Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00324:front:0:p75
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018L00324
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 214495–217594

Coordinates for the Oceanic Shoals Marine Park and zones are provided in Figure S2.2 and Schedule 4.
Statement of significance
The Oceanic Shoals Marine Park is significant because it contains habitats, species and ecological communities associated with the Northwest Shelf Transition. It contains four key ecological features: carbonate bank and terrace systems of the Van Diemen Rise; carbonate bank and terrace systems of the Sahul Shelf; pinnacles of the Bonaparte Basin; and shelf break and slope of the Arafura Shelf (all valued as unique seafloor features with ecological properties of regional significance). The Marine Park is the largest marine park in the North Network.
Natural values
The Marine Park includes examples of ecosystems representative of the Northwest Shelf Transition— a dynamic environment influenced by strong tidal currents, upwellings of nutrient-rich waters, and a range of prominent seafloor features. The pinnacles, carbonate banks and shoals are sites of enhanced biological productivity.
Key ecological features of the Marine Park are:
  * carbonate bank and terrace systems of the Van Diemen Rise—an area characterised by terraces, banks, channels and valleys supporting sponges, soft coral, polychaetes, ascidians, turtles, snakes and sharks;
  * carbonate bank and terrace system of the Sahul Shelf—an area characterised by terraces, banks, channels and valleys, supporting sponges, soft corals, sessile filter feeders, polychaetes and ascidians;
  * pinnacles of the Bonaparte Basin—an area that contains the largest concentration of pinnacles along the Australian margin, where local upwellings of nutrient-rich water attract aggregations of fish, seabirds and turtles; and
  * shelf break and slope of the Arafura Shelf—an area characterised by continental slope, patch reefs and hard substrate pinnacles that support over 280 demersal fish species.
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 foraging and internesting habitat for marine turtles.
Cultural values
Sea country is valued for Indigenous cultural identity, health and wellbeing. Across Australia, Indigenous people have been sustainably using and 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.
The Northern Land Council and the Kimberley Land Council are the Native Title Representative Bodies for the Northern Territory's northern region, and the Kimberley region. The Tiwi Land Council collectively represents traditional owners of the Tiwi Islands.
Heritage values
No international, Commonwealth or national heritage listings apply to the Marine Park at commencement of this plan.
Social and economic values
Commercial fishing and mining are important activities in the Marine Park. These activities contribute to the wellbeing of regional communities and the prosperity of the nation.

Figure S2.2 Oceanic Shoals