Macquarie Island Marine Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Macquarie Island Marine Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
|
|
| Location | Australia |
| Area | 162,000 km2 (63,000 sq mi) |
| Established | 20 October 1999 |
| Operator | Parks Australia |
| Website | https://parksaustralia.gov.au/marine/parks/south-east |
The Macquarie Island Marine Park is a special ocean area near Macquarie Island in the southwest Pacific Ocean. It's like a giant underwater national park! This marine park covers a huge area of 162,000 square kilometers. That's bigger than many countries! It's the largest of 14 parks that are part of the South-east Marine Parks Network. This park helps protect the amazing sea creatures and their homes in this part of the ocean.
Why This Park is Special
This marine park is super important because it protects unique ocean environments and the animals that live there. It includes deep ocean floors, canyons, and underwater ridges. These areas are vital homes for many different kinds of sea life.
The park is also a key feeding spot for many incredible animals, including:
- Whales: Like the powerful killer whales.
- Seals: Such as the huge southern elephant seals, Antarctic, Subantarctic, and New Zealand fur seals.
- Penguins: You can find royal, king, rockhopper, and gentoo penguins here.
- Birds: Large seabirds like the wandering albatross also visit this area to find food.
How the Park Started
The Macquarie Island Marine Park was first created on 20 October 1999. It was known by a slightly different name for a while, but in 2017, its original name, Macquarie Island Marine Park, was brought back. It has been protecting this important ocean area for over 20 years!
Protecting the Ocean: Park Zones
To make sure the marine park protects its animals and habitats properly, it's divided into different zones. Each zone has its own set of rules about what activities are allowed. This helps manage the park so that nature can thrive.
The Macquarie Island Marine Park has two main types of protection zones:
- Sanctuary Zone: This is the most protected area. It's like a quiet, safe haven where very few activities are allowed. This helps keep the marine life undisturbed.
- Habitat Protection Zone: This zone also protects habitats and species, but some activities are allowed with special permission. This balance helps people enjoy the park while still keeping it safe for animals.
Here's a quick look at what's allowed in each zone:
| Zone | IUCN | Activities permitted | Total area (km2) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vessel transiting | Recreational fishing | Commercial fishing | Commercial tourism | Mining | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sanctuary Zone | Ia | Yes | No | No | aviation only | No | 58,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Habitat Protection | IV | Yes | Yes | some, with approval | with approval | No | 104,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| External link: Zoning and rules for the South-east Marine Parks Network | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
