The Oceana Reef National Park is a Lovia National Park protected and operated by the National Park Service. It is Lovia's only National Park not located on land: it covers the Oceana Reef, an area of Pacific Ocean before the Oceanan coast. It was designated National Park by Martha Van Ghent on June 14, 2010, after a proposal by Alexandru Latin, becoming the third National Park. It was the first National Park in Oceana (or in the waters bordering the state). Before the reef was designated NP, tourism was regulated by the town of Hurbanova.
The most popular activity in the park is diving through the coral reefs.
The coral reef is known as That Riffe to speakers of Oceana.
Coral reefs and species[]
Brain coral (Faviidae) in the Oceana Reef NP
Experienced divers discovering the Reefs
Main article: Oceana Reef.
History[]
- See also: Oceana Reef for a more elaborate history of the reefs.
The Oceana Reef was discovered in 1974 by a local fisherman, Pažkolit Úskalie. Tourism to the reefs began in the 1980s and led to environmental concerns in the next decade. Eventually the State of Oceana protected the area and regulated tourism. In 2010, the Reef was designated a National Park and introduced strict environmental protection measures.
Activities[]
Diving[]
The National Park organizes group diving sessions in the coral sea twice a day from Mondays through Saturdays. In small groups (6 to 12 persons), visitors with no or little diving experience are taken to the reefs accompanied by two experienced ranger-divers. Group session divers are taken to the reefs by National Park boats. Each such a session takes about one hour and allows visitors to dive and swim through the coral reefs. In-advance reservation is usually not required.
Experienced divers with their own equipment can request a one-day permit to dive the reefs without assistance or guarding. Permits must be requested two days (48 hours) in advance at the Visitor Center or by phone or e-mail. Experienced divers can use their own boat, or can rent one in the Hurbanova harbor. All divers receive a GPS chip that contains also an emergency button, directly linked to the ranger station.
Helicopter flights[]
Occasionally, on sunny days in the period between March 1st and October 31st, helicopter flights above the reefs and coastline are organized by the National Park. Flying above the reefs on sunny days gives a "marvelously colorful view." Helicopter flights cost $50 per person and last about one hour.
Protection[]
The reefs are constantly guarded by cameras and coastal patrols. Fishing and removing wildlife are strictly forbidden. Commercial shipping traffic must stick to certain specific defined shipping routes that avoid the most sensitive areas of the park.