Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a 6,123 km² marine protected area within Australian waters located in the Southern Ocean^[2] near the South Australia-Victoria border. The reserve was established in 2007^[3] and is part of the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network.

Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources)
Map showing the Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Location	Indian Ocean, Australia
Nearest town	Port Macdonnell, South Australia
Coordinates	39.31°S 139.85°E / -39.31; 139.85[1]
Area	6,123 km2 (2,364 sq mi)
Established	August 31, 2007 (2007-08-31)
Governing body	Parks Australia (Commonwealth of Australia)
environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-reserves/south-east/nelson

The reserve spans deepwater ecosystems (below 3,000 m (9,800 ft)) and encloses geological features including plateaus, knolls, canyons and the abyssal plain. It is an important migration area for humpback, blue, fin and possibly sei whales.^[4]

Protection

The entirety of the Nelson marine reserve area is IUCN protected area category VI and is zoned as 'Special Purpose'.^[4]

Zone	IUCN	Activities permitted			Area (km2)
		Recreational fishing	Commercial fishing	Mining
Special Purpose	VI	Yes	No	with approval	6,123
[Note 1]

See also

• Australia portal
• Environment portal

• Commonwealth marine reserves
• Protected areas of Australia
• Great Australian Bight

Notes

1. Summary of permitted activities only, see source for details^[5]