Sea solar energy Heard and McDonald Islands

What is the Heard Island & McDonald Islands Marine Reserve?

One of the world’s largest highly protected IUCN category 1A marine reserves the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve was established by Australia in the waters surrounding HIMI in 2002.

What's happening on Heard Island & McDonald Islands?

Landing stores, Atlas Cove, Heard Island with Rogers Head in background Photo: Alan Campbell-Drury Due to the extreme isolation of Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI), together with the persistently severe weather and sea conditions, human activities in the region have been, and remain, limited.

Where are Heard Island and McDonald Islands located?

Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) are a remote subantarctic island group located about 4,000 km south-west of Western Australia and approximately 1,700 km from the Antarctic continent. The HIMI exclusive economic zone (EEZ) abuts the French EEZ around the Kerguelen Islands.

Are there scientific studies on Heard Island?

Although hindered by the extreme isolation and unfavourable working conditions, scientific studies have been carried out on Heard Island since the first research visit by scientists from the HMS Challenger in 1874. See the Research Expeditions pages in the History section of this website for more information.

What causes methane seeps near Heard Island?

Methane seeps have recently been discovered near Heard Island and may be a result of volcanic activity and/or accelerated decomposition of biological material in sediments due to geothermal energy (Spain et al., 2020).

How many people have landed on Heard Island?

Since the first landing on Heard Island in 1855, there have been only approximately 240 shore-based visits to the island, and only two landings on McDonald Island (in 1971 and 1980).