West Island (Lacepede Islands)

West Island is the largest of the four islands comprising the Lacepede Islands, located off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia. The Lacepede Islands are significant seabird nesting sites, and West Island is particularly important for this purpose.

The island is a low-lying, sandy cay formed primarily of coral and shell grit. Its vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of grasses and low shrubs adapted to the harsh, saline environment. The Lacepede Islands, including West Island, are managed as a nature reserve to protect the breeding populations of various seabird species.

Brown Boobies and Roseate Terns are among the most numerous birds nesting on West Island. Other species found there include Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds, Silver Gulls, and various shorebirds. The islands' remote location and protected status provide relatively undisturbed nesting conditions.

Access to West Island and the other Lacepede Islands is restricted to permit holders for scientific research and management purposes. The fragile ecosystem is vulnerable to disturbance from human activity, introduced species, and climate change impacts such as rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events. The islands play a critical role in the regional ecology and are a focus for conservation efforts.