Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve

LocationIndian Ocean, Australia

NearesttownPort Macdonnell, South Australia

Coordinates39°19′S 139°51′E / 39.31°S 139.85°E / -39.31; 139.85^[1]

Area6,123 km² (2,364 sq mi)

Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources)
Map showing the Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve
Location	Indian Ocean, Australia
Nearest town	Port Macdonnell, South Australia
Coordinates	39°19′S 139°51′E / 39.31°S 139.85°E / -39.31; 139.85[1]
Area	6,123 km2 (2,364 sq mi)
Established	August 31, 2007 (2007-08-31)
Governing body	Parks Australia (Commonwealth of Australia)
environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-reserves/south-east/nelson

Nelson Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a 6,123 km² marine protected area within Australian waters located in the Southern Ocean^[2] near the South Australia-Victoria border. The reserve was established in 2007^[3] and is part of the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network.

The reserve spans deepwater ecosystems (below 3,000 m (9,800 ft)) and encloses geological features including plateaus, knolls, canyons and the abyssal plain. It is an important migration area for humpback, blue, fin and possibly sei whales.^[4]