Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park (state waters) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park South Australia
View of Seal Bay (with Nobby Islet in background) where a Restricted Access Zone is in force.
Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Kingscote
Established	29 January 2009
Area	673 square kilometres (260 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
Website	Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park

The Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park is a special ocean area in South Australia. It protects the waters along the south coast of Kangaroo Island and around some small islands nearby. This park was created on January 29, 2009, to help keep our oceans healthy. It is managed by the Department for Environment and Water.

Where is the Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park?

This marine park has two main parts.

• The first part is along the southern coast of Kangaroo Island. It stretches about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) out from the shore. This area goes from the western end of Seal Bay Conservation Park to the southern tip of D'Estrees Bay. It also includes the waters around Pelorus Islet.
• The second part is around some small, rocky islands. These islands are called North Rock, Young Rocks, and South West Rock. They are located about 27 kilometers (17 miles) southwest of Cape Gantheaume.

The total area of the park is about 673 square kilometers (260 square miles).

Why is the Marine Park Important?

The park is divided into different zones. Each zone has special rules to protect the ocean environment. These rules help keep the ocean healthy for plants and animals. They also make sure people can still enjoy the ocean in a way that doesn't harm it.

What are the Different Zones?

There are three main types of zones in the park:

Restricted Access Zone

• This zone is a very special area where people cannot go without permission.
• It covers the waters near Seal Bay Aquatic Reserve and part of the Seal Bay Conservation Park.
• This helps protect sensitive wildlife, like the sea lions at Seal Bay.

Sanctuary Zone

• This zone is at the western end of the marine park.
• In this area, it is against the rules to remove or harm any plants, animals, or other things from the ocean.
• It is next to the Seal Bay Conservation Park and the Cape Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area.
• It also includes the Bales Beach Aquatic Reserve.

Habitat Protection Zones

• These zones cover the rest of the Kangaroo Island coastline within the park.
• They also include the waters around North Rock, Young Rocks, and South West Rock.
• In these zones, you can do activities that do not harm the ocean's habitats or how its ecosystems work. This means activities that protect the homes of marine life.

How is the Park Classified?

The Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park is classified using a special system called the IUCN system. This system helps people around the world understand how protected an area is.

• The Restricted Access Zone is like a "Strict Nature Reserve." This means it's for protecting nature very strictly.
• The Sanctuary Zone is like a "National Park." This means it's a large area for protecting ecosystems and for recreation.
• The Habitat Protection Zones are like "Habitat/Species Management Areas." This means they focus on protecting specific habitats or species.