Marshall Islands establishes first national marine sanctuary to protect ocean biodiversity

The Marshall Islands has established its first national marine sanctuary, covering 48,000 square kilometers. This area, near Bikini Atoll, is home to deep-sea sharks and green turtles, and fishing is now banned there. The sanctuary aims to protect the region's biodiversity, which faces threats from climate change. The government hopes to preserve the ecological integrity of the atolls of Bikar and Bokak, known for their green turtle nesting sites. Previously, the Marshall Islands had designated a large shark sanctuary in 2011. This new sanctuary adds to ongoing efforts to safeguard marine life and combat illegal fishing in its waters.