Places in the Pacific Ocean found that are almost untouched by human influence
The coral atolls of Bikar and Bokak, part of the Marshall Islands, are considered some of the most pristine ecosystems in the region, and possibly the world. They are home to giant mollusks with striped, zebra-like shells, parrotfish with buffalo-like heads, and green sea turtles, writes Spiegel.
Illustrative image. Photo: vecteezy.com
Marine ecologists from the University of Hawaii, led by Alan Friedlander, studied the flora and fauna of the atolls in the water, on land, and in the air. The scientists used underwater cameras, conducted dives, and performed research with an underwater vehicle. The results of the study were published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science.
The Marshall Islands declared the waters around Bikar and Bokak the country's first national marine sanctuary. Its area spans about 48,000 square kilometers.
During the expeditions, scientists found 15 colonies of seabirds, where breeding is likely occurring. They also recorded 266 groups of reef fish and over 200 groups of species living in the deepest layers of the ocean or directly in deep-sea zones.
In addition, researchers found 15 groups of predators, including sharks and fish from the mackerel family. According to the data obtained, 14 of these groups had not been previously registered in the Marshall Islands. Two of them may even belong to species unknown to science.
Alan Friedlander noted that studying the atolls provides a rare opportunity to see how ecosystems function with minimal human impact. Such places serve as natural benchmarks: they allow us to understand what has been lost in other regions and gain the knowledge necessary for nature conservation and ecosystem restoration.
According to the scientist, very few places remain on the planet — from oceanic depths to the highest mountain peaks — where humans have not left their mark.