Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western Kangaroo Island Marine ParkAustralia |
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 Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park
Location in Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Kingscote, South Australia |
| Established | 8 December 2012 |
| Area | 2,335.31 km2 (901.7 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Director of National Parks |
| Website | Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park |
The Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park is a special ocean area that protects marine life. It's located south of South Australia, near Kangaroo Island. The water here ranges from about 15 meters (50 feet) to 165 meters (540 feet) deep.
This park was officially created in November 2012. It was given its current name on October 11, 2017.
It's part of a bigger group of Australian marine parks called the South-west Marine Parks Network. These parks are managed by the Australian government. The Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park also connects with a state marine park (managed by the South Australian government) that surrounds Lipson Reef.
Why This Ocean Area Is Special
This marine park protects important ocean environments. It includes areas that are part of the "Spencer Gulf Shelf Province" ocean region.
Key Ocean Features
The park has two very important natural features:
- Kangaroo Island Pool and Eyre Peninsula Upwelling: This area is like a super-powered ocean zone. "Upwelling" means cold, nutrient-rich water from deep in the ocean rises to the surface. This brings lots of food for marine animals, making it a great place for them to breed and gather.
- Ancient Coastline: There's an old coastline hidden underwater, about 90 to 120 meters (295 to 394 feet) deep. This area is also very productive, meaning it has lots of food for marine life.
Amazing Marine Animals
This park is a vital home and feeding ground for many incredible animals:
- Southern right whale: These huge whales come here to have their babies.
- Australian sea lion: These playful creatures find food and rest here.
- Blue whale: The largest animals on Earth, blue whales, feed in these waters.
- Caspian tern: These large seabirds hunt for fish in the park.
- Great white shark: These powerful predators are also part of the park's ecosystem.
- Short-tailed shearwater: These birds travel long distances and feed here.
- Sperm whale: Another type of large whale that uses the park for feeding.
How the Park Is Protected
The Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park is divided into two main zones, each with different rules to protect the ocean:
- Marine National Park Zone: This zone covers about 120 square kilometers (46 square miles). It's like a national park on land, but underwater. It has very strict rules to protect the environment.
- Special Purpose Zone: This zone is much larger, covering about 2,215 square kilometers (855 square miles). In this area, some activities are allowed, but they must be done in a way that is sustainable and doesn't harm the environment too much. This helps balance protection with some human uses.
