solitaryislandsmp
P1010323
It’s bathed by both the warm waters of the East Australian Current from the north, as well as cooler currents from the south. The result is a “mixing zone” where both tropical and temperate marine species can co-exist. Interestingly, the water temperature within the marine park is, on average, one degree cooler inshore than it is at the offshore islands and reefs due to influencing currents. Water temperature can also be highly variable, and at North Solitary Island changes of 5 degrees celcius in a day have been recorded, with changes of 3C in a day not uncommon.
P1010323
It’s bathed by both the warm waters of the East Australian Current from the north, as well as cooler currents from the south. The result is a “mixing zone” where both tropical and temperate marine species can co-exist. Interestingly, the water temperature within the marine park is, on average, one degree cooler inshore than it is at the offshore islands and reefs due to influencing currents. Water temperature can also be highly variable, and at North Solitary Island changes of 5 degrees celcius in a day have been recorded, with changes of 3C in a day not uncommon.