<P> The area is 303 square kilometres (117 sq mi), most of which is in Norfolk, with over 200 kilometres (120 mi) of navigable waterways . There are seven rivers and 63 broads, mostly less than 4 metres (13 ft) deep . Thirteen broads are generally open to navigation, with a further three having navigable channels . Some broads have navigation restrictions imposed on them in autumn and winter, although the legality of the restrictions is questionable . </P> <P> Although the terms Norfolk Broads and Suffolk Broads are used to identify specific areas within the two counties respectively, the whole area is frequently referred to as the "Norfolk Broads". The Broads has similar status to the national parks in England and Wales; the Broads Authority has powers and duties akin to the national parks, but is also the third - largest inland navigation authority . Because of its navigation role the Broads Authority was established under its own legislation on 1 April 1989 . The Broads Authority Act 2009, which was promoted through Parliament by the authority, is intended to improve public safety on the water . </P> <P> In January 2015 the Broads Authority approved a change in name of the area to the Broads National Park, to recognise that the status of the area is equivalent to the English National Parks, that the Broads Authority shares the same two first purposes (relating to conservation and promoting enjoyment) as the English National Park Authorities, and receives a National park grant . </P> <P> This followed a three - month consultation which resulted in support from 79% of consultees, including unanimous support from the 14 UK national parks and the Campaign for National Parks . Defra, the Government department responsible for the parks, also expressed it was content that the Authority would make its own decision on the matter . </P>

When did the norfolk broads become a national park