2.1 The tidal influences of two ocean systems
result in frequent anomalous tidal regimes and have a great effect
on the area's biodiversity. The massive freshwater and sediment input
from nearby coastal rivers further influence this unique marine ecosystem.
Benthic communities, fish assemblages, seagrass coverage and coral
communities have all been well documented. The Strait provides critical
habitat for many vulnerable or endangered species, including dugongs,
green and flatback turtles, as well as supporting commercial fisheries
for tiger and endeavour prawns, Spanish mackerel, tropical rock lobster,
reef fish, pearl oysters, trochus and beche-de-mer. Coral reefs and
clear waters support a rich fauna of reef fish, molluscs, echinoderms
and crustaceans. Due to low population pressure, only 18 islands are
inhabited. The Torres Strait thus retains a high degree of natural
and wilderness value.
2.2 Because of the limited water exchange in and
out of the Torres Strait, there are concerns that if the Torres Strait
water became polluted it would probably remain in the Strait for some
time. This may pose a risk of adverse and prolonged impacts on ecological
communities, indigenous and commercial fisheries and the life style
of Torres Strait Islander people.
2.3 Several thousand people live in small coastal
communities on Cape York, on the islands off the southern coast of
Papua New Guinea and on the larger islands of the Torres Strait itself.
Indigenous people of the Torres Strait traditionally hunt dugong and
turtle and fish for a variety of marine species for food. The consumption
of seafood by Torres Strait Islanders is amongst the highest in the
world on a per capita basis. A commercial fishery estimated at 2,000
tonnes contributed approximately A$35 million to the Australian economy
in 1999/2000. Pearl farms operate on a number of islands. The Torres
Strait has a small but expanding tourism industry.
2.4 More detailed descriptions of the ecological,
socio-economic and cultural, scientific and educational criteria are
contained in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.3.3 of document MEPC 49/8.