Papua New Guinea has announced plans to create a ‘no-take’ marine protected area in the Bismarck Sea. The reserve in the Western Manus region will cover an area of 200,000 square kilometres, equivalent in size to the United Kingdom. It is the largest reserve in the country’s history and part of the new Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR).
Protection for sharks in the Bismarck Sea
A National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition in 2024 revealed thriving coral systems but also encountered clear warning signs. ‘Low shark numbers are an indicator of overfishing pressure,’ the Pristine Seas expedition scientists concluded. To determine the exact boundaries of the MPA, researchers tracked endangered grey reef sharks that moved between shallow-water and deep-sea habitats.
The newly established sanctuary is expected to be home to and protect winghead sharks and silky sharks, among others. The complete ban on all fishing in the area is expected to allow fish stocks to recover, potentially creating a so-called ‘spillover effect’ for surrounding waters.