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.