AUSTRALIAN BIGHT
TO THE SOUTH OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONTINENT LIES THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT. THE BIGHT HAS THE LONGEST ICE FREE SOUTH FACING COASTLINE IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE AND IS ADJACENT TO THE ONLY CIRCUMPOLAR OCEAN.
The Great Australia:- Bight is the most important breeding and calving site in the world for the endangered Southern Right Whale, world population of which is estimated between 1500 and 3000. In winter the whales migrate to the Head of the Bight to calve and return to the Southern Ocean in summer to feed. The Blue Whale, Sperm Whale, Humpback and visit the temperate waters of the Bight during winter. The management plan of the Marine Park restricts boat access to whale breeding areas during winter.
GIANT TASMANIAN CRABS
These are the largest crabs found in Australian waters and one of the largest kin the world. They can weigh up to 15 kg and measure 40 cm across. They are found in deep off shore waters around South Australia and Tasmania. Because of their commercial importance, strict laws govern their capture.
SEAHORSE
Few people regard sea horses as fish, but there are in fact about 35 species of this fish found worldwide. Sex roles are reversed in sea horses. Form start to finish, a male seahorse does all the parenting. Eggs are deposited in the male’s pouch and a pregnancy resembling that of a mammal ensues. Embryos are nurtured in the pouch with oxygen and nutrients. Remarkably, the hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production in women, also governs seahorse pregnancy! Many seahorse populations face extinction either from destruction of their habitats or trade in the animal. Seahorses are highly prized for medicines and aphrodisiacs in Asia and elsewhere.
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