Marine park facts for kids
A marine park is a special area in the sea, or sometimes a lake, that is set aside for protection. Think of it like a national park, but underwater! These parks help keep the ocean healthy and protect amazing sea creatures. They also allow people to learn about the ocean and enjoy fun activities like snorkeling or diving. Marine parks often help local communities and Indigenous peoples too. Most marine parks are looked after by national governments.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia used to be the biggest marine park in the world. It covers a huge area of 350,000 square kilometers! But in 2010, the United Kingdom opened the Chagos Marine Park, which is even larger.
Some marine parks make it easy for visitors to see their underwater wonders. You might find special boats with glass bottoms, small submarines, or even undersea tunnels with windows!
In New Zealand, a "marine reserve" offers even stronger protection than a marine park. This is to make sure the ocean environment is kept very safe.
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Exploring Marine Parks Around the World
Many countries around the globe have created marine parks to protect their ocean environments. Here are just a few examples from different parts of the world.
Marine Parks in Africa
- Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park in Kenya is a great place to see coral reefs and marine life.
- Mayotte Marine Natural Park is near the island of Mayotte, protecting its unique waters.
Marine Parks in the Americas
- In the Caribbean, the Bonaire National Marine Park in Bonaire is famous for its clear waters and coral reefs.
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Fathom Five National Marine Park in Canada protects shipwrecks and freshwater ecosystems.
- The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park in Canada is a special place where a river meets the sea.
- In Mexico, Cabo Pulmo National Park is known for its amazing recovery of marine life.
- The Dry Tortugas National Park in the United States is a remote park with beautiful coral reefs and historic forts.
Marine Parks in Asia
- Koh Rong Marine National Park in Cambodia helps protect the waters around its islands.
- Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park in Hong Kong is a smaller park popular for its corals.
- Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch in India is home to diverse marine species.
- Komodo National Park in Indonesia is famous for its dragons, but also protects rich marine areas.
- Bunaken National Park in Indonesia is a world-renowned diving spot.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park in Malaysia is a group of islands with beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
- Sisters' Island Marine Park in Singapore is a small but important marine protected area.
- Tarutao National Marine Park in Thailand offers stunning islands and clear waters.
Marine Parks in Europe
- The Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park in Albania protects a beautiful coastal area.
- Iroise Marine Natural Park in Brittany, France, is home to many seabirds and marine mammals.
- Zakynthos Marine Park in Greece is known for protecting loggerhead sea turtles.
- Kosterhavet National Park in Sweden is the country's first marine national park.
- Ytre Hvaler National Park in Norway protects a rich coastal environment.
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales includes both land and sea areas.
Marine Parks in Oceania
Australia
Australia has many marine parks managed by its government, like the famous Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Other important ones include:
Australian states also have their own marine parks:
- Solitary Islands Marine Park in New South Wales
- Moreton Bay Marine Park in Queensland
- Encounter Marine Park in South Australia
- Twelve Apostles Marine National Park in Victoria, known for its iconic rock formations.
- Shark Bay Marine Park in Western Australia
New Zealand
- Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a large park near Auckland, protecting many islands and marine habitats.
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