Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Pitcairn Islands community believe marine reserve could boost tourism

Posted at 19:13 on 29 April, 2012 UTC

Residents of Pitcairn Island believe the establishment of what could be the world’s largest marine reserve in their waters could boost ecotourism.

Leaders of the four Pitcairn Islands are working with the international conservation organisation, Pew Environment Group, on the prospect of creating a Marine Protected Area within its Exclusive Economic Zone of 880,000 square kilometres.

The Deputy Governor of the British Overseas Territory, Kevin Lynch says the discussions have included the economic viability of a marine reserve, potential fishing licences and tourism.

“I think ecotourists are always interested in MPAs. There’s certainly been an interest in the past. And increasing tourism for Pitcairn is another way of raising revenue for the island and exposing people to the island.”

Kevin Lynch there is a possibility of creating a hybrid system that would include a marine reserve with some commercial fishing.