Deep Channel Habitats

The main channel separating the mainland from the mountainous ridge of Hinchinbrook Island is over 40 kilometres long, and in some places over 20m deep. A range of habitats not known from anywhere else in Australia have been found on the bottom of the channel, including unique rocky reefs covered in sea whips, and deep water sponge beds. These areas provide unique habitats for groups of fish that may otherwise not be present in an estuary, and very little is known about the roles they play in the wider ecosystem.

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