description Phoenix Islands Protected Area Overview
The Phoenix Islands Protected Area is a vast marine reserve encompassing Kiribati’s Phoenix Atoll. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it protects approximately 408,250 square kilometers of pristine reef ecosystem. This area is notable for its exceptional biodiversity and significant contribution to global ocean health. It supports research, conservation efforts, and provides crucial protection for marine life, primarily benefiting scientists, conservation organizations, and Kiribati communities invested in sustainable resource management.
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Phoenix Islands Protected Area ranks #29 of 228 in the Reef ranking, behind Thomas Reef, ahead of Pitcairn Islands Reef.
help Phoenix Islands Protected Area FAQ
Which country governs the Phoenix Islands Protected Area?
The Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) is governed by the Republic of Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. The protected area covers a massive region of the Phoenix Atoll, making it one of the largest marine protected areas on Earth.
How large is the Phoenix Islands Protected Area?
The marine reserve protects approximately 408,250 square kilometers of pristine ocean. Due to its vast size and untouched coral reef ecosystems, it was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010.
What types of marine life can be found in the Phoenix Islands?
The area is celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity, housing huge populations of skipjack tuna, bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtles. It also contains some of the most intact deep-water coral reef systems left in the world.
Can tourists visit the Phoenix Islands Protected Area?
Because of its extreme geographic isolation and strict conservation rules, tourism in PIPA is highly restricted and incredibly rare. The few divers who manage to visit places like Kanton Island report seeing untouched reefs with an overwhelming density of large predators.
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