Opening Of Pitcairn’s New Marine Science Base
In one of the world's most remote and pristine locations, a state-of-the-art laboratory has recently been inaugurated by Governor Iona Thomas to facilitate scientific research on climate change and endangered species. Nestled within the Pitcairn group's four isolated islands, whose surrounding waters were declared an ocean sanctuary in 2016, this initiative is supported by the British government and is a testament to the 40 residents' dedication, as they constructed the marine science base themselves.
This facility will serve as a global hub for experts interested in studying imperiled species such as humpback whales, green turtles, and seabirds like the Henderson petrel. Additionally, it will be a central point for monitoring some of the last remaining near-pristine coral reef atolls and ecosystems on the planet.
The crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands allow corals to thrive at unusual depths in cooler waters, potentially enhancing their resilience to climate change and offering refuge to these vulnerable ecosystems. This remarkable endeavor was inaugurated by Iona Thomas, the Governor of Pitcairn and Britain's High Commissioner to New Zealand.
Accommodating up to four visiting scientists, the laboratory is fully equipped with meeting rooms, internet connectivity, and multimedia facilities. The first scientists have already arrived on the island, with one studying the migration of humpback whales, which visit the tranquil waters between May and October for breeding.
Background
In 2012, Pitcairn Council unanimously voted to establish the marine protected area (MPA), aiming to safeguard their waters from illegal foreign fishing fleets. This initiative required the support of the British government, ultimately leading to the establishment of a "no take" zone spanning 834,000 square kilometers, ranking as the world's third-largest marine reserve, home to over 1200 species of fish, marine mammals, and birds.
To combat unauthorized fishing, an oceanic drone has been deployed since 2016, while a network of underwater cameras was set up in 2021 for continuous surveillance. Efforts are also ongoing to remove 18 tonnes of rubbish that washed up on Henderson Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Collaborating with the University of St Andrews in Scotland, the British government plans to promote research and visits to Adamstown, Pitcairn's remote settlement, situated 5333 kilometers from Wellington and 5776 kilometers from Santiago, Chile. This innovative marine science base promises to play a vital role in advancing our understanding of climate change and protecting endangered species in this pristine corner of the world.
Governor Thomas said
My time on Pitcairn, though brief, provided meaningful insight into the challenges, joys and aspirations of the Pitcairn community. I very much appreciated our many conversations about what is important to the people of Pitcairn. It was an honor to celebrate the opening of the Marine Science Base which stands as a beacon of Pitcairn’s commitment to safeguarding our oceans and the amazing marine wildlife within the MPA.
