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Marine

There are a number of different habitats in the marine biological environment of the Kurnell Peninsula. These include intertidal platforms, shallow sub-tidal sandstone reefs, deep reef and sand/silt patches, and deep water. As well as beach areas such as Silver Beach.

Intertidal Platforms

Intertidal platforms can be divided into three zones: upper, midshore and lower shore zones. In the upper zone the dominant species are limpets, Periwinkle snails and Honeycomb barnacles.

The midshore zone is dominated by the large Rose-coloured barnacle, and many gastropods.

In the lower shore zone you will find among other things, red algae and cunjevoi.
Rock platform at Potter Point
Rock platforms at Potter Point

Shallow Subtidal Habitats

Shallow subtidal habitats are characterised by large Leather Kelp, areas of coralline macroalgae, fleshy algae and red and brown algae. In the shallower waters, some invertebrates such as sponges can also be observed.

There are two Intertidal Protected Areas on the Kurnell Peninsula. One is on the northern shore of Botany Bay National Park and the other around Merries Reef, Boat Harbour and Potter Point. They were declared by NSW Fisheries in 1993 and collection of invertebrates is prohibited in these areas. In addition to these IPAs, Towra Point Nature Reserve is surrounded by an Aquatic Reserve where some restrictions on fishing apply.

Whale watching

The Kurnell Peninsula is one of the best sites in the Sydney area to watch the annual migration of whales along the NSW coast. The unofficial whale watching season occurs during June/July, with one of the best locations being Cape Solander in Botany Bay National Park. For more details visit the NPWS whale page here.
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