Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve

Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve is a protected area located in the Recherche Archipelago off the south coast of Western Australia. It consists of at least 104 islands and at least 1,200 obstacles to shipping (reefs, islets and rocks) and covers an area of sea extending 230 kilometres (140 mi) from east to west and up to a distance of 50 kilometres (31 mi) from the coast of the Australian continent. As of 2012, visitor access is limited to Middle Island within the nature reserve and is only available via a licensed tour operator. The nature reserve is classified as an IUCN Category Ia protected area.