Broad Sound declared Fish Habitat Area

Location and plan number

  • Parts of Broad Sound and adjoining estuarine systems, 125km south-east of Mackay
  • Plan number: FHA-047
  • Livingstone Shire Council and Isaac Regional Council

Management area and size

  • 170,394 ha – Management A.

Declaration history

  • 22 November 1986: Original declaration.
  • 28 March 2008: Redeclaration:
    • to cadastral boundaries.

Management features

  • Conservation of commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing grounds.
  • Protection of key fish habitats.

Habitat values

  • Extensive mangroves and salt marshes around the estuary
  • Mangrove-lined creeks and seagrass beds
  • High tidal range with extensive intertidal areas exposed at low tide
  • Sandy beaches
  • Rocky structures.

Fisheries values

  • Species:
    • Barramundi
    • Blue salmon
    • Bream
    • Estuary cod
    • Flathead
    • Grey mackerel
    • Grunter
    • Mangrove jack
    • Queenfish
    • Sea mullet
    • School mackerel
    • Whiting
    • Banana prawns
    • Mud crabs.

Unique features

  • Largest tidal range in Queensland, the state’s largest declared Fish Habitat Area.
  • Lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Other values

  • Protection of dugong habitat.