Located off the coast of Western Australia, approximately 300 km from Broome, lies the Rowley Shoals Marine Park, a remote and pristine marine sanctuary renowned for its incredible coral reefs and diverse marine life. The park comprises 2 main shoals: Imperieuse Reef and Clerke Reef, and with nearby Mermaid Reef - it offers a unique scuba diving experience. The 3 reefs of the Rowley Shoals were named by Captain Phillip Parker King in 1818 in honour of Captain Rowley, who first sighted the Imperieuse Reef in 1800. However, it's believed that Indonesian fishermen visited the reefs from at least the mid-18th century, collecting sea cucumbers, turtle shells, trochus shells, and shark fins. These early visitors knew the Rowley Shoals as 'Pulau Pulo Dhaoh', while fishermen from Roti Island referred to them as 'Pulau Bawa Angin'.
The park is home to an astonishing array of marine life, including 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish. The park's coral reefs are dominated by hard corals, providing a habitat for a vast array of marine life, including giant clams, potato cod, and Maori wrasse. The waters surrounding the reefs are also home to large schools of trevally, mackerel, and tuna.
The Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 875 sq km is size and the atolls are roughly 80-90 sq km each. It is protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and is classified as an IUCN Category II protected area. The park was declared in 1990 and extended in 2004 and is managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) of Western Australia, in collaboration with Parks Australia, which manages the adjacent Mermaid Reef Marine Park. The Argo-Rowley Terrace Marine Park encompasses both the Mermaid Reef and Rowley Shoals marine parks, providing an additional layer of protection for the region's marine life.
The Rowley Shoals Marine Park offers a range of recreational activities, including scuba diving, snorkelling, and fishing (subject to regulations). Charter boats from Broome have been operating in the area since 1977, offering deep-sea fishing and liveaboard diving expeditions. The park's remote location and limited access make it a challenging but rewarding destination for those seeking an adventure.
The park is notable for its:
The marine park holds significant cultural value for the traditional owners of the land and sea. The park's management is guided by a collaborative approach that respects the traditional knowledge and practices of the indigenous people.
Above all, the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is a remarkable destination that showcases the best of Western Australia's marine life. With its pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and rich cultural heritage, the park is a must-visit destination for scuba divers, snorkellers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
