The Republic of the Marshall Islands has today declared the protection of two of its remote northernmost islands, which serve as untouched sanctuaries of biodiversity, hosting the nation’s largest green turtle nesting site and deep-sea sharks. This initiative marks the establishment of the country’s inaugural national marine sanctuary, encompassing an area of 48,000 square kilometers (18,500 square miles) of ocean, offering a rare insight into an unspoiled section of the Pacific Ocean.
The waters surrounding the uninhabited atolls of Bikar and Bokak, along with the adjacent deep-sea regions, will be entirely safeguarded from fishing activities.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) that prohibit fishing and other harmful practices contribute to the restoration of marine ecosystems within their confines. This restoration subsequently enhances fish populations in adjacent waters, supports local fishing industries, generates employment and economic advantages, and fosters resilience in the face of a warming ocean.