The Pacific island state of Niue has announced that it will protect 100% of the ocean in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which spans 317,500 sq km (122,000 sq miles), roughly the area of Vietnam. Nieur is home to remarkable creatures like the katuali sea snake, humpback whales, spinner dolphins, and the world's densest population of grey reef sharks.
The reefs, however, are under threat. Illegal fishing is a serious issue in the Pacific Ocean and Niue is also experiencing the impact of the climate crisis, with warmer sea temperatures leading to coral bleaching and extreme weather damaging the environment and infrastructure.
“The sand from some of our coves has been washed away due to frequent high and rough seas and our coral is still recovering after Cyclone Heta hit Niue in 2004,” Niue’s premier, Dalton Tagelagi, told the Guardian.
In 2020, Niue initially pledged to protect 40% of its ocean, but it has now committed to complete protection. This visionary policy came into effect in April this year, calling for the launch of the Niue Nukutuluea multiple-use marine park. This park is carefully divided into zones, such as the pristine Beveridge Reef, where fishing is prohibited, a region for traditional activities like canoe fishing and scuba diving, a zone for foreign commercial fishing, and a conservation zone allowing vessel transit without stopping.
The repercussions for illegal fishing in Niue’s marine park are severe, including vessel and catch confiscation and fines of up to NZ$500,000 (£255,000). The government also holds the power to pursue harsher penalties through existing legislation.
“The ocean is everything to us. It’s what defines us,” Tagelagi said. “We have to ensure our reefs and corals remain to provide a healthy ecosystem and continue to create a food source for our people.”
Source: Turrell, Claire. The Guardian. "Tiny Pacific island nation declares bold plan to protect 100% of its ocean". https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/30/the-ocean-is-everything-pacific-state-of-niue-declares-all-of-its-waters-protected/. 30 May, 2022. [Accessed: 31 May, 2022].
Edited by Adhitya Balachander.
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