Beanley Island facts for kids

Beanley Island is a small, special island located in Queensland, Australia. It is part of the amazing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Howick Group National Park. This island is about 100 kilometers south-east of Cape Melville. Beanley Island is quite small, covering an area of about 7 hectares, which is 0.07 square kilometers. You can find it just north-west of Howick Island.

Discovering Beanley Island

Beanley Island is a tiny piece of land in a very important part of the world. It's located off the coast of Queensland, a state in northern Australia. The island is part of a group of islands known as the Howick Group. These islands are famous for their natural beauty and the incredible marine life around them.

Location and Size

Beanley Island is situated in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. It's about 100 kilometers away from the mainland. To give you an idea of its size, 7 hectares is roughly the size of seven international rugby fields. This makes it a very small island, but still a significant part of its ecosystem. Its exact coordinates are -14.432 latitude and 144.886 longitude.

Part of the Great Barrier Reef

One of the most exciting things about Beanley Island is that it's located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. It's made up of thousands of individual reefs and hundreds of islands. This entire area is protected to keep its unique plants and animals safe.

What is a Marine Park?

A marine park is like a national park, but for the ocean. It's a special area where rules are in place to protect the marine environment. This means that fishing might be limited, and certain activities are not allowed. The goal is to keep the ocean healthy for future generations. For Beanley Island, being in this park helps protect its surrounding waters and coral reefs.

The Howick Group National Park

Beanley Island is also part of the Howick Group National Park. A national park is an area of land protected by the government. These parks are set aside to preserve nature, wildlife, and sometimes historical sites. The Howick Group National Park helps protect the islands themselves, including their plants, birds, and any land animals.

Why are Islands Protected?

Islands like Beanley Island are often important habitats for many species. They can be nesting sites for seabirds or places where unique plants grow. Protecting these islands helps maintain the balance of nature in the region. It also allows scientists to study these environments and learn more about them.

Environment and Wildlife

Even though Beanley Island is small, it plays a role in the larger ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef. The waters around the island are home to many different kinds of marine life. This includes colorful coral, fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. The island itself might have small plants and be a resting spot for birds.

Coral Reefs

The coral reefs near Beanley Island are living structures made by tiny animals called polyps. These reefs provide food and shelter for countless marine creatures. They are often called the "rainforests of the sea" because of how many different species live there. Protecting islands like Beanley helps keep these delicate reefs healthy.

Island Life

While Beanley Island is uninhabited by people, it is still full of life. Seabirds often visit islands like this to rest or nest. You might find different types of plants that are adapted to grow in sandy or rocky island conditions. The island's natural state is important for the overall health of the Great Barrier Reef.

Visiting Protected Islands

Many islands in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and National Parks are open for visitors. However, because they are protected, there are often rules to follow. These rules help make sure that visitors don't harm the environment. For example, you might be asked not to leave any trash or disturb the wildlife.

Responsible Tourism

When people visit places like Beanley Island, it's important to practice responsible tourism. This means enjoying nature without damaging it. By following the rules and being respectful, visitors can help keep these beautiful places special for everyone. It's a way to learn about nature while also protecting it.

Conclusion

Beanley Island might be small, but it's a significant part of Australia's natural heritage. Its location within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Howick Group National Park highlights its importance. It's a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that exists in our world and why it's so important to protect these special places.