Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00321:front:0:p76
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00321
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 221862–224925

reef fish assemblage of endemic, sub-tropical and temperate species. Coral reefs in Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay are the eastern-most coral reefs in Australian waters.
Key ecological features of the Marine Park are:
  * Tasman Front and eddy field—a region that separates the warm, nutrient-poor waters of the Coral Sea from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Tasman Sea, providing increased nutrients and plankton aggregations, and enhanced productivity that attracts mobile species such as turtles, cetaceans, tuna and billfish.
  * Norfolk Ridge—a steep-sided, narrow and elongated feature approximately 1000 km long and 70 km wide. The pinnacles and seamounts of the Norfolk Ridge support relatively productive and diverse benthic habitats, and are thought to act as stepping stones for faunal dispersal, connecting deep-water fauna from New Caledonia to New Zealand.
The Marine Park supports a range of species, including species listed as threatened, migratory, marine or cetacean under the EPBC Act. Biologically important areas within the Marine Park include breeding and foraging habitat for seabirds, and a migratory pathway for humpback whales.
Cultural values
The marine environment around Norfolk Island has long held significance among Norfolk Islanders. A unique community and culture has developed by those who have visited and settled the island over time.
Polynesian
The first people to inhabit Norfolk Island were of Polynesian descent. Stone tools have been found at both Emily and Slaughter bays within the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (see Heritage values). Archaeological investigations have revealed evidence of landscape modifications in the Emily Bay area including artefact assemblages and structural remains that have been interpreted as a rudimentary marae, a religious structure characteristic of East Polynesian culture. Radiocarbon dating indicates Polynesian settlement of the area occurred between AD 1200 and AD 1600.
Pitcairn Islanders
In 1853, an Order in Council repealed all previous orders making Norfolk Island a penal settlement. Occupation was granted to incoming settlers from Pitcairn Island, who constituted the third settlement phase of the island's history. The whole Pitcairn community landed on Norfolk Island in 1856. Their descendants, who comprise the majority of Norfolk Island's population, still speak the Pitcairn language.
Indigenous Australians
Across Australia, Indigenous people have been sustainably managing their sea country for tens of thousands of years. At the commencement of this plan, there is limited information about the cultural significance of this Marine Park to Indigenous people due to its remote location.
Heritage values
National heritage
Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (on Norfolk Island, adjacent to the Norfolk Marine Park), is one of 11 sites that make up the Australian Convict Sites world heritage property.
Commonwealth heritage
There are no Commonwealth heritage sites within the Norfolk Marine Park. However, there are Commonwealth heritage places on