Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth waters) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ningaloo Marine Park
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Male whale shark, about 6 metres (20 ft) long
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Location	Australia
Area	2,435 km2 (940 sq mi)
Established	20 May 1987
Operator	Parks Australia

The Ningaloo Marine Park is an amazing underwater world off the coast of Western Australia. It's west of the famous Ningaloo Coast. This special marine park covers a huge area of 2,435 square kilometers. It's like a giant nature reserve, but for the ocean!

The park is managed by the Australian government. It is one of 13 similar parks in the North-west Marine Parks Network. There's also another Ningaloo marine park right next door, but it's looked after by the Western Australian government.

Why Ningaloo Marine Park is Special

Amazing Animals and Habitats

The Ningaloo Marine Park is home to many incredible sea creatures. It's a very important place for them to live and find food.

• You can find lots of Manta Rays swimming in the lagoons and near the outer reef.
• It's a feeding ground for huge, gentle whale sharks. These amazing fish are considered vulnerable.
• Many marine turtles use the park to find food. Important nesting beaches for them are right nearby.
• Humpback whales also travel through the park on their long migration journeys.

Underwater Worlds and Ecosystems

The park protects different kinds of underwater environments. These include shallow areas near the coast and deeper parts of the ocean floor. It also has unique features like underwater pinnacles and terraces.

This area shows examples of the special seafloor habitats found in the Central Western Shelf Transition region. It's like a natural museum of ocean life!

Protecting the Park from Challenges

Protecting the Ningaloo Marine Park is very important. Climate change is a big worry here. Things like ocean acidification (when the ocean becomes more acidic), floods, storms, and stronger waves can harm the park. Scientists and park managers work hard to keep this special place safe.

History of the Park

The Ningaloo Marine Park has been protected for a long time. It was first set up on May 20, 1987. Back then, it was called the Ningaloo Marine Park (Commonwealth Waters).

Later, on December 14, 2013, it became a Commonwealth Marine Reserve. Then, on October 9, 2017, it was officially renamed the Ningaloo Marine Park.

How the Park is Protected: Special Zones

The Ningaloo Marine Park has different areas called "protection zones." Each zone has its own rules to help protect the ocean animals and their homes. These rules make sure that the park stays healthy for everyone.

Here's a simple look at what you can and can't do in each zone:

See also

• Protected areas managed by the Australian government