Land use on Cape Barren Island, Tasmania

Abstract

The physical and biological environment of Cape Barren Island is described, the human environment outlined in terms of past and present patterns of land use, and land use issues are detailed, The island has important biological and historical features, and reservation of certain areas seems warranted. Agricultural developments on the island are severely constrained by the poor soils and isolation from markets, but alternative developments such as aquaculture and wilderness conservation appear feasible. Tasmanian Aboriginals at present claim extensive land rights on the island and the resolution of these claims is necessary if a land management plan for the island is to be successtully implemented.