Abrolhos Islands opened up for nature-based tourism

4/4/01 One of Western Australia's most interesting and unique marine areas is about to be opened up to environmentally friendly tourism.

4/4/01
One of Western Australia's most interesting and unique marine areas is about to be opened up to environmentally friendly tourism.
The 122 low-lying islands and reefs forming the Houtman Abrolhos Islands 60km off the coast of Geraldton will be opened up for managed tourism for the first time. Previously permission was needed from Fisheries WA to visit the island unless people held a commercial rock lobster licence for the area.
Fisheries Minister Kim Chance visited the islands today to release the Management Plan for Sustainable Tourism in the Houtman Abrolhos Islands and inspect areas identified for possible future development.
Mr Chance said the plan had been developed to provide a framework through which tourism could be developed at the islands which was consistent with the protection of the natural and cultural values of the Abrolhos.
"Every year the rich fish life, unique coral reef formations, birdlife, historic shipwrecks and wild beauty of the Abrolhos are attracting an increasing number of visitors from the mainland," the Minister said.
"Many come as part of a diving or fishing charter, while others come to observe the wildlife, explore the history or simply experience the islands' unique environment.
"The basic thrust of this plan is to encourage environmentally sensitive tourism or nature-based tourism which is compatible with maintaining the Abrolhos system in ecologically sound condition."
Some of the unique features of the Abrolhos that attract tourism interest include:

  • the Abrolhos coral reefs are the southernmost living reefs in the Indian ocean and have a unique range of tropical fish, reef corals and other invertebrates;
  • the Abrolhos is the centre of the fishery for the multi-million dollar western rock lobster industry;
  • unique flora and fauna that provide important reference areas on ecological interaction;
  • large breeding colonies of seabirds exist on virtually all the islands. Nearly 90 species of seabirds have been identified at the islands, some of which have international significance; and -
  • the Abrolhos is the site of several important historic shipwrecks , including the 17th Century Dutch ships Batavia and Zeewijk.
    The Minister said several types of commercial tourism at the Abrolhos had been supported by Fisheries WA, including:
  • calling of public tenders in the short term for tourism facilities;
  • charter boats (up to 20 passengers) that operated throughout the islands;
  • land-based overnight facilities (up to 40 people including staff) at Long Island (Wallabi Group) and Little Roma (Easter Group); and -
  • moored accommodation facility on the Leo's Island Reef Platform (Easter Group).
    Public tenders will be called in the more medium term to assess the potential for tourism opportunities at East Wallabi Island (Wallabi Group), which recognise the area's high conservation values.
    Mr Chance said to allow for this limited tourism, facilities such as communication systems, public boat moorings and airstrips needed to be developed.
    He said a visitor fee would be introduced to help recover the costs of managing the islands and providing facilities for visitors. Licences would also be granted to approved commercial tourist operators.
    "The Abrolhos are part of the aquatic heritage of all Western Australians, so we want people to be able to enjoy the experience they offer in a way which will ensure future generations will too," Mr Chance said.
    He said one of the major constraints in planning tourism in the Abrolhos was the lack of information on the numbers of people actually visiting the islands at present and how many would like to do so.
    Copies of the plan are available from Fisheries WA offices.
    Media contact: Mike Marren on 9213 6700