Why are Heard Island and McDonald Islands isolated?

However, the site’s isolation assists in reducing anthropogenic impacts upon the site’s values. Heard Island and McDonald Islands are located in the Southern Ocean, approximately 1,700 km from the Antarctic continent and 4,100 km south-west of Perth.

How big is Heard Island & McDonald Islands?

Administered by the Antarctic Division of the national Department of Tourism, Arts & Environment. Heard Island sea level to 2,745m (Mawson Peak); McDonald Islands: sea level to 230m. Heard Island is roughly circular, about 20 km in diameter with a peninsula extending 9 km northwest and a spit extending 8 km to the east.

Is there a threat to Heard Island and the McDonald Islands?

Ongoing and accelerating climate change poses an increasing risk of fundamental alterations in biodiversity. Geological processes (primarily volcanism and glacial retreat) continue undisturbed. The overall assessment is that there is a low threat to the World Heritage values of Heard Island and the McDonald Islands if visitation remains low.

Where is Heard Island & McDonald Islands?

Heard Island is at 53°06'S by 73°30'E with the McDonald Islands 43.5 km west of it at 53°03'S by 72°36'E. 1953: Australian control was formalised under the Heard Island & McDonald Islands Act, 1953 (amended 1957 and 1963), designating the islands part of Australian External Territory;

Who manages the Heard & McDonald Islands?

The islands are administered under the Heard and McDonald Islands Act of 1953 and the Environment Protection and Management Ordinance of 1987 by the Antarctic Division of the national Department of Tourism, Arts & Environment (formerly the Department of the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism & Territories, DASETT).

Where is Heard Island?

Insulantarctica (7.4.9) Located in the southern Indian Ocean 4,100 km south-west of Australia and 1,700 km north of Mawson Base, Antarctica. Heard Island is at 53°06'S by 73°30'E with the McDonald Islands 43.5 km west of it at 53°03'S by 72°36'E.