Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Ashmore and Cartier Islands is an uninhabited Australian external territory in the eastern Indian Ocean, comprising Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island.

Ashmore Reef: A coral reef system in the Timor Sea that forms part of Ashmore and Cartier Islands. The territory’s largest and most ecologically prominent component.
British Empire: A worldwide empire of territories governed or controlled by Britain, at its greatest extent in the early twentieth century. Britain’s claim to the islands preceded their transfer to Australia.
Marine protected area: A geographically defined sea area managed to conserve marine ecosystems and resources. The territory’s reserves apply this conservation approach to reefs and surrounding waters.
Indonesia: A Southeast Asian archipelagic country extending between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Indonesia lies north of the territory and is central to nearby maritime relations.
Australian border protection: Australian government measures for controlling entry across the country’s borders and maritime approaches. The territory has figured in Australian border enforcement and interception policy.
Cartier Island: A small sandy island within Cartier Reef, part of Ashmore and Cartier Islands. The territory’s second named component, distinct from Ashmore Reef.
Western Australia: A state occupying the western third of Australia, with a long Indian Ocean coastline. The islands were administered by Western Australia before becoming an external territory.
Coral reef: A marine ecosystem built largely by calcium-carbonate structures produced by corals. The territory’s reefs support diverse marine life and conservation measures.
Timor-Leste: A sovereign country occupying the eastern half of Timor and nearby islands. Timor-Leste is among the nearest countries to the territory.
Asylum seeker: A person seeking international protection whose claim to refugee status has not yet been decided. People intercepted near the islands have sought protection in Australia.

Linked from 1 page