Franklin Commonwealth Marine Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franklin Commonwealth Marine Reserve |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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| Location | Indian Ocean, Australia |
| Nearest town | Marrawah, Tasmania |
| Area | 671 km2 (259 sq mi) |
| Established | August 31, 2007 |
| Governing body | Parks Australia (Commonwealth of Australia) |
Imagine a special underwater park off the coast of Tasmania, Australia! That's what the Franklin Commonwealth Marine Reserve is. It's a huge protected area in the ocean, about 671 square kilometers big. That's like protecting a really large piece of the sea! It was set up in 2007 to help keep the ocean healthy and safe for all the amazing creatures that live there.
This marine reserve is part of a bigger group called the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network. It covers two important ocean areas: the western part of Bass Strait and the Tasmanian shelf. North of the reserve, you'll find Black Pyramid Rock. This rock is home to the biggest group of Australasian gannets in Tasmania, where they come to lay their eggs and raise their chicks.
Protecting Our Oceans
The Franklin Marine Reserve is a special kind of protected area. It's called an IUCN Category VI reserve. This means it's a 'Multiple Use' zone.
What Does 'Multiple Use' Mean?
In a 'Multiple Use' zone, people can still enjoy the ocean in many ways, but with rules to keep it healthy. It's like a park where you can play, but you also need to protect the trees and animals.
Here's what 'Multiple Use' means for the Franklin Marine Reserve:
- Recreational fishing: Yes, you can go fishing for fun here!
- Commercial fishing: Some commercial fishing is allowed, but only with special permission and under strict rules. This helps make sure there are still plenty of fish for the future.
- Mining: Mining activities are also allowed, but only with special approval. This means any mining would be carefully checked to make sure it doesn't harm the ocean environment.
The goal of a 'Multiple Use' reserve is to balance protecting nature with allowing people to use the ocean's resources in a smart and careful way. This helps keep the marine life safe while also supporting local communities.
