Long Reef Aquatic Reserve was declared in 1980 It extends from Collaroy rock baths south to Long Reef SLSC, and from mean high water out 100m from mean low water (Approx 60 ha.). The reserve was declared primarily to protect marine invertebrates found on the rock platforms, and to protect subtidal marine plants and animals. It is also important for marine education. Long Reef Aquatic Reserve includes two main rocky shores. The northern rocky reef area is protected from southerly swells by the prominent eastern headland, whilst the eastern large platform is more exposed. Different organisms occur in these different areas. Sydney's northern beaches feature many diverse rock platforms. Long Reef Aquatic Reserve is unique due to its exposure to all four points of the compass. Species dwelling here have managed to adapt well to a huge range of severe conditions. Long Reef Aquatic Reserve has a wide variety of habitats, including sheltered boulder fields and surf-exposed ledges. The diversity and abundance of marine invertebrates here is rarely seen anywhere.

The more common organisms found at Long Reef Aquatic Reserve are shown below.
Click the links for a picture and details.
All text courtesy NSW Fisheries - Jane Frances editor.
Photos courtesy Isobel Bennett Collection.

Algae
Sponges
Sea Urchins
Worms
Elephant Snails
Barnacles
Cunjevoi
Sea Stars
Galeolaria
Crabs
Limpets
Chitons
Cockles, Pipis and Mussels

Sea Anemones
Octopuses
Abalone
Turban Snails
Zebra Trochids
Sea Hare
Black Nerites
Nudibranches
Flatworms
Cowries
Blue Periwinkles
Neptune's Necklace