Consider the following statements regarding the Bass Strait: 1. It separates the island state of Tasmania from the Australian mainland and connects the Indian Ocean with the Tasman Sea. 2. The strait is highly significant for offshore energy as it contains major petroleum and natural gas resources. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |ForumIAS

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Bass Strait is a narrow maritime passage separating the island state of Tasmania from the southeastern Australian mainland (specifically the state of Victoria). By traversing between the two, it acts as a direct link connecting the Indian Ocean to the Tasman Sea (part of the South Pacific).
Statement 2 is correct: The strait is recognized not only as a shipping route but also for its economically prominent offshore petroleum and natural gas reservoirs. Significant commercial extraction has occurred here since the discoveries at Barracouta and Kingfish in the 1960s.