Marine reserve facts for kids

Fish and coral at Kealakekua Bay, a marine reserve at the Island of Hawaiʻi

A marine reserve is like a safe home for sea creatures and plants. It is a special protected area in the sea, ocean, or even large lakes. Rules keep the plants and animals in these areas safe. This helps to protect nature and gives scientists a chance to study marine life.

What is a Marine Reserve?

In a marine reserve, people are usually not allowed to take plants or animals. This means no fishing or collecting shells. However, people can still enjoy the water by swimming or scuba diving. The main goal is to keep the natural environment healthy.

These reserves help protect different kinds of marine life. This includes tiny plankton, colorful coral reefs, and large whales. They also protect important places like mangrove forests and sea grass beds. These areas are like nurseries for many young fish and other animals.

Why are Marine Reserves Important?

Marine reserves are very important for several reasons:

• Protecting animals: They give sea animals a safe place to live and reproduce. This helps to increase their numbers.
• Keeping habitats healthy: They protect important places like coral reefs and mangrove forests. These are homes for many different species.
• Helping fishing: Even though fishing is not allowed inside a reserve, fish can grow bigger and then swim outside the reserve. This helps to improve fishing in nearby areas.
• Learning about the ocean: Scientists can study these areas to learn more about how marine ecosystems work. This helps us understand how to better protect the ocean.

Examples of Marine Reserves

There are many marine reserves around the world. Each one protects unique parts of the ocean.

• The Ningaloo Reef in Australia is a famous marine reserve. It is home to six out of the seven types of sea turtles found globally. It also protects whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.
• Another example is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Belize. This reserve includes beautiful coral reefs and a vital mangrove forest. It is a popular spot for divers and snorkelers.
• Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island in New Zealand was the first marine reserve in that country. It has helped fish populations grow significantly.

Related pages

• Nature reserve
• World Heritage Site

Images for kids

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  Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island in Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Leigh, Warkworth, New Zealand).

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  View of Desecheo from Rincón

See also

In Spanish: Reserva marina para niños