The extremely remote location has prevented prior scientific exploration of the unsullied waters. The scientists found healthy coral reefs and an abundance of fish, around half of them not found anywhere else in the world. A key indicator of the water's good state were the number of top predators like sharks that the scientists recorded. They accounted for over half of the biomass at Ducie Atoll, one of the least disturbed locations. Perhaps the most significant discovery was down to the purity of the water.
The scientists found a type of coralline algae living deeper than anywhere else on earth. The remoteness of the islands has been critical in preserving the waters but the scientists saw some evidence of the encroachment of illegal shark fishing, carried out by foreign fleets.
They argue that plans to turn the islands into one of the world's biggest marine reserves should go ahead as soon as is practicable. The islanders have voted in favour of this approach and a plan has been submitted to the UK government to create a , sq km protected zone around the islands. The plan is still being considered by the UK, but it has been boosted in recent weeks with the announcement that the United States is to declare a huge reserve around the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument.
The scientists say the time is right for the Pitcairns to follow suit. Follow Matt on Twitter mattmcgrathbbc. Obama doubles global marine reserves. Get the very latest news and insight from Campaign with unrestricted access to campaignlive. Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.
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