UK Establishes World's Largest Marine Reserve in South Pacific Pitcairn Islands
Only about 1% of the world's oceans are protected in reserves, but this number is steadily growing thanks in part to the United Kingdom. Tucked inside the UK's recent budget announcement was the bid to protect 322,000 square miles (830,000 square kilometers) around the Pitcairn islands in the South Pacific ocean from overfishing and seafloor mining. This equates to the largest contiguous ocean reserve on the planet - larger than the entire state of California - and will go a long way to protecting what some consider one of the most pristine places on earth.
Watch this video about the 2012 expedition to the islands that helped pave the way for this monumental achievement.
For more information on this historic conservation project, visit pristineseas.org
Enric Sala/National GeographicA yellow-edge lyretail hides in a cave at Pitcairn during a 2012 Pristine Seas expedition.
Enric Sala/National GeographicThe shallow reefs of Henderson, observed by the Pristine Seas diving team during a 2012 National Geographic expedition to the Pitcairn Islands.
Photo by Enric Sala/National GeographicThe groupers Variola louti (red and yellow) and Epinephelus fasciatus on the fore reef of Oeno Atoll followed the Pristine Seas divers underwater for two hours during a 2012 National Geographic expedition to the Pitcairn Islands.
Enric Sala/National GeographicThis new species of octopus not yet described by scientists was observed at Oeno Atoll by the Pristine Seas diving team during a 2012 National Geographic expedition to the Pitcairn Islands.
Enric Sala/National GeographicSt Paul’s Pool, situated on the eastern side of Pitcairn Island.
Enric Sala/National GeographicThe Titan triggerfish, a voracious predator, being cleaned by a cleaner wrasse.
Only about 1% of the world's oceans are protected in reserves, but this number is steadily growing thanks in part to the United Kingdom. Tucked inside the UK's recent budget announcement was the bid to protect 322,000 square miles (830,000 square kilometers) around the Pitcairn islands in the South Pacific ocean from overfishing and seafloor mining. This equates to the largest contiguous ocean reserve on the planet - larger than the entire state of California - and will go a long way to protecting what some consider one of the most pristine places on earth.
Watch this video about the 2012 expedition to the islands that helped pave the way for this monumental achievement.
For more information on this historic conservation project, visit pristineseas.org
