Fiordland's marine reserves facts for kids

Fiordland, located on New Zealand's South Island, is a truly special place. It's famous for its amazing fjords, mountains, and forests. But did you know it also has a hidden underwater world? To protect this incredible marine life, there are ten marine reserves in the Fiordland region. These reserves act like underwater national parks. They keep a wide variety of ocean animals and their homes safe.

The first two reserves were set up in 1993. This happened because the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen asked for them. Later, in 2005, eight more reserves were added. This was suggested by the Guardians of Fiordland, a group dedicated to protecting this unique area.

Exploring Fiordland's Underwater Parks

Let's take a closer look at each of these special marine reserves. Each one protects different kinds of underwater environments and the creatures that live there.

Hawea (Clio Rocks) Marine Reserve

This reserve was created in 2005. It covers about 411 hectares, which is like 800 football fields! Hawea is special because it has very deep water. It also features amazing "vertical-wall reefs." These are like underwater cliffs where many sea creatures live.

Kahukura (Gold Arm) Marine Reserve

Also established in 2005, this reserve covers 464 hectares. It's located in the southern part of Charles Sound. Kahukura is known for being a very calm and sheltered area. You can find beautiful black and red corals growing here.

Kutu Parera (Gaer Arm) Marine Reserve

This reserve was set up in 2005 and spans 433 hectares. Kutu Parera is unique because it protects estuary areas. Estuaries are where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. It also has important shallow water environments, which are home to many young marine animals.

Moana Uta (Wet Jacket Arm) Marine Reserve

Created in 2005, Moana Uta is the largest of the reserves, covering 2,007 hectares. That's over 4,000 football fields! This huge reserve protects many different types of underwater homes around Entry Island. It's a great place for many different sea creatures to live.

Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve

This was one of the first two reserves, established way back in 1993. It covers 690 hectares. Piopiotahi is famous for its deep water areas with muddy bottoms. It's also one of the most popular spots in Fiordland for people who love to go recreational diving.

Taipari Roa (Elizabeth Island) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005, this reserve covers 613 hectares. Taipari Roa is a special place to see some amazing animals. It's known for its playful bottlenose dolphins. You might also spot Fiordland crested penguins and beautiful yellow glass sponges here.

Taumoana (Five Fingers Peninsula) Marine Reserve

This reserve was created in 2005 and covers 1,466 hectares. It's part of Tamatea / Dusky Sound. Taumoana is known for having several very unique habitats. It's also home to a large population of paua, which are a type of abalone shell.

Te Awaatu Channel (The Gut) Marine Reserve

This was the other reserve established in 1993. It's smaller, covering 93 hectares. Te Awaatu Channel is important because it protects an intertidal habitat. This is the area along the coast that is covered by water at high tide and exposed to air at low tide. Many interesting creatures live here!

Te Hapua (Sutherland Sound) Marine Reserve

Established in 2005, this reserve covers 449 hectares. Te Hapua is one of the least visited of the ten Fiordland marine reserves. This means its marine life is often left undisturbed, making it a very peaceful underwater environment.

Te Tapuwae o Hua (Long Sound) Marine Reserve

This reserve was created in 2005 and is the second largest, covering 3,672 hectares. It includes part of Rakituma / Preservation Inlet. Te Tapuwae o Hua is known for its population of "strawberry holothurians," which are a type of sea cucumber. They look like strawberries!de:Liste der Meeresschutzgebiete in Neuseeland nl:Maritieme reservaten in Nieuw-Zeeland