Coobowie Aquatic Reserve facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coobowie Aquatic Reserve South Australia
IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
Coobowie Aquatic Reserve Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Coobowie
Area	2.78 km2 (1.1 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA)
Footnotes	Coordinates Nearest town
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

The Coobowie Aquatic Reserve is a special ocean area in the Australian state of South Australia. It is located in the waters of Gulf St Vincent, right next to the east coast of the Yorke Peninsula. This reserve helps protect important parts of the ocean. Part of it is near the town of Coobowie, and another part is in a bay called Salt Creek Bay.

Why Coobowie Aquatic Reserve is Important

This special reserve was created to protect important places where young fish grow up. These areas are like nurseries for many different types of fish. Protecting these habitats helps keep our ocean healthy and full of life.

Exploring the Reserve's Areas

The Coobowie Aquatic Reserve is divided into two main parts, each with different rules:

Area 1: Salt Creek Bay

Area 1 covers the northern part of Salt Creek Bay. It stretches from Giles Points to a causeway on the western side of the bay. In this area, you can enjoy many activities:

• Fishing from a boat or the shore using a rod and line or handline.
• Collecting bait from the beach.
• Boating, diving, and swimming.

Area 2: Salt Swamp Creek

Area 2 is a smaller area known as Salt Swamp Creek. It is located to the west of Salt Creek Bay and the causeway. This area is a special sanctuary. To protect the marine life here, certain activities are not allowed:

• Fishing is prohibited.
• You cannot collect or remove any marine animals or plants.

Part of a Bigger Marine Park

Since 2012, the Coobowie Aquatic Reserve has been part of the Lower Yorke Peninsula Marine Park. This means it's part of an even larger effort to protect the ocean.

• Area 1 of the reserve is within a "general managed use zone." This zone allows some activities while still protecting the environment.
• Area 2 is within a "sanctuary zone." These zones offer the highest level of protection, meaning very few activities are allowed to keep the natural environment undisturbed.

International Protection Status

The Coobowie Aquatic Reserve is recognized internationally by the IUCN. It is classified as an IUCN Category VI protected area. This category means it's a protected area where people can use natural resources in a sustainable way, ensuring they are available for future generations.