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By Ron Rocky Coloma
In a landmark move for ocean conservation, the Marshall Islands has announced the protection of two of its northernmost and remote isles, Bikar and Bokak.
These untouched havens of biodiversity are home to the nation's largest green turtle nesting colony and diverse marine life, including deep-sea sharks. This newly established national marine sanctuary spans an impressive 48,000 square kilometers, offering a rare glimpse into one of the Pacific Ocean’s most pristine regions.
The decision to protect these areas comes with a commitment to fully shield the waters around Bikar and Bokak and the surrounding deep sea from any form of fishing. This ensures that the ecosystems remain undisturbed and can continue to thrive in their natural state.
“The ocean as our ancestors knew it is vanishing. Without sustainable ocean ecosystems, our economy, stability and cultural identity will collapse," Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine said. "The only way to continue benefiting from the ocean’s treasures is to protect it. I am proud of our country’s first marine sanctuary, which certainly won’t be its last.”
Marine protected areas are crucial in reviving marine life within their boundaries. By banning fishing and other harmful activities, these sanctuaries not only preserve biodiversity but also contribute to the replenishment of fish populations in nearby areas, enhance local fishing economies, provide employment opportunities and foster resilience against the ever-pressing challenge of climate change.
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“The ocean is life. The world’s oceans are being degraded, but we are able to bring part of it back by recognizing that protection and food production are not mutually exclusive," said Glen Joseph, director of the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority, or MIMRA.
“Safeguarding areas of high biodiversity delivers benefits to local communities who rely on fish and other aspects of a healthy environment. Our future depends on protecting our ocean,” he added.
This move aligns with the Marshall Islands' conservation strategy known as "Reimaanlok," which means, to "look toward the future.” This approach combines cultural wisdom with traditional practices to guide sustainable resource management. Coastal communities play a pivotal role in this strategy by crafting their own plans to manage and utilize local marine and terrestrial resources sustainably.
In 2023, an expedition led by National Geographic Pristine Seas, in collaboration with MIMRA, provided critical data that supported the creation of this sanctuary. The team explored depths up to 2,340 meters, documenting the rich marine life that thrives from the lagoons to the deep sea.
Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and founder of Pristine Seas, shared his awe of the untouched ecosystems.
“Bikar and Bokak’s coral reefs are a time machine, like diving in the ocean 1,000 years ago,” Sala said. “In these remote atolls, we saw the healthiest coral, giant clam and reef fish populations in the central and western Pacific. They are our best baselines for what the ocean could look like if we truly let it be.”
The collaboration between Pristine Seas, local researchers and government officials, including Iroojlaplap Bokloñ Zackious and Mayor Tobin Kaiko, resulted in an exhaustive 452 dives across multiple atolls, totaling 643 hours underwater. The insights gathered highlighted the extraordinary biodiversity of Bikar and Bokak, revealing the largest green turtle nesting sites, thriving seabird colonies and some of the healthiest coral ecosystems in the region.
This initiative also provides a contrast to Bikini Atoll, infamously known for its use as a nuclear test site post-World War II. The pristine nature of Bikar and Bokak underscores the importance of protecting what remains untouched, further enhancing the country's conservation efforts through long-term monitoring and data collection.
The Marshall Islands' first marine sanctuary will set a precedent for future conservation efforts in the Pacific. This sanctuary is a substantial step towards the global goal of protecting 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030, a target set to mitigate the ongoing threats faced by marine ecosystems worldwide.
The sanctuary’s vast expanse, comparable to the size of Switzerland, will become a refuge for numerous species, including deep-sea sharks, Napoleon Wrasse and the endangered bristle-thighed curlew. Its establishment follows a year marked by unprecedented ocean temperatures and widespread coral bleaching, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures.
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Big win for marine conservation! The Marshall Islands have just established a massive marine sanctuary, protecting over 1 million square kilometers of ocean. It's a huge step in preserving biodiversity and combating climate change. As we protect our oceans, it's also important to support sustainable practices on land, like choosing the Best Organic Coffee Beans. Both efforts contribute to a healthier planet!