Remote Pacific atoll survey reveals our 'most intact ecosystems'

Surveys of Bikar and Bokak atolls in the Marshall Islands found extensive seabird colonies, active turtle nesting, high reef-fish biomass, large predators, and diverse deep-sea communities—with 14 fish groups and possibly two species new to science—leading to the creation of 48,000 square kilometres of national marine sanctuary in 2025.

The article describes a baseline ecological survey completed in 2023 and the sanctuary designation that followed; ongoing protection and future conservation outcomes remain to be measured.