Southern Moreton Bay is a vast, shallow estuary system forming the southern section of the larger Moreton Bay, located off the Gold Coast City. It is characterized by its intricate network of islands, passages, and channels, with an average depth of around 6.8 metres, though some deeper channels exceed 30 metres. The bay is generally shallow and sandy, allowing light to penetrate and support extensive seagrass beds and marine habitats. It is separated from the Coral Sea by the sand islands of North and South Stradbroke Island, with the main southern entrance being the engineered Gold Coast Seaway. The waters range from blue to greenish or brownish tints depending on algal growth and sediment runoff from the many rivers and creeks that feed into it, including the Logan, Albert, and Pimpama Rivers. This diverse marine environment supports a rich fishery that is a cornerstone of the region's recreational angling.