Bootless Inlet or Bootless Bay is a body of water in south-eastern Papua New Guinea, approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) southeast of Port Moresby.[1] There are four islands in the bay: Motupore Island, Loloata Island, Manunouha Island, and Bunamotu Island. A barrier reef across the mouth of the inlet protects it from rough seas. Several small creeks empty into the bay, but no large rivers.[2]

Bootless Inlet
Bootless Inlet is located in Papua New Guinea
Bootless Inlet
Bootless Inlet
Coordinates9°30′16″S 147°15′46″E / 9.504444°S 147.262778°E / -9.504444; 147.262778
IslandsMotupore Island, Loloata Island, Manunouha Island, and Bunamotu Island.

History

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During World War II, the Australian Army laid land mines along the shore of the inlet near Port Moresby, which later needed to be cleared by divers.[3]

Flora and fauna

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Numerous species of fish, shellfish, and turtles may be found in Bootless Bay, and historical evidence indicates that dugongs and crocodiles were once present as well.[2] The islands within the bay are home to various species of reef corals and sponges.[4]

In 1989, Motupore Island was proposed as an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Wildlife Management Area.[5] There is a University of Papua New Guinea research station on the island.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Baine, Mark; Harasti, David (2007). The marine life of Bootless Bay, Papua New Guinea. Motupore Island Research Centre, School of Natural and Physical Science, University of Papua New Guinea. ISBN 9789980848154.
  2. ^ a b Allen, Jim (1979). "The physical and cultural setting of Motupore Island, Central Province, Papua New Guinea". Bulletin of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association. 1. doi:10.7152/bippa.v1i0.11179.
  3. ^ Dann, Shannon (2013-06-14). "Divers have strong connections". The Singleton Argus. Retrieved 2019-02-04.
  4. ^ "Systematics and ecology of the sponges of Motupore Island, Papua New Guinea". Professor Patricia Bergquist. 1986. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)CS1 maint: others (link)
  5. ^ IUCN Directory of Protected Areas in Oceania. IUCN. 1991. p. 207. ISBN 9782831700694. motupore island.
  6. ^ Assembly, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources General (1992). Workshop Report on the Environmental Implications of Global Change: 30 November - 1 December 1990. IUCN. ISBN 9782831700892.
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