: 14°06′32″S 123°32′57″E / 14.10889°S 123.54917°E