Shark Bay Marine Park Western Australia | |
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IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources) | |
Nearest town or city | Denham |
Coordinates | 25°48′S 113°45′E / 25.800°S 113.750°E |
Established | 30 November 1990[1] |
Area | 7,487.25 km2 (2,890.8 sq mi)[2] |
Managing authorities | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions |
Website | Shark Bay Marine Park |
See also | List of protected areas of Western Australia |
The Shark Bay Marine Park is a protected marine park located within the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Shark Bay, in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. The 748,725-hectare (1,850,140-acre)[2] marine park is situated over 800 kilometres (500 mi) north of Perth and 400 kilometres (250 mi) north of Geraldton.[3][4]
The marine park is known for its large marine animals, such as the famous Monkey Mia dolphins, turtles, dugongs and sharks. The park and its vast seagrass meadows, with a total of twelve species of seagrass in the park, form an important part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.[5][6]
Major reference points of its boundaries include Steep Point at the south side of Dirk Hartog Island and Cape Inscription at the north side.[citation needed]