Ashmore Reef, Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Timor Sea.
Latitude: -12.73° Longitude: 123.38°
Latitude: -12.73° Longitude: 123.38°
Vessel: Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn guests were privileged to visit one of the most extraordinary natural sanctuaries in the Timor Sea - Ashmore Reef, a vibrant biodiversity hotspot and a true conservation success story.
Ashmore Reef isn't just a jewel of ecological richness; it also has a deep cultural history. The first known visitors were the Rotinese people of Indonesia, who journeyed south to these remote islets in the 1700s. They came to harvest marine resources like sea cucumbers, fish, and sharks - activities that left their mark, quite literally, on the land. Several Indonesian graves and a traditional water well are solemn reminders of their connection to this unique ecosystem.
European involvement began in the 1800s, marking the start of guano mining on West Island. Unfortunately, this led to the decline of seabird populations, as mining operations disrupted nesting sites and introduced invasive species, most notably rats. These rodents ravaged seabird colonies, consuming eggs and chicks and further compounding human-driven pressures. In the 1980s, however, these invasive pests were successfully eradicated, marking a pivotal moment in the island's ecological restoration.
In 1983, Ashmore Reef was declared a nature reserve, kicking off a renewed effort to heal and protect this fragile environment. The islands have rebounded spectacularly thanks to intensive monitoring and vigorous enforcement of conservation legislation. Today, over 100,000 pairs of 17 seabird species find sanctuary on these tiny cays - a stunning statistic considering the islands' combined landmass is just over 55 hectares. Furthermore, these islands provide critical habitat for many thousands of migratory shorebirds, some of which are critically endangered.
The comeback story doesn't end there. Ashmore Reef now enjoys prestigious global recognition as both a BirdLife International Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Ramsar-listed Wetland of International Importance. These designations reflect the reef's incredible ecological value and the commitment of those who protect it.
Approaching the shore today, the success of these conservation efforts was impossible to miss. Vegetation is thriving once again, and seabirds swirled overhead in vast numbers, their cries echoing across the sky as they tended to nests below. Guests on Zodiac cruises were left in awe by the sheer abundance of wildlife and the brilliant aquamarine waters surrounding them. It was an unforgettable sight.
Beneath the surface, Ashmore Reef's underwater world is even more impressive. Guests had the chance to snorkel among healthy, thriving coral reefs, encountering a dazzling array of marine life. The reef supports over 750 species of fish, more than 400 mollusc species, 250+ crustaceans, and 17 species of sea snakes. It's even home to a potentially unique population of dugongs, and is believed to host over 11,000 foraging sea turtles throughout the year. Notably, the reef serves as a crucial nesting site for green turtles, underscoring its significant contribution to global conservation efforts.
Ashmore Reef stands today as a testament to nature's resilience and a shining example of what dedicated protection and restoration can achieve. It is a place where past and present intertwine, cultural heritage meets ecological wonder, and hope for the future of our planet's biodiversity is vividly and beautifully alive.
Seabourn guests were privileged to visit one of the most extraordinary natural sanctuaries in the Timor Sea - Ashmore Reef, a vibrant biodiversity hotspot and a true conservation success story.
Ashmore Reef isn't just a jewel of ecological richness; it also has a deep cultural history. The first known visitors were the Rotinese people of Indonesia, who journeyed south to these remote islets in the 1700s. They came to harvest marine resources like sea cucumbers, fish, and sharks - activities that left their mark, quite literally, on the land. Several Indonesian graves and a traditional water well are solemn reminders of their connection to this unique ecosystem.
In 1983, Ashmore Reef was declared a nature reserve, kicking off a renewed effort to heal and protect this fragile environment. The islands have rebounded spectacularly thanks to intensive monitoring and vigorous enforcement of conservation legislation. Today, over 100,000 pairs of 17 seabird species find sanctuary on these tiny cays - a stunning statistic considering the islands' combined landmass is just over 55 hectares. Furthermore, these islands provide critical habitat for many thousands of migratory shorebirds, some of which are critically endangered.
The comeback story doesn't end there. Ashmore Reef now enjoys prestigious global recognition as both a BirdLife International Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Ramsar-listed Wetland of International Importance. These designations reflect the reef's incredible ecological value and the commitment of those who protect it.
Approaching the shore today, the success of these conservation efforts was impossible to miss. Vegetation is thriving once again, and seabirds swirled overhead in vast numbers, their cries echoing across the sky as they tended to nests below. Guests on Zodiac cruises were left in awe by the sheer abundance of wildlife and the brilliant aquamarine waters surrounding them. It was an unforgettable sight.
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| Ashmore Reef underwater (Harry Rogers) |
Beneath the surface, Ashmore Reef's underwater world is even more impressive. Guests had the chance to snorkel among healthy, thriving coral reefs, encountering a dazzling array of marine life. The reef supports over 750 species of fish, more than 400 mollusc species, 250+ crustaceans, and 17 species of sea snakes. It's even home to a potentially unique population of dugongs, and is believed to host over 11,000 foraging sea turtles throughout the year. Notably, the reef serves as a crucial nesting site for green turtles, underscoring its significant contribution to global conservation efforts.
Ashmore Reef stands today as a testament to nature's resilience and a shining example of what dedicated protection and restoration can achieve. It is a place where past and present intertwine, cultural heritage meets ecological wonder, and hope for the future of our planet's biodiversity is vividly and beautifully alive.
| Juliana Coffey is a marine biologist, divemaster and ocean explorer from Newfoundland, Canada where she began her seabird career at the young age of sixteen |
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