Sparq systems Heard and McDonald Islands

Where are the Heard and McDonald Islands located?

The Heard and McDonald Islands are remote subantarctic volcanic features located in the Southern Ocean, halfway between Australia and South Africa. They are approximately 1700 km from the Antarctic continent and 4000 km southwest of mainland Australia (Australian Government 2016 ). Heard Island is 43 km long and 21 km wide.

Who manages the Heard & McDonald Islands?

The islands are administered under the Heard and McDonald Islands Act of 1953 and the Environment Protection and Management Ordinance of 1987 by the Antarctic Division of the national Department of Tourism, Arts & Environment (formerly the Department of the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism & Territories, DASETT).

Are there seabirds in Heard Island and McDonald Islands?

The inshore fishes of Heard and McDonald Islands, Southern Indian Ocean. Journal of Fish Biology 23: 283-292. Woehler, E. (1991). Status and conservation of the seabirds of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands. In Croxall, J. (ed.), Seabird Status and Conservation: A Supplement. ICBP Technical Publication No. 11.

What is the history of Heard Island and McDonald Island?

General map of Heard Island and McDonald Islands. Periodic Australian research expeditions have been made to Heard Island since the Australian ANARE station was closed in 1955, and occasional visits have also been made by other nations. There are only two brief recorded landings at McDonald Island, in 1971 and 1980.

How big is Heard Island & McDonald Islands?

Administered by the Antarctic Division of the national Department of Tourism, Arts & Environment. Heard Island sea level to 2,745m (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands: sea level to 230m. Heard Island is roughly circular, about 20 km in diameter with a peninsula extending 9 km northwest and a spit extending 8 km to the east.

Is Heard Island a sub-Antarctic island?

Importantly, Heard Island is the largest sub-Antarctic island with no known human introduced plant species or vertebrate predators. Ihe terrestrial flora is typically sub-Antarctic, with low-growing herbaceous flowering plants and bryophytes comprising the major components of the vegetation.