Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Park facts for kids

The Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Park is a special ocean area in Australia. It's located in the Gulf of Carpentaria, off the coast of Queensland. This park is north of Mornington Island. It used to be called the Gulf of Carpentaria Commonwealth Marine Reserve.

This huge marine park covers about 23,771 square kilometers. That's a really big area of ocean! It's protected to keep its amazing marine life safe. The park is part of a group of 8 parks called the North Marine Parks Network.

Why the Park is Important

The Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Park protects many important parts of the ocean. It helps keep different animals and their homes safe.

Amazing Animals and Their Homes

This marine park is a vital place for many creatures. It's especially important for:

• Turtles: It's a key resting spot for threatened flatback turtles and green turtles. They rest here between laying their eggs.
• Seabirds: Many migratory birds use this area to find food and raise their young. These include the brown booby, lesser frigatebird, roseate tern, and crested tern.

Special Ocean Areas

The park also protects unique parts of the ocean itself. These areas are important because they have:

• Different Ecosystems: It includes examples of ocean environments from the Northern Shelf Province. These are like different neighborhoods in the ocean.
• Rich Coastal Waters: The coastal areas of the Gulf of Carpentaria are very productive. This means they have lots of food and many different kinds of marine life.
• Deep Basins: The deeper parts of the Gulf also have a wide variety of animals. Many marine creatures gather here.
• Underwater Plateaus: There's a special raised area northwest of the Wellesley Islands. This spot has many unique animals and lots of marine life.
• Hidden Coral Reefs: The park protects coral reefs hidden underwater in the Gulf. These reefs are home to many different species.

Park History

The Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Park was officially created on December 14, 2013. It got its current name on October 9, 2017. The rules for managing and protecting the park started on July 1, 2018.

How the Park is Protected

The Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Park is a protected area. This means there are rules to keep its marine life safe. The park has different zones, and each zone has its own set of rules. These rules help manage activities like fishing and tourism.

Understanding Protection Zones

The park is divided into two main protection zones. Each zone has an IUCN category. These categories help explain what kind of activities are allowed or not allowed in that part of the park. This makes sure that marine habitats and species are protected.

Here's a simple look at the rules for each zone: