Gambier Islands Group Marine Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gambier Islands Group Marine ParkSouth Australia |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
|
|
 Gambier Islands Group Marine Park
Location in South Australia
|
|
| Nearest town or city | Port Lincoln |
| Established | 29 January 2009 |
| Area | 120 square kilometres (46 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
| Website | Gambier Islands Group Marine Park |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
The Gambier Islands Group Marine Park is a special area in the ocean that helps protect marine life. It's located in the waters around the Gambier Islands in South Australia. These islands are right at the entrance of Spencer Gulf.
This marine park was officially created on January 29, 2009. It was set up under a law called the Marine Parks Act 2007. This law helps make sure that important ocean areas are looked after.
About the Gambier Islands Marine Park
The Gambier Islands Group Marine Park covers the waters around all the islands in the group. It stretches out about 1.6 nautical miles (about 3 kilometers) from the shoreline.
Where is it Located?
The park includes the waters around islands like North Island, East Peaked Rocks, West Peak Rocks, and South West Rock. It also overlaps with some land areas. For example, it includes parts of the land on the southwest side of Wedge Island. It also overlaps with the Gambier Islands Conservation Park, which protects the land on the islands themselves.
Why is it Protected?
Marine parks are created to protect ocean animals and their homes. The Marine Parks Act 2007 allows for different levels of protection. Some areas might have strict rules, while others allow more activities.
The Gambier Islands Group Marine Park has one main type of protection. It's called a "habitat protection" zone. This means that only activities that do not harm the ocean habitats or the way the ocean's ecosystems work are allowed. This helps keep the marine environment healthy and safe for all the creatures that live there.
As of 2016, this marine park was listed as an IUCN Category IV protected area. This category means it's an area managed mainly to protect specific habitats and species. It's a place where people work to keep the natural environment thriving.
