The Hawkesbury Shelf bioregion includes the estuaries, coastline and marine waters from Newcastle to Shellharbour and is renowned for its beauty above and below the water.

Characterised by a diverse array of habitats, this bioregion encompasses rocky reefs, sandy beaches, estuaries, and seagrass beds, all of which support a wide range of marine life. The waters of the Hawkesbury Shelf are influenced by the warm East Australian Current, contributing to high biodiversity and unique ecological communities.

The region’s estuaries, such as Sydney Harbour and the Hawkesbury River, serve as critical breeding and nursery grounds for numerous species. Additionally, the rocky reefs host colourful sponges, corals, and invertebrates, while the seagrass meadows provide essential habitat for species like juvenile fish and crustaceans.

The Hawkesbury Shelf marine bioregion is a major gap in NSW’s network of marine protected areas. Whilst the bioregion does contain ten small Aquatic Reserves that were established to protect biodiversity, seven of these do not have adequate protection to meet their objectives and the other three contribute less than 1,500ha of marine sanctuary.

Marine sanctuaries have been established at: 

• Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve | 18ha | 100% sanctuary

• Towra Point Aquatic Reserve | 1,448ha | 38% sanctuary

• Shiprock Aquatic Reserve | 2ha | 100% sanctuary