Margaret Bay (Wuthathi) declared Fish Habitat Area

Location and plan number

• Foreshore from Olive River, north around Cape Grenville, including Home Islands, Margaret Bay and Shelburne Bay to Double Point, 100km north of Portland Road
• Plan number: FHA-070 (Revision 1)
• Cook Shire Council

Size and management level

Total size: 27,556 ha:

• 24,349 ha – Management A
• 3,207 ha – Management  B.

Declaration history

• 25 February 2005: Original declaration.
• 28 March 2008: Redeclaration:
  • correct a boundary error.

Management features

• Culturally significant area for the Wuthathi people.
• A diverse range of near-pristine habitats of significant fisheries value.
• Adjoins the Temple Bay Fish Habitat Area.

Habitat values

• Mangrove-lined estuaries with at least 23 species (dominated by Rhizophora, Bruguiera and Ceriops)
• Saltmarshes and salt pans
• Intertidal banks
• Extensive, diverse and dense seagrass meadows containing at least 8 species
• Extensive macroalgae beds
• Rocky shores
• Adjoining or adjacent freshwater wetlands.

Fisheries values

• Indigenous, recreational and commercial fishing.
• Species:
  • Barramundi
  • Tarpon
  • Threadfin salmon
  • Grey mackerel
  • Shark
  • Estuary cod
  • Mangrove jack
  • Fingermark.

Unique features

• Lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Other values

• Important dugong habitat, coral reefs, and islands.

References

• Sheppard, R, Roelofs, A E, Garrett, R and Helmke, S A 2002, Margaret Bay and surrounds: assessment of fisheries resources, August 2001, Information Series QI02003, Queensland Department of Primary Industries.