It has a significantly larger number of islands than Hamelin Pool, and has a number of smaller peninsulas known as "prongs" on its northern area. It has also been identified as a critical dugong habitat area.[2]
^Holley, David K., Lawler, Ivan R., and Gales, Nicholas J. (2006) Summer survey of dugong distribution and abundance in Shark Bay reveals additional key habitat area. Wildlife Research, 33 (3). pp. 243–250. ISSN 1448-5494
^Western Australia. Dept. of Environment and Conservation.(2007) Shark Bay terrestrial reserves and proposed reserve additions : draft management plan 2007 Department of Environment and Conservation ; Conservation Commission of Western Australia.
Bentley, W.A. Dept. of Environment and Conservation maps p.254 and 255
^Western Australia. Environmental Protection Authority (2002), Dredging of Denham Channel, Bar Flats and the Slope Island Shipping Berth, Freycinet Estuary Shark Bay : Shark Bay Salt Joint Venture : report and recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority, Environmental Protection Authority, ISBN978-0-7307-6680-3