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, is now a marine reserve.

Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between northwestern Australia and Timor island
12 14 S, 123 05 E
Southeast Asia
total: 5 sq km ; land: 5 sq km ; water: 0 sq km ; note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island
about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
0 km
74.1 km
territorial sea: 12 nm ; contiguous zone: 12 nm ; exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm ; continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
tropical
low with sand and coral
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m ; highest point: unnamed location 3 m
fish
arable land: 0% ; permanent crops: 0% ; other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2005)
0 sq km


surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards
NA

Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983
no indigenous inhabitants ; note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island



















the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem
conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands ; conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands







the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply







the flag of Australia is used
none (territory of Australia)
none (territory of Australia)
territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services




no economic activity







































































none; offshore anchorage only







defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force
Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to these islands; Australia closed parts of the Ashmore and Cartier Reserve to Indonesian traditional fishing and placed restrictions on certain catches



