island and its surrounding reef to build up depleted fish stocks and for safety reasons. Announced as a seven-year closure, Environment Australia planned to monitor levels of marine wildlife, and determine the presence of unexploded ordnance. Prior to that time, the area was frequented by yachts, and fished by Indonesian boats. References Sources Cartier Island at the Gazetteer of Australia online Ashmore and Cartier Islands at CIA - The World Factbook Ashmore and Cartier Islands Uninhabited islands of Australia