Things to do in Things to see underwater Things to see from the shore marine parks

Southern biscuit star Moonlighter Pied oystercatcher Hooded plover (Tosia australis) (Tilodon sexfasciatus) (Haematopus longirostris) (Thinornis rubricollis) 11 cm diameter 40 cm long 50 cm tall 19–21 cm tall A colourful, five-sided sea Rounded body with six Black and white bird with Often seen running along star with short arms. dark side bands including long, straight red bill. sandy beaches. Bobs its Occurs in many different one at the base of the Can be found feeding on black ‘hooded’ head up colours and patterns. tail. Seen at most reefs sandy beaches, estuaries and down when looking up to 30 m deep. and tidal flats. for food.

Southern eagle ray Shorttail ceratosoma Long-nosed fur seal Variagated limpet (Myliobatis australis) (Ceratosoma brevicaudatum) (Arctocephalus forsteri) (Cellana tramoserica) 2.4 m long 15 cm long 2.5 m long 65 mm long Blunt snout, with eyes An abundant and Found on rocky shores Several limpet species can on the side of its head brightly coloured species around the island. Often be found on intertidal and pointed wing flaps. of nudibranch. Can be seen swimming near land reefs. Some limpets Long, whip-like tail with found in a wide variety and at Kingscote Wharf. return to the same place venomous spine. of habitats. at every low tide.

Kangaroo Island marine life Marine parks Further information

Kangaroo Island’s marine environment is To conserve the astonishing marine Natural Resources Centre Kangaroo Island unique and complex. It is influenced by the biodiversity found around Kangaroo Island 37 Dauncey Street warm Leeuwin current flowing from the west and in other parts of , 19 Kingscote SA 5223 and by the cold Flinders current flowing from marine parks have been established covering the south east. Habitats vary from shallow 44% of state waters. Designed to include Ph: (08) 8553 4444 examples of all known marine ecosystems rocky reefs battered by Southern Ocean Email: [email protected] swells, to protected bays harbouring seagrass and habitats, these parks conserve site meadows that shelter nursery areas for dependent species and maintain ecological small fish. Strong tidal currents in Backstairs connections for species that move between Related Websites Passage have scoured a deep trench in the habitats at different stages of their life cycles. www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/ seabed where rare, giant sponges grow; kangarooisland estuarine saltmarshes and tidal mudflats A multiple-use zoning scheme for each provide feeding grounds for shorebirds; and marine park provides for varying levels of www.environment.sa.gov.au conservation, while allowing most types of an upwelling off the southwest coast brings www.marineparks.sa.gov.au sunken nutrients to the surface, generating recreational and commercial use. Significant blooms of plankton that fuel a food web effort was made to avoid placing high supporting fish, shellfish, seabirds and marine protection zones in heavily used areas in Further reading mammals. order to minimise negative impacts on Baxter, Chris (2015) Birds of Kangaroo industries and community uses. Island: A photographic field guide As a result, the coastal waters around All regulations began in March 2013, except Kangaroo Island are home to an important Edgar, Graham (2008) Australian marine and diverse mixture of temperate and sub- fishing restrictions in sanctuary zones which commenced on 1 October 2014. “No life: The plants and animals of temperate tropical marine species. They provide locals waters and visitors with opportunities for recreation take” sanctuary zones protect areas of and also support the local economy through high conservation value to allow natural tourism, aquaculture and commercial fishing. ecological processes to continue without Their significance to the island and the state interference from humans. While no forms of Image credits fishing are allowed in sanctuary zones, low has been recognised through the creation Hooded plover by Birds Australia. impact recreational activities like snorkelling, of four marine parks to ensure increased Other images by Natural Resources surfing and swimming are welcome. protection to approximately two-thirds of Kangaroo Island. the island’s waters. 24 ways to experience Kangaroo Island marine parks

Admire the tallest coastal cliffs Birdwatch at Bay of Shoals Play in shallow pools at low‑tide Learn about early settlers on a in SA at Scotts Cove. and Reeves Point. at Min-Oil Beach. walk around American River.

Scuba dive with leafy sea Snorkel with blue groper at Watch the sunset change the Kayak on . dragons under the Kingscote Western River Cove. cliff colour at Red Banks. Jetty.

Swim and body surf at Feel the mud squelch between Experience the thrills of a boat Investigate life in rock pools at Snellings Beach. your toes at Western Cove. tour in . Browns Beach.

Southern Spencer Gulf Marine Park Encounter Marine Park Bay of Shoals Road Sanctuary

Zone Waterfall Creek Co Sanctuary Zone ast Kingscote KI Upwelling

Sanctuary Zone North Western KI Sanctuary Zone Marine Park Penneshaw Sponge Gardens Hog Bay Road Sanctuary Zone Cape W Stokes Bay Road Stokes illo Play American ug for h d b Hig River y hway Ravine des Casoars y R a o Wilderness w a h Parndana d Protection Area g i

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Sanctuary Zone

Elsegood Road t

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Seal Bay Conservation Park Flinders Chase ad Ro National Park South Coast Conservation Park

Seal Bay Sanctuary Southern KI Zone Marine Park Sanctuary Zone

Observe dolphins swimming Fish for whiting at D’Estrees Bay. Smell the long-nosed fur seals at Camp under the stars at in Hog Bay. Cape du Couedic. West Bay. Beachcomb for washed up Track footprints Build sandcastles at treasures at Bales Bay and leave Hike the Kangaroo Island in caves at Ravine des Casoars Antechamber Bay. them where you find them. Wilderness Trail. beach.

Look for whales at Watch the Australian sea‑lion Listen to the powerful, roaring Climb the lighthouse at . colony at Seal Bay. ocean at Snake Lagoon beach. Cape Borda.