West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic ReserveSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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 West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Victor Harbor |
| Established | 1 December 1971 |
| Area | 5.9 km2 (2.3 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) |
| Footnotes | Coordinates Nearest town |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
The West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve is a special protected area in the ocean. It is located in South Australia, right next to West Island. This island is just south of the Fleurieu Peninsula and to the west of the town of Victor Harbor. This reserve helps protect the amazing sea life found there.
Protecting Our Ocean
This aquatic reserve was created on November 30, 1971. Its main purpose was to protect areas where scientists were studying abalone. Abalone are a type of sea snail that live in shells. The reserve helps keep these important research sites safe.
Zones of the Reserve
As of 2014, the West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve had grown larger. It was divided into three different areas, or "zones," each with its own rules.
- Area 2: This zone is on the north-west side of West Island. It is a "prohibited area." This means that people are not allowed to enter this part of the reserve. Also, you cannot take any marine animals or plants from this area.
- Area 3: This zone is on the south-east side of the island. In this area, taking any marine animals or plants is not allowed. However, people can still visit this zone.
- Area 1: This zone stretches from West Island towards the coastline of the Fleurieu Peninsula. In Area 1, you are allowed to fish using a line. But, if you want to take other marine animals or plants (besides fish), you need a special permit.
Where is the Reserve?
Even though the reserve has "Encounter Bay" in its name, it is actually located just outside the main bay. It is to the south-west of the official boundary of Encounter Bay. This boundary was set by the Australian government in 1987, 2006, and 2016.
Part of a Bigger Park
Since 2012, the West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve has been part of an even larger protected area. It is now inside a "habitat protection zone" of the Encounter Marine Park. Within this bigger park, Area 2 of the aquatic reserve is known as a "restricted access zone." This means it's a very important area for protecting sea life.
Why This Reserve is Important
The West Island Encounter Bay Aquatic Reserve is classified as an IUCN Category VI protected area. This means it's a special place where people can use natural resources in a sustainable way. It helps make sure that the ocean environment and its creatures are protected for the future.
