"The Governor to the Pitcairn Islands, Iona Thomas, has officially opened the new UK government-funded marine science base, providing a platform for scientists to visit the area and study its unique marine habitats," the government said.
The Pitcairn Islands, a UK Overseas Territory situated in the Pacific Ocean, are the third largest marine protected area in the world. The islands are home to the world's most pristine coral reefs, sharks, whales, hawksbill turtles, and many other species never seen anywhere else on the planet. Over 1,250 marine species have been registered in the waters around the Pitcairn Islands. Commercial fishing is not allowed within 325,098 square miles of waters around the islands.
2 September 2023, 03:16 GMT
The base will host visiting scientists and provide them with all the necessary equipment, the UK government said.
Studying the ocean enables one to better understand the impact of climate change, land-based pollution, and habitat degradation, David Rutley, a UK parliamentarian said.
The Pitcairns Islands' governor hopes the base "will attract a continuous cycle of scientists" and boost people’s marine knowledge.