Why is Cabbage Tree Bay an aquatic reserve?
In 2002, Cabbage Tree Bay was declared an aquatic reserve to conserve the wide variety of marine plants, animals and intertidal and subtidal habitats at this special place.
Conservation efforts
In 1990, efforts to conserve Cabbage Tree Bay began with local support, leading to a request to Manly Council (now Northern Beaches Council). The Bay, along with Manly Ocean Beach, gained National Estate recognition in 1991 for its marine values.
In 1993, the intertidal zone of Cabbage Tree Bay received protection as an Intertidal Protected Area.
In 1995, the (then) Manly Council established the Cabbage Tree Bay Consultative Group to guide protection of the bay. A draft management plan was developed in mid-1999 with community and stakeholder involvement. Public support was overwhelming for the Bay and near-shore reefs to become a 'no take' marine protected area.
The (then) Department of Fisheries reviewed the information provided as well as undertaking research more broadly across the Hawkesbury Shelf Marine Bioregion. Researchers found that Cabbage Tree Bay included an array of marine habitats which supported a wide variety of marine life.
In 2001, the Department sought public input on potential aquatic reserves across the NSW coast, including Shelly Beach (Cabbage Tree Bay). This resulted in the declaration of six new aquatic reserves in March 2002 including declaring Cabbage Tree Bay a 'no take' Aquatic Reserve.
Objectives for Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
The objectives of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve are to:
- conserve the biodiversity of fish and marine vegetation
- protect habitats
- facilitate educational activities
- facilitate scientific research.
