The Timor Sea is a body of water situated between the northern coast of Australia and the southern islands of Indonesia. The word "Timor" is pronounced /ˈtiːmɔːr/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this word comes from the name of the East Timor island, which is divided between Indonesia and an independent country. The Timor Sea is known for its rich biodiversity and is a crucial area for maritime trade and transportation.
The Timor Sea is a body of water located in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean, between the countries of Australia and Timor-Leste (East Timor). It is a semi-enclosed sea, bordered by the northern coast of Australia and the eastern part of Timor Island. The Timor Sea extends approximately 480,000 square kilometers (185,000 square miles) and has an average depth of around 200 meters (660 feet).
The sea's name is derived from the Timor Island, which lies prominently in its northeastern corner. The Timor Sea is known for its rich biodiversity and abundant marine life, including coral reefs, numerous species of fish, and several endangered marine animals. It is also home to important commercial fisheries that support the livelihoods of local communities.
The Timor Sea plays a significant role in the economy of both Australia and Timor-Leste, as it possesses substantial oil and gas reserves. Several offshore petroleum extraction and exploration projects are carried out in the sea's waters. Furthermore, the sea serves as a vital shipping route, facilitating trade and transport between Australia, Timor-Leste, and other countries in the region.
Geopolitically, the Timor Sea has been a subject of contention between Australia and Timor-Leste due to disputes over maritime boundaries and resource ownership. Negotiations and agreements have been ongoing to resolve these issues and ensure fair allocation of the sea's resources.
The word "Timor" in "Timor Sea" is derived from the Indonesian word "Timur" which means "east". The sea is located to the east of the island of Timor, between Timor and the northern coast of Australia. The word "Timor" itself originates from the Malay-Indonesian language.