South Tasman Rise Commonwealth Marine Reserve facts for kids

The South Tasman Rise Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a special underwater area in the ocean. It covers a huge space of 27,704 square kilometers. This reserve is found near Tasmania, at the very southern edge of Australia's ocean territory.

This important area was created in 2007. It is part of a bigger group of protected ocean places called the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network. These reserves help to protect marine life and their homes.

The reserve includes a part of the South Tasman Rise, which is a large underwater area. It has very deep ocean parts, including a section of the middle of the continental slope. This slope goes down to depths between 1,200 and 3,000 meters. Some of the underwater mountains, called seamounts, in this reserve have flat tops. This shows that they were once above the water a very long time ago!

Protecting Our Ocean: What is the South Tasman Rise Reserve For?

The South Tasman Rise marine reserve is a protected area. This means that special rules are in place to keep its ocean environment safe. The entire reserve is given an IUCN protected area category VI. This category means it is a 'Special Purpose' zone.

What Does 'Special Purpose' Mean for the Reserve?

Being a 'Special Purpose' zone means that the area is managed to protect its natural features. It also allows for some activities, but only if they are done carefully. The main goal is to make sure the ocean environment stays healthy for the future.

Here's a quick look at what's allowed in this special ocean area:

• Recreational fishing: Yes, you can fish for fun here.
• Commercial fishing: No, large-scale fishing for selling is not allowed.
• Mining: This is sometimes allowed, but only with special permission and strict rules.

This careful approach helps to balance protecting the ocean with allowing some human activities.