Coral Sea

Nature's Highlights

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Many tropical seas in the Asia-Pacific region are overexploited and depleted of life. By contrast, the Coral Sea -- lying well off Australia’s shores -- is largely unspoiled.

Large majestic ocean fish that traverse the Pacific use the Coral Sea as a vital habitat. The largest fish in the world – the whale shark – is found in its waters, along with hammerhead sharks, tuna, marlin and swordfish.

The Coral Sea’s remote location and deep water make it the perfect home for the ancient nautilus. A totally new species of nautilus was recently discovered on Osprey Reef – an example of how much we still have to learn about our ocean environment.

Green turtles swim to their traditional nesting islands in the Coral Sea. Small populations of critically endangered hawksbill turtles forage amongst its shallow reefs.

Endangered and threatened loggerhead and leatherback turtles migrate through the Coral Sea to nest or forage along the eastern Australian coastline.

During winter, humpback and dwarf minke whales are attracted to its warm tropical waters. Another 20 more whale species are thought to migrate through the Coral Sea.

Much about the deep, abyssal areas of the Coral Sea is still completely unknown. There a rich pool of biodiversity awaits discovery.

Red-footed, brown and masked boobies, frigate birds and a variety of terns are among nearly 30 species of sea birds that populate the Coral Sea and its sandy cays and islets.