[1] The aquatic reserve consists of two zones – one extending from Mean High Water Mark on the island to a "boundary defined by five marker buoys" where fishing is prohibited and another extending from the "marker buoys" to the outer boundary of the aquatic reserve where fishing is permitted.

Thirteen moorings have been located within the aquatic reserve for use by boats to eliminate the need to anchor and therefore minimise damage to the seabed.

[3]: 8 [5][4] The aquatic reserve contains a wide variety of fish species including anemonefish, bullseyes, groupers, leatherjackets, parrotfish, pufferfish, surgeonfish, sweetlips and trevally.

Other native animals include brittle stars, flatworms, shrimps, nudibranchs, crustaceans, green turtles, jellyfish, molluscs and stingrays.

[6][7][8] It hosts diverse fauna and was noted as an important habitat of sharks in 2009 by Tweed Shire Council's Coast and Waterways Officer, Tom Alletson.