Seal Island (Encounter Bay)

Seal Island
Seal Island
Geography
Location Encounter Bay
Coordinates 35°34′36″S 138°38′40″E / 35.57679°S 138.64433°E / -35.57679; 138.64433Coordinates: 35°34′36″S 138°38′40″E / 35.57679°S 138.64433°E / -35.57679; 138.64433
Area 1 ha (2.5 acres)[1]
Highest elevation 12 m (39 ft)[1]
Administration
Australia
Demographics
Population 0

Seal Island, also known as Seal Rock, is an island located in Encounter Bay off the south coast of Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia approximately 2.7 kilometres (1.7 mi) south-east of Victor Harbor. Since 1979, it has been part of the West Island Conservation Park.

Description

Seal Island is located about 2.7 kilometres (1.7 mi) south-east of Victor Harbor and 3.7 kilometres (2.3 mi) east-north east of Rosetta Head (also known as The Bluff). The island is described as being ‘a 1 hectare (2.5 acres) mound of tumbled granite bounders scoured of soil’ that ‘reaches 12 m above sea level’.[1] The island is also known as Seal Rock.[2]

Flora and fauna

As of 1996, Seal Island was observed as having no vegetation while the only vertebrate animals observed was a breeding colony of Silver gulls.[1]

History

The island's name is reported as suggesting the presence of an Australian sea lion or a New Zealand fur-seal colony on the island during the early 19th century.[1]

Protected areas status

Since 1979, Seal Island has been part of the West Island Conservation Park.[3] Since 2012, the waters surrounding its shores are located within the boundaries of the Encounter Marine Park.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Robinson, A. C.; Canty, P.; Mooney, T.; Rudduck, P. (1996). "South Australia's offshore islands" (PDF). Australian Heritage Commission. pp. 309–310. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  2. ↑ Pub175, Sailing directions (enroute) north, west, and south coast of Australia (PDF) (10th ed.). National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. 2010. p. 215. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
  3. ↑ Island conservation parks of Backstairs Passage and Encounter Bay management plans (PDF). Adelaide: National Parks and Wildlife Service. 1983. p. 12. ISBN 0-7243-4588-4.
  4. ↑ "Encounter Marine Park" (PDF). Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources. 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
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