Papua New Guinea. July to October 2024. Branching coral provides shelter for fish in the Six Islands area. Photo Credit: Ollie Velasco / National Geographic Pristine Seas
Environment Papua New GuineaNew Ocean Reserve Strengthens Marine Protection
Papua New Guinea plans to protect a vast new marine area, helping safeguard marine wildlife while supporting healthier oceans and long-term fisheries for future generations.
“Establishing the Western Manus Marine Protected Area will allow us to preserve and protect our ecological legacy and, at the same time, ensure that our ocean continues to provide people with what we need — food and a source of income,” said Jelta Wong, Minister of the National Fisheries Authority.
The proposed Western Manus Marine Protected Area will cover roughly 200,000 km² of ocean, making it the largest no-take marine protected area in Melanesia. The reserve is designed to protect species, including grey reef sharks, manta rays, whales, dolphins, green turtles, and seabirds, within one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. Papua New Guinea has recorded more than 700 reef fish species and over 300 hard coral species, and the initiative also supports the country’s goal of protecting 30% of its waters by 2030.
