Historic areas of the Houtman Abrolhos

Author/s M. Stanbury

Year of publication 1991

Report Number: 44

Introduction
In 1988, the Abrolhos Islands Task Force, (hereafter referred to as AITF), produced a planning strategy for a future Government Policy on the Abrolhos Islands (AITF, 1988). A number of proposals were included in the 'key strategy', among them 'Protection of areas of historic significance, including those sites associated with the Batavia and Zeewijk wrecks'. Section 3.2.3. of the document (AITF, 1988:22) identifies the general localities of areas of historic significance, outlining some general issues and strategies.

The Abrolhos Islands Consultative Council has agreed to issue a Code of Conduct for visitors to the Islands which will include a list of 'Do's and Don'ts' and also show the 'no go' areas. This report has been prepared in compliance with their request

• for advice on any restrictions that apply to the historic areas of the Houtman Abrolhos;
• for identification of historic areas; and
• for any restrictions applying within those areas to be clearly spelt out.