System of marine protected areas extended

Tasmania has added another 16 reserves to its system of marine protected areas.

The reserves extend over about 12,000 hectares and cover the range of marine ecosystems found in south east Tasmania, including rocky reefs, inter-tidal sand flats, seagrass beds, kelp communities, mudflats and offshore reefs and islands.

Marine protected areas are an important tool in maintaining ecological balance and the ecosystems support much of south east Tasmania’s unique marine life, including several threatened species.

The new reserve areas are the result of the 2008 Resource Planning and Development Commission’s Inquiry into the establishment of marine protected areas within the Bruny Bio-Region. The inquiry was undertaken in accordance with the Tasmanian Marine Protected Areas Strategy, which aims to achieve a comprehensive and representative system of marine protected areas around the state.