Latitude Rock – Forster NSW Australia
Latitude Rock is one of our more popular sites, a relatively shallow dive,
the maximum depth of 15 metres and average depth of 12 metres allows for extended
bottom times.
We have a mooring at Latitude Rock, it is situated in 10 metres of water and
there are several shallower ridges of reef, 5 metres deep, a perfect spot for
that safety stop.
The bottom topography of Latitude is a series of gutters and ridges running
parallel with the Rock itself. There is kelp, sponges and colourful marine growth
in the shallower parts, graduating to mostly bare granite rock in the 15-metre
range.
Small, mainly female, Grey Nurse Sharks aggregate here during the mating season.
These sexually immature females travel inshore and away from the sexually aggressive
and much larger males that inhabit the “Pinnacle” during October thru
December.
Grey Nurse Sharks are sighted here all year ‘round but in smaller numbers
than the spring and early summer periods.
This important habitat for the Grey Nurse Sharks deserves protection. We here
at dive forster are constantly pressuring the authorities to declare the area
around Latitude a “Marine Sanctuary”. For more information on what
is happening at Latitude conservation. You can help in protecting this and other
endangered species from extinction be pro active.
Also commonly found all year ‘round at Latitude Rock are loggerhead turtles,
Port Jackson Sharks, wobbegong sharks, elegant wrasse and black or estuary cod.
All of these species are protected, some endangered and all at risk from some
inappropriate fishing practices that occur at Latitude Rock. tuna boats
Latitude Rock is a perfect second dive after the “Pinnacle”.