Montague Island is a small island (82 ha) located just offshore on the south coast of New South Wales. The island is an iconic feature of the region, supports abundant wildlife, is a place of significant natural, Aboriginal and historic heritage value, and a popular destination for visitors. The island supports a unique assemblage of nine seabird species from as far away as the Arctic, New Zealand and the Southern Ocean that breed on the island – a successful result of the Seabird Habitat Restoration Program (2004-2014).
Montague Island is one of the few places in the world where visitors can enjoy a unique wildlife experience that includes thousands of breeding seabirds, penguins and fur seals and visit a well-preserved 19th century light station and keeper’s cottages.
Conservation
Good governance
Community benefits
Montague Island is a small island (82 ha) located just offshore on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. The island is an iconic feature of the region, supports abundant wildlife, is a place of significant natural, Aboriginal and historic heritage value, and a popular destination for visitors.
Montague Island Nature Reserve represents an exceptional example of protected area management. Nationally and internationally significant natural and historic heritage values have been conserved and restored with the help and support of local communities and form the basis for a thriving ecotourism industry.
The island supports a unique assemblage of nine seabird species from as far away as the Arctic, New Zealand and the Southern Ocean that breed on the island. The island is now free of vertebrate pests and seabird habitat has been restored due to the long term dedication of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local communities. Through the Seabird Habitat Restoration Program (2004-2014), mice, goats and rabbits have been eradicated and seabird nesting habitat restored by controlling weeds and replanting over 80,000 native trees and shrubs. The island is also an important haul out and pupping habitat for Australian and New Zealand fur seals.
Montague Island is one of the few places in the world where visitors can enjoy a unique wildlife experience that includes thousands of breeding seabirds, penguins and fur seals and visit a well preserved 19th century light station and keeper’s cottages.
Site visit report // EAGL meeting minutes
EAGL vote results : Five of the eight EAGL members were present at the meeting and all agreed that Montague Island should be included on the IUCN Green List. The three other members all reviewed documentation and did not raise significant concerns.
EAGL summary statement:
While the EAGL was concerned about the age of the Plan of Management, (1994) a review is currently underway. In addition to the Plan of Management, State of Parks reporting is a triennial monitoring report, and an operational plan is prepared every year with tasks tracked quarterly. The revised Montague Island PoM will include climate change projections for each site value and direct management actions which will enable focussed and pro-active adaptive management of the natural and associated cultural values in the future. The PoM will also include a sustainability study which will assess sustainable levels of visitation to guide future management with a sustainable, conservation-based strategy. The EAGL agreed that it is highly desirable that the new Plan of Management is finalised as soon as possible.
The natural heritage values of Montague Island are of state and national significance. These values are very well understood as a result of extensive, long-term research and monitoring undertaken by seabird and seal experts. These studies are of international significance due to their ability to detect climate signals in long-lived species. Montague Island provides for regional connectivity of seabird communities on islands along the NSW and Victorian coasts.
The field visit by two EAGL members strongly supported the view that management excellence was clearly demonstrated and observed on the Island. The long term management of the site is directed by the Montague Island Plan of Management, which is currently being reviewed. Montague Island NR is managed for its natural and cultural values, with provision for only sustainable, low level visitation that is focussed on education and awareness of natural and cultural values. Incorporation of Aboriginal place management into the new PoM for Montague Island/Barunguba, will weave cultural social context into the planning and management of the island.
The EAGL agrees that the sites meet the thresholds for the conservation of natural values, ecosystem services and the cultural values. The EAGL also acknowledges the excellent work done by staff to develop appropriate thresholds and performance indicators for the natural values, ecosystem services and cultural values of the sites. The EAGL recognises the significant work over the past 30 years to eradicate vertebrate pests, control weeds and rehabilitate the island as a critical site for fur seal, seabird and shorebird breeding.
The EAGL recognises that the Montague Island Nature Reserve was one of the first sites to be awarded the IUCN Green List status in 2014. Excellent management of the site continues. The EAGL members approved by consensus to recommend the Montague Island Nature Reserve for inclusion on the IUCN Green List.
Reviewer statement:
Site Visit and Review of site application by EAGL was extremely thorough and meets all of the required guidelines for submitting the PA to the Candidate Phase Committee Decision.