Reefs in the bay are described as pristine.[1] Barramundi habitat and associated wetlands exist in declared green zones which restrict commercial fishing.
Princess Charlotte Bay and surrounds were devastated by the Mahina Cyclone of 1899 which destroyed all 100 ships moored there at the time.[5] Other estimates suggest a lower figure of 82 boats destroyed.[2] On the 4 March 1899, the entire North Queensland pearling fleet was in the bay where they regularly collected supplies and unloaded shells. Around 100 Aboriginals who were assisting survivors ashore and 307 men from the pearling fleet were drowned in Queensland's worst maritime disaster.[2]
Normanby, Bizant, North Kennedy, Marrett and Morehead rivers terminate in the bay. Marine fossils and old beach ridges have been discovered well inland along the river systems. This indicates the bay has been experiencing a gradual infilling.[2]
During spring tides salt water inundates low areas for several kilometres inland.[2] Mixed mangrove forests predominate in tidal areas. The adjacent wetlands are one of the largest in Australia.[6] Extensive areas of seagrass beds exist on the bay's seafloor. There are also large areas of tidal flats covered in sand and mud.[6]
Both Princess Charlotte and nearby Bathurst Bay have some of the highest densities of dugong in Queensland.[8] A Special Management area has been established in Princess Charlotte Bay.[9] It aims to protect the dugong from commercial net fishers by limiting the number of fishing permit holders.
^"Journal of Lieut Jeffries". The Hobart Town Gazette And Southern Reporter. Vol. Third, no. 158. Tasmania, Australia. 11 May 1816. p. 1. Retrieved 23 February 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"About Lakefield". Department of Environment and Resource Management. 19 November 2010. Archived from the original on 14 March 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
