Research by geographers at the University of Dundee has provided the first systematic assessment of the Pitcairn Island’s marine and coastal biodiversity. In response to scientific evidence and advocacy campaigns, the UK government took the historical step of creating, at the time of designation, the world’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the waters around the Pitcairn Islands.
Issue
Before 2011, the scientific evidence for the state of the marine environment of the Pitcairn Islands' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) was absent. The first systematic assessment demonstrated the uniqueness of the marine environment and relatively low anthropogenic impacts, but also identified profound susceptibility to degradation through fishing pressures.
Approach
The project included a household survey and engagement with island stakeholders to establish a future conservation and management plan for the fisheries, marine, and coastal biodiversity.
Impact
The assessment of biodiversity and stakeholder responses informed a policy briefing commissioned by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which was widely disseminated to government ministers. The research led to the launch of the ‘Marine Protected Areas in the UK’s Overseas Territories’ campaign, led in the UK Parliament by a group of MPs.
The announcement of the formal designation of the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve was made on 14 September 2016 by the UK Government and on 15 September 2016 the waters surrounding the Pitcairn Islands officially became (at the time) the largest MPA in the world.
The Pitcairn Islands MPA has ended commercial fishing in the area, with only small-scale, licensed subsistence, and artisanal fishing allowed.
More information
Institution: University of Dundee
Researcher: Professor Terence Dawson