Marshall Islands Declares First Marine Sanctuary to Safeguard Pristine Marine Ecosystem

Aerial View of Arrak Campus on Majuro Atoll Marshall Islands

The government of the Marshall Islands has officially designated a vast section of the Pacific Ocean as a protected marine reserve, aiming to preserve one of the planet’s most untouched and ecologically rich ocean habitats.

Spanning 48,000 square kilometers (18,500 square miles), this newly established sanctuary encompasses the remote, uninhabited atolls of Bikar and Bokak, along with the surrounding deep-sea waters. It marks the first federally recognized marine protected area (MPA) in the Pacific Island nation, which lies between Hawaii and the Philippines.

President Hilda Heine emphasized the urgency of ocean conservation while announcing the decision on January 28. “The ocean our ancestors once knew is disappearing,” she stated. “Without sustainable marine ecosystems, our cultural heritage, economic stability, and future prosperity are at risk. The only way forward is through protection.”

Although extractive activities like fishing have historically been limited due to the Utrik community’s long-standing guardianship of the region, the new designation enforces a complete ban on such activities, ensuring long-term protection against environmental threats.

This marine sanctuary is home to a diverse range of rare and endangered species, including green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). Scientists believe the deep-sea environment holds the potential for undiscovered marine species, adding to its ecological significance.

In preparation for the MPA’s establishment, National Geographic’s Pristine Seas team—led by marine biologist Enric Sala—collaborated with the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority. Over the course of five years, researchers conducted nearly 650 hours of underwater exploration to assess marine biodiversity across the region.

Their findings were remarkable: The atolls recorded the highest biomass of reef fish in the Pacific, with an abundance of giant clams (Tridacna maxima) and deep-sea sharks, many of which are threatened. Additionally, these coral reefs exhibited extraordinary resilience to climate change, with the highest coral coverage observed in the central and western Pacific.

“Bikar and Bokak’s coral reefs offer a glimpse into the past, resembling the ocean as it existed a millennium ago,” Sala stated in a press release. “They serve as a crucial reference point for what a healthy marine ecosystem should look like.”

During the expedition, researchers also surveyed Bikini Atoll, a site infamous for U.S. nuclear testing in the 1940s and 1950s. Unlike the flourishing ecosystems of Bikar and Bokak, Bikini Atoll remains severely damaged, with much of its coral reef reduced to lifeless rubble.

As part of its long-term conservation efforts, the Marshall Islands government is incorporating indigenous knowledge into its environmental strategy known as Reimaanlok, a Marshallese term meaning “looking toward the future.” This approach ensures that coastal communities play a key role in decision-making processes related to ocean and land stewardship, blending traditional wisdom with modern conservation science.