Remote Island Gets Big Heap of Marine Protection

St Helena, a remote tropical island under British control, has been declared an International Marine Hope Spot.

Hope Spots are considered critical ocean areas due to their ecological diversity. When an area is designated as a Hope Spot, various measures are put in place to ensure the protection of the marine environment including fishing restrictions, monitoring programs, and campaigns aimed at raising public awareness.

The St Helena Hope Spot covers an area of 445,000 square kilometres. It is home to various endangered species, including whale sharks, humpback whales, and several species of seabirds. The destination of St Helena as a Hope Spot is considered a significant achievement for the volcanic island, with local and international partners being involved. Hopefully, other regions will follow suit as we work together to combat climate change.