Sand Bay declared Fish Habitat Area

Location and plan number

Size and management level

  • 11,490 ha Management A

Declaration history

  • 10 May 1986:
    • original declaration
  • 23 July 1998 redeclaration:
    • to cadastral boundaries
  • 22 May 2009 redeclaration:
    • to include adjoining fish habitats

Management features

  • Conservation and management of high-diversity fish habitats that support local Indigenous, commercial and recreational fisheries
  • Well-integrated into regional planning processes, including the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday Regional Plan and the Water Quality Improvement Plan for the Mackay-Whitsunday Region

Habitat values

  • Mangrove-lined creeks (Aegiceras, Avicennia, Ceriops, Excoecaria and Rhizophora)
  • Intertidal flats
  • Seagrass areas

Fisheries values

  • Commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishing
  • Species:
    • Barramundi
    • Blue salmon
    • Bream
    • Estuary cod
    • Flathead
    • Grey mackerel
    • Grunter
    • Mangrove jack
    • Queenfish
    • School mackerel
    • Whiting

Unique features

  • Lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and the Sand Bay Dugong Protection Area

Other values

  • Protection of dugong habitat
  • Flatback and green turtle nesting area