Bathymetric map of Osprey Reef, showing its location around 110 kilometres (68 mi) from the northern part of theGreat Barrier ReefAcropora coral garden withgiant clam at Raging Horn, Osprey ReefOsprey Reef from the air, showingnautilus detection sites used in a 1998–2008 study by Dunstanet al.[1]
Osprey Reef is a submergedatoll in theCoral Sea, northeast ofQueensland, Australia. It is part of theNorthwestern Group of theCoral Sea Islands. Osprey Reef is roughly oval in shape, measuring 25 by 12 kilometres (16 by 7 mi), and covers around 195 square kilometres (75 sq mi). It has aperimeter of 69.5 kilometres (43.2 mi).[2] The centrallagoon is only 30 metres (98 ft) deep.[3]
The reef sits atop aseamount in deep water. It is an isolated location some 60 kilometres (37 mi) from other reefs. The almost vertical reef walls, which rise from a depth of about 2,000 metres (6,600 ft), are home to a dwarf form ofNautilus pompilius that is isolated from othernautilus populations by more than 100 kilometres (62 mi).[1][2][4]Schindleria brevipinguis, one of the world's smallest fish, is found in the Osprey Reef lagoon.[5]
The reef has nointertidal or emerged sandcay.[6] The surrounding waters are part of theSouth Equatorial Current. The reef is protected within the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve.[7]
A 2009 expedition aimed to make discoveries in the deeper parts of the reef between 92 and 800 metres (302 and 2,625 ft) below sea level. Relict fauna communities consisting of rock sponges,glass sponges,brachiopods andstalked sea lilies were discovered.[7]
The reef has been described as the "ultimate reef diving adventure".[8] The reef is home to large and colourful soft corals. Sharks are common.[citation needed]
Media related toOsprey Reef at Wikimedia Commons
