Jurien Bay Marine Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jurien Bay Marine ParkWestern Australia |
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IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
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 Jurien Bay Marine Park
Location in Western Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Green Head |
| Established | 31 August 2003 |
| Area | 823.75 km2 (318.1 sq mi) |
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| Website | Jurien Bay Marine Park |
| See also | List of protected areas of Western Australia |
The Jurien Bay Marine Park is a special protected area in the ocean. It is located about 200 to 300 kilometers (124 to 186 miles) north of Perth, in Western Australia. This large marine park covers 82,375 hectares (over 200,000 acres). It was officially created on August 31, 2003. The park stretches along the Indian Ocean Drive and includes many islands in the area.
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About Jurien Bay Marine Park
The Jurien Bay Marine Park is named after Charles-Marie Jurien de la Gravière. He was a person from the French navy. The idea for this park was discussed for many years before it was finally created.
Protected Ocean Areas
About 12 percent of Western Australia's ocean waters are protected. These areas are called marine parks or reserves. A smaller part, about 2.4 percent, are "sanctuary zones." In these zones, fishing and taking anything from the ocean is not allowed. A small section of the Jurien Bay Marine Park is a sanctuary zone. It follows special rules about fishing.
Amazing Ocean Life
Western Australia's ocean areas are some of the most natural in the world. They have a huge variety of plants and animals. This is because two different ocean regions meet here. One brings warm, tropical water from the north. The other brings cooler water from the south.
The Leeuwin Current is a warm ocean current. It flows along the coast from the equator. This current helps many different kinds of marine life to live here. You can find both tropical and temperate species in the park.
Animals and Plants of the Park
The Jurien Bay Marine Park is home to many amazing creatures. It has areas where sea lions and seabirds raise their young. The reefs are full of plants and animals that thrive in the warm waters of the Leeuwin Current.
Underwater Gardens
The park has large areas of seagrass meadows. These underwater "gardens" are very important. They act as nurseries for young western rock lobsters. This means the young lobsters grow up safely in the seagrass before moving to other parts of the ocean.
Marine Life and Activities
Every year, whales travel along the western coast of Australia. Visitors to Jurien Bay can often see these huge animals. The park offers a chance to see many different kinds of marine life. You might even get to swim with seals, sea lions, and dolphins!
People can enjoy many activities in the park. These include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. You can also explore the reefs and islands offshore.
Managing the Park
The Jurien Bay Marine Park is looked after by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority. The Department of Environment and Conservation helps manage the park. They work closely with the local community. The Department of Fisheries also helps. They manage commercial and recreational fishing in the park.
The nearby town of Jurien Bay has a modern boat harbor. This harbor is important for the growing aquaculture industry. Aquaculture is like farming, but for sea creatures.
