ACCESS TO THE ISLAND NATURE RESERVES OF THE TURQUOISE COAST

The island reserves situated off our coastline are unique and fragile, are largely unspoilt in the form of human impacts and are home to some very rare and endangered fauna.

Some 40 islands are found within the Turquoise Coast area between Lancelin and Dongara with a great number of those situated within the waters of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. All islands of the Turquoise Coast are nature reserves and are set aside specifically for the protection of flora and fauna, with a large proportion being ‘A class’ ranked.

Sea lions on Essex Rocks Island

Various islands have been identified as home to some of Australia’s most vulnerable species of wildlife including the Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea), Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) and the Lancelin Island Skink (Ctenotus lancelini).

Fairy terns

Photo: Claire Greenwell

Being offshore islands they are often free from some species of pests and diseases that are prevalent on the mainland, which is why the island nature reserves are set aside for special protection, to lessen the risk of introducing a problem that contributes to irreversible damage. These beautiful island reserves are attractive to us humans and being only a quick boat ride offshore, setting foot on the clean, unspoilt beaches some of the islands have to offer has been a favourite pastime of locals and visitors to the area for many years. In recent weeks, the islands have seen an increase in visitation numbers both of tourists and locals alike, coinciding with the warm weather and summer school holidays. This increase in visitation has unfortunately also seen a rise in unlawful activity being detected, and all visitors are reminded that dogs, camping, fires and the taking of any flora or fauna is prohibited and penalties apply. Visitors are also reminded that limited access is permitted only to beaches on designated islands and it is an offence to enter the areas beyond the beach. There are some specific islands classed as ‘no access’ zones and for these islands it is unlawful to land and access anywhere within the island reserve. If you are accessing beaches of the permitted islands on a day trip within the Jurien Bay Marine Park, some of the island reserves are located within sanctuary or special purposes zones. These zones govern what activities are permitted or not permitted including the type of fishing and some species-specific limitations. Increased patrols by DBCA compliance officers will target unlawful activity and we appeal to visitors to leave your dogs at home and stay only on the beach areas of the permitted islands. DBCA produces a brochure specific for the Jurien Bay Marine Park which includes the island reserves, that is available from the Parks & Wildlife Service office in Jurien Bay or online at www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/parks. For enquiries relating to other Turquoise Coast island nature reserves, please call the Jurien Bay office on 9688 6000 or come into the office at 67 Bashford Street.

Chris Roy | Wildlife Officer | Parks and Wildlife Service - Moora District | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions