Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Introduction
Background
These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931
formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat
in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, became a marine reserve in 2000.
Geography
Location
Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
Geographic coordinates
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Map references
Oceania
Area
total: 5 sq km
country comparison to the world: 247 land:5 sq km
water:0 sq km
note:includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
Area – comparative
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
74.1 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone:12 nm
exclusive fishing zone:200 nm
continental shelf:200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
tropical
Terrain
low with sand and coral
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point:unnamed location 3 m
Natural resources
fish
Land use
arable land: 0%
permanent crops:0%
other:100% (all grass and sand) (2005)
Irrigated land
0 sq km
Natural hazards
surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
Environment – current issues
illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems
Geography – note
Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000
People and Society
Population
no indigenous inhabitants
note:Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef’s West Island
access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only
Government
Country name
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form:Ashmore and Cartier Islands
Dependency status
territory of Australia
administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government
Legal system
the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US
none (territory of Australia)
Flag description
the flag of Australia is used
Economy
Economy – overview
no economic activity
Transportation
Ports and terminals
none
offshore anchorage only
Military
Military – note
defense is the responsibility of Australia
periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Transnational Issues
Disputes – international
Australia has closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing
Indonesian groups challenge Australia’s claim to Ashmore Reef