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| {{Short description|Waterway separating Maria Island from Tasmania}} | |||
| {{Use Australian English|date=January 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox body of water | name = Mercury Passage | native_name = | native_name_lang = | image = | alt = | caption = | pushpin_map = Australia Tasmania<!-- the name of a location map as per Template:Location map. Requires coordinates in latd= and longd= format --> | pushpin_map_alt = | pushpin_label_position = top | pushpin_map_caption = Location in ] | location = ] ] | coords = {{coord|42|40|S|148|05|E|region:AU-TAS_type:waterbody|display=inline,title}} | type = Passage | etymology = Named for HMS Mercury | inflow = | outflow = ] | oceans = ] | catchment = | basin_countries = Australia | designation = | length = | width = | area = | depth = | max-depth = | volume = | residence_time = | salinity = | shore = | elevation = | frozen = | islands = ] | settlements = ], ] | reference = <ref name="epa">{{cite web |url=https://epa.tas.gov.au/business-industry/regulation/salmon-aquaculture/marine-finfish-farms/okehampton-bay |title=Marine Finfish Farms: Okehampton Bay |work=Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority |access-date=5 January 2025 }}</ref> }} | |||
| The '''Mercury Passage''' is a waterway located on the east coast of ], Australia, separating ] from the Tasmanian mainland. The passage connects to the ] and is known for its rich marine ecosystems, scenic coastal landscapes, and significance to Tasmania's aquaculture and tourism industries. | The '''Mercury Passage''' is a waterway located on the east coast of ], Australia, separating ] from the Tasmanian mainland. The passage connects to the ] and is known for its rich marine ecosystems, scenic coastal landscapes, and significance to Tasmania's aquaculture and tourism industries. | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| The Mercury Passage was named after {{HMS|Mercury|1807}}, a British ship that surveyed parts of Tasmania's east coast during the early 19th century. The passage has historically been an important route for shipping and fishing activities. It was also home to several ] stations during the early 19th century, reflecting the region's role in |
The Mercury Passage was named after {{HMS|Mercury|1807}}, a British ship that surveyed parts of Tasmania's east coast during the early 19th century. The passage has historically been an important route for shipping and fishing activities. It was also home to several ] stations during the early 19th century, reflecting the region's role in Tasmania's maritime history.<ref>{{cite book |last=Nash |first=Michael |title=The Bay Whalers: Tasmania's Shore-Based Whaling Industry |date=2003 |publisher=Naverine Publishing |page=142 }}</ref> | ||
| The Indigenous peoples of the area, including the ] people, used the Mercury Passage for fishing and transportation long before European settlement. Their connection to the region is reflected in the archaeological sites found on the surrounding shores and Maria Island.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aboriginalheritage.tas.gov.au/ |title=Aboriginal Cultural Heritage |publisher=Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref> | The Indigenous peoples of the area, including the ] people, used the Mercury Passage for fishing and transportation long before European settlement. Their connection to the region is reflected in the archaeological sites found on the surrounding shores and Maria Island.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.aboriginalheritage.tas.gov.au/ |title=Aboriginal Cultural Heritage |publisher=Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| ==Geography and |
==Geography and environment== | ||
| The Mercury Passage runs approximately |
The Mercury Passage runs approximately north–south, with the Tasmanian mainland to the west and Maria Island to the east. It is characterized by clean, temperate waters, making it a habitat for diverse marine life, including ], ], and various fish species. The area is a popular spot for recreational fishing, diving, and sailing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://molluscsoftasmania.org.au/project/mercury-passage-spring-beach-offshore/ |title=Mercury Passage Offshore Mollusc Survey |publisher=Molluscs of Tasmania |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| In recent years, the Mercury Passage has been a focus for aquaculture development. The establishment of salmon farms, particularly near ], has brought economic benefits but also environmental and community concerns, including debates over the impact on water quality and local ecosystems.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-08/salmon-farming-expansion-ban-imposed-on-mercury-passage/8599582 |title=Salmon farming expansion ban imposed on Mercury Passage |work=ABC News |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref> | In recent years, the Mercury Passage has been a focus for aquaculture development. The establishment of ], particularly near ], has brought economic benefits but also environmental and community concerns, including debates over the impact on water quality and local ecosystems.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-08/salmon-farming-expansion-ban-imposed-on-mercury-passage/8599582 |title=Salmon farming expansion ban imposed on Mercury Passage |work=ABC News |date=8 June 2017 |access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref> | ||
| ==Tourism== | ==Tourism== | ||
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| *{{cite web |url=https://www.tasmania.com/attractions/mercury-passage/ |title=Mercury Passage Information |publisher=Tasmania.com |access-date=5 January 2025}} | *{{cite web |url=https://www.tasmania.com/attractions/mercury-passage/ |title=Mercury Passage Information |publisher=Tasmania.com |access-date=5 January 2025}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 14:20, 8 January 2025
Waterway separating Maria Island from Tasmania| Mercury Passage | |
|---|---|
  Mercury PassageLocation in Tasmania | |
| Location | East Coast Tasmania |
| Coordinates | 42°40′S 148°05′E / 42.667°S 148.083°E / -42.667; 148.083 |
| Type | Passage |
| Etymology | Named for HMS Mercury |
| Primary outflows | Tasman Sea |
| Ocean/sea sources | South Pacific Ocean |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Islands | Maria Island |
| Settlements | Orford, Triabunna |
| References | |
The Mercury Passage is a waterway located on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia, separating Maria Island from the Tasmanian mainland. The passage connects to the Tasman Sea and is known for its rich marine ecosystems, scenic coastal landscapes, and significance to Tasmania's aquaculture and tourism industries.
History
The Mercury Passage was named after HMS Mercury (1807), a British ship that surveyed parts of Tasmania's east coast during the early 19th century. The passage has historically been an important route for shipping and fishing activities. It was also home to several whaling stations during the early 19th century, reflecting the region's role in Tasmania's maritime history.
The Indigenous peoples of the area, including the Paredarerme people, used the Mercury Passage for fishing and transportation long before European settlement. Their connection to the region is reflected in the archaeological sites found on the surrounding shores and Maria Island.
Geography and environment
The Mercury Passage runs approximately north–south, with the Tasmanian mainland to the west and Maria Island to the east. It is characterized by clean, temperate waters, making it a habitat for diverse marine life, including scallops, lobsters, and various fish species. The area is a popular spot for recreational fishing, diving, and sailing.
In recent years, the Mercury Passage has been a focus for aquaculture development. The establishment of salmon farms, particularly near Okehampton Bay, has brought economic benefits but also environmental and community concerns, including debates over the impact on water quality and local ecosystems.
Tourism
The Mercury Passage is a gateway to Maria Island, a popular destination for tourists seeking wildlife, historical sites, and natural beauty. Ferries from Triabunna regularly cross the passage, connecting visitors to Maria Island National Park. The passage is also a draw for recreational activities such as boating, kayaking, and whale watching.
See also
References
- "Marine Finfish Farms: Okehampton Bay". Tasmanian Environment Protection Authority. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- Nash, Michael (2003). The Bay Whalers: Tasmania's Shore-Based Whaling Industry. Naverine Publishing. p. 142.
- "Aboriginal Cultural Heritage". Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- "Mercury Passage Offshore Mollusc Survey". Molluscs of Tasmania. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- "Salmon farming expansion ban imposed on Mercury Passage". ABC News. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
- "Maria Island Ferry Service". Encounter Maria Island. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
External links
- "Mercury Passage Information". Tasmania.com. Retrieved 5 January 2025.