Papua New Guinea has created the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, an ocean reserve nearly the size of the United Kingdom, safeguarding over 77,000 square miles of diverse marine habitats from fishing pressures.
- Western Manus MPA covers 10% of PNG’s tuna fisheries
- Part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor marine reserve network
- Protects diverse species including orcas and deep-sea fish
What happened
Papua New Guinea has designated the Western Manus Marine Protected Area (MPA), a vast ocean region covering roughly 77,000 square miles, off limits to fishing. This newly established reserve lies within the Coral Triangle, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth where the Pacific and Indian Oceans meet.
The protected area includes undersea mountains, canyons, and ridges, offering critical habitats for a wide variety of marine life such as orcas, Cuvier’s beaked whales, and over one hundred coral species. This reserve is a key piece in the Melanesian Ocean Corridor, a network of conservation zones spanning PNG, Fiji, and Vanuatu, announced during the Melanesian Ocean Summit in May.
Why it feels good
This effort reflects Papua New Guinea’s commitment to conserve 30% of its territorial waters, aiming to both protect marine biodiversity and support sustainable fishing for local communities. Scientists expect protected zones like Western Manus to boost fish populations nearby due to a spillover effect where healthy ecosystems enhance catch rates in adjacent areas.
Local leaders emphasized that this reserve is more than just a boundary on a map; it safeguards cultural identity and the ecological legacy passed down through generations. By protecting these waters, PNG strengthens food security and income sources for coastal populations, while preserving one of the planet’s last healthy coral ecosystems.
What to enjoy or watch next
The Western Manus MPA benefited from research including a National Geographic Pristine Sea expedition, which documented the area's rich biodiversity and highlighted the need to curb overfishing, particularly of sharks and predatory fish. Monitoring the reserve's impact on wildlife migration and fish catches will be important to track its long-term success.
Looking forward, this marine reserve serves as an inspiring example for other nations to create extensive protected ocean areas. Follow updates on the Melanesian Ocean Corridor and how communities in the region balance conservation with fishing to maintain this natural treasure.