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Rock Platforms
Rock platforms are flat, expansive eroded regions that lie at the base of rocky headlands. They are important habitats, as they contain a huge variey of plants and animals that cope with unique physical stresses of waves, fluctuating weather conditions and two complete tide cycles per day. Rock platforms are the most accessible of all marine habitats and an important resource for recreation and education. Many of the marine invertebrates found on all Pittwater's rock platforms represent unique or endemic temperate Australian species.
There are ten major rock platforms within the Pittwater Local Government Area. Four of these have conservation status under NSW Fisheries jurisdiction.
- Intertidal Protected Areas protect selected rocky shore habitats and their associated intertidal invertebrates. In Pittwater, Bungan Head and Mona Vale Headland are gazetted as IPA's.
- Aquatic Reserves are permanent marine reserves established to protect biodiversity and representative samples of our marine life and habitats. The larger rock platforms at Barrenjoey Headland and Narrabeen Headland are gazetted as Aquatic Reserves.
Human impacts on rock platforms include collection or harvesting of intertidal organisams and habitat destruction, including overturning of boulders and physical trampling. Pittwater Council has actively responded to these pressures by installing interpretive signage at several locations to build public awareness. Council's rangers have been trained to enforce Fisheries regulations.
Ongoing community education is provided through regular rock platform walks, brochures and events such as the successful Coastal Ambassadors public education program.
For further information on our intertidal rocky shores, contact the Coastal Environment Centre at CEC@pittwater.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 000 CEC (232)
Updated: 02 Dec 2011