This Marine IBA is identified using seaward extensions around breeding colonies. It originates from the Australia Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and falls within the Pacific, Western Central FAO ocean region. The site covers an area of 3871 km2 and borders the coastline. The depth ranges from 0 to 914 m and mean annual sea surface temperature falls between 25.8 and 26.39 °C.
Key biodiversity
2 species trigger IBA criteria at this Marine IBA. Seaward extensions around breeding colonies; Michaelmas Cay (Great Barrier Reef), Sudbury Reef (Great Barrier Reef) include key near-colony areas for breeding populations of Lesser Crested Tern (LC) 2670-9935 individuals and Great Crested Tern (LC) 3000-9120 individuals.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2023) Important Bird Area factsheet: Michaelmas Cay / Sudbury Reef (Great Barrier Reef) - Marine. Downloaded from
http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/30713 on 04/06/2023.
