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These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, became a marine reserve in 2000.
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Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
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12 14 S, 123 05 E
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total: 5 sq km
country comparison to the world: 247
land:
5 sq km
water:
0 sq km
note:
includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
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about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
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0 km
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74.1 km
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territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone:
12 nm
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
continental shelf:
200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
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tropical
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low with sand and coral
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lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
highest point:
unnamed location 3 m
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fish
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arable land: 0%
permanent crops:
0%
other:
100% (all grass and sand) (2005)
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0 sq km
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surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
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illegal killing of protected wildlife by traditional Indonesian fisherman, as well as fishing by non-traditional Indonesian vessels, are ongoing problems
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Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983; Cartier Island Marine Reserve established in 2000
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no indigenous inhabitants
note:
Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island; access to East and Middle Islands is by permit only
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conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands
conventional short form:
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
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territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government
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the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply
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none (territory of Australia)
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none (territory of Australia)
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the flag of Australia is used
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none; offshore anchorage only
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defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
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Australia has closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing; Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef
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