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

Quick facts for kids Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park South Australia
View from Cape du Couedic of the Casuarina Islets where a Restricted Access Zone is in force.
Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Kingscote
Established	29 January 2009
Area	1,020 square kilometres (390 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
Website	Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park

The Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park is a special ocean area in South Australia. It helps protect the amazing sea life and habitats around the western side of Kangaroo Island. This park also includes the waters around Lipson Reef, a small island south of Kangaroo Island.

This important marine park was created on January 29, 2009. It was set up under a law called the Marine Parks Act 2007.

Where is Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park?

This marine park covers two main parts of the ocean. The first part is along the western coast of Kangaroo Island. It stretches from Sanderson Bay in the south up to Cape Forbin in the north. This area reaches out into the ocean for about 3 nautical miles (about 5.5 kilometers).

The second part of the park is around Lipson Reef. This reef is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of Cape du Couedic. The park protects the waters within 3 nautical miles of this reef.

Protecting Ocean Life: Park Zones

The Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park is divided into different zones. Each zone has special rules to help protect the ocean environment. These rules also make sure people can still enjoy and use the park in a way that doesn't harm nature.

Restricted Access Zones

These zones are like "no-go" areas for most people. They offer the highest level of protection. They cover:

• All of Paisley Islet and Casuarina Islets.
• The rocky shore area at Remarkable Rocks.

These areas are very important for sensitive plants and animals.

Sanctuary Zones

Sanctuary zones are places where marine life is highly protected. Fishing and other activities that might harm the environment are not allowed here. These zones include:

• Waters off the north coast, between Cape Borda and Cape Forbin.
• The northwestern corner of the marine park.
• Waters off the south coast, between Cape du Couedic and Remarkable Rocks.

These areas act as safe havens for many species.

Habitat Protection Zones

These zones allow some activities, but only if they don't harm the natural habitats or the way the ocean ecosystem works. Most of the marine park is made up of these zones. Activities like recreational fishing might be allowed here, as long as they are sustainable.

Neighboring Protected Areas

The Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park is next to another important protected area. This is the Western Kangaroo Island Marine Park which is managed by the Australian government. It helps create a larger network of protected ocean areas.

International Protection Categories

In 2016, the different zones within the park were given special international classifications. These classifications are part of the IUCN protected area categories system.

• The "restricted access zones" are Category Ia. This means they are strict nature reserves.
• The "sanctuary zones" are IUCN Category II. This means they are managed like national parks.
• The "habitat protection zones" are IUCN Category IV. This means they are managed to protect specific habitats or species.