kids encyclopedia robot

Tasman Fracture Commonwealth Marine Reserve facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Tasman Fracture Commonwealth Marine Reserve
IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
Location Indian Ocean, Australia
Nearest town Melaleuca, Tasmania
Area 42,501 km2 (16,410 sq mi)
Established August 31, 2007 (2007-08-31)
Governing body Parks Australia (Commonwealth of Australia)

The Tasman Fracture Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a huge protected area in the ocean. It covers about 42,502 square kilometers of Australian waters. This special place is located off the coast of south-west Tasmania.

The reserve stretches far south into the Indian Ocean. It includes a deep underwater canyon called the Tasman Fracture. This important reserve was created in 2007. It is part of a bigger group of protected ocean areas called the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network.

This reserve has amazing underwater mountains. Some of these peaks rise to less than 1500 meters below the ocean surface. These mountains are home to beautiful deep-sea corals. Many different animals live here. You can find seabirds, seals, and ocean mammals like dolphins and even killer whales! The reserve also has fish that live in cold, southern waters. There are also many small creatures that live on the seabed. The ocean currents in this area help make the reserve rich in different kinds of life.

Protecting the Ocean

Most of the Tasman Fracture marine reserve is a special type of protected area. It is called an IUCN protected area category VI area. This means it's a place where people can use the natural resources in a careful way. However, different parts of the reserve have different rules. These parts are called "zones."

Here's how the different zones work:

Zone IUCN Activities permitted Area
(km2)
Recreational fishing Commercial fishing Mining
Marine National Park II No No No 692
Special Purpose VI Yes No with approval 21,313
Multiple Use VI Yes with approval with approval 20 496
  • Marine National Park Zone: This is the most protected part. It covers 692 square kilometers. In this zone, no fishing or mining is allowed. It's like a national park, but underwater!
  • Special Purpose Zone: This zone is much larger, covering 21,313 square kilometers. You can go recreational fishing here. But commercial fishing is not allowed. Mining might be allowed, but only with special permission.
  • Multiple Use Zone: This zone is 20,496 square kilometers. It allows recreational fishing. Commercial fishing and mining might also be allowed here. But again, only if you get special approval.

These different zones help protect the ocean while still allowing some activities. This way, people can enjoy the marine reserve and its resources responsibly.

kids search engine
Tasman Fracture Commonwealth Marine Reserve Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.