They support a remarkable array of marine fauna, including tropical fish, turtles, hard and soft corals, sponges, and a great many crustaceans. The North West Shelf provides some of the best examples of tropical arid-zone mangroves in the world and reefs of great productivity and diversity are found relatively close inshore. Ningaloo Marine Park, at the southern end of the North West Shelf, is home to endangered dugongs, migratory whales and giant whale sharks. Ningaloo attracts many thousands of tourists each year and new tourism facilities are being developed regularly to cater for the increasing demand. Two other marine parks are being proposed on the North West Shelf around the Dampier Archipelago and the Monte Bello Islands.
Strong linkages exist within and between our tropical marine systems.
The larvae of marine species, including coral, can be transported from one system to another. This transport can be a key element in maintaining 'downstream' systems, including those in marine parks, and in allowing re-colonisation after natural or human induced disturbance. Mangrove-lined shores prevent coastal erosion and consequent silting of adjacent ecosystems. They are also nurseries for some juveniles of marine species that live in other habitats as adults. Coral reefs protect shores from violent wave action.