Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Environment group pushes Britain to create huge marine reserve around Pitcairn

Posted at 03:48 on 29 November, 2012 UTC

The Pew Environment Group says the Pitcairn Islands represent one of the few places left on earth with pristine ocean environments.

The group is urging the British government to turn the waters around the territory of Pitcairn Island into one of the world’s largest protected areas for marine wildlife.

The managing director, Josh Reichert, says if the opportunity to protect the fishery isn’t taken, it will be too late.

He says, even in a place like Pitcairn there are areas that have been completely depleted of sharks, most likely by a fishing vessel.

Josh Reichert says the Pitcairn Island Council voted unanimously to ask the Government to implement a protected zone.