Cook Island Aquatic Reserve

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is a marine protected area surrounding Cook Island, approximately 600 meters from Fingal Head mainland of New South Wales.

Established in 1998, the reserve spans 74 hectares and is divided into two zones: one where fishing is prohibited and another where fishing is permitted. Popular recreational activities within the reserve include swimming, boating, and diving, and there are 13 moorings available for boats.

The reserve is known for its diverse underwater life, including a wide variety of fish species such as anemonefish, groupers, and parrotfish. It is also home to migratory shark species like blind sharks, leopard sharks, and wobbegongs, as well as crustaceans, green turtles, jellyfish, mollusks, and stingrays. The reserve's importance as a habitat for sharks has been recognized by the Tweed Shire Council.

The Cook Island Aquatic Reserve has been classified under the International Union for Conservation of Nature system, with the no-fishing zone falling under Category II and the line fishing-only zone falling under Category IV. This classification contributes to the conservation of the marine environment and the protection of the diverse wildlife present in the reserve.

For aquatic adventure enthusiasts looking to explore the marine life diversity of the South Pacific Ocean, the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is an ideal destination. With its different zones catering to various interests and its classification under the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the reserve emphasizes the importance of conserving its wildlife for future generations.