Why is there a marine reserve around Heard Island & McDonalds Islands?

Recognition of the unique and largely unmodified nature of the marine environment within the Australian EEZ around Heard Island and the McDonalds Islands led to the proposal for a marine reserve in 2001.

Where are Heard Island and McDonald Islands located?

Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) are a remote subantarctic island group located about 4,000 km south-west of Western Australia and approximately 1,700 km from the Antarctic continent. The HIMI exclusive economic zone (EEZ) abuts the French EEZ around the Kerguelen Islands.

What causes McDonald Islands emissions?

The McDonald Islands emissions may be linked to either faults or submarine extensions of subaerial geothermal systems, such as those observed subaerially on the islands (McIvor, 2007; Quilty & Wheller, 2000; Stephenson et al., 2005).

Why should you visit Heard Island?

Heard Island also contains significant cultural relics and heritage sites from 19th and early 20th century sealing activities and from the first Australian Antarctic research expeditions.

When did Heard Island erupt?

Historical eruptions of Heard Island, most recently from 1985 to at least 1992 and probahly later, have occurred from Mawson Peak, the summit cone built upon Big Ben, bur young lavas and ash cones afe widespread around the island. Recent volcanic activity is summarised.