Tonga Island Marine Reserve
Encyclopedia
Tonga Island Marine Reserve is a protected area
on the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand
. It surrounds Tonga Island
and is next to the Abel Tasman National Park
. The marine reserve
was created in 1993 and covers an area of 1835 hectares (7.1 sq mi).
Protected area
Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their recognised natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international...
on the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. It surrounds Tonga Island
Tonga Island, New Zealand
Tonga is a very small island in Tasman Bay, off the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It lies within the Abel Tasman National Park. The island has a flourishing seal colony, and is surrounded by the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, which was inaugurated in 1993. The island is...
and is next to the Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is a national park located at the north end of the South Island of New Zealand. The park was founded in 1942, largely through the efforts of ornithologist and author Perrine Moncrieff to have land reserved for the purpose. With a coverage of only 225.3 square kilometres,...
. The marine reserve
Marine reserve
For the United States Marine Corps Reserve see: Marine Forces ReserveA marine reserve is an area of the sea which has legal protection against fishing or development. This is to be distinguished from a marine park, but there is some overlap in usage...
was created in 1993 and covers an area of 1835 hectares (7.1 sq mi).
External links
- Tonga Island Marine Reserve at the Department of Conservation
- Tonga Island Marine Reserve fact sheet