The coral reefs around the French overseas territory of New Caledonia have been given the highest level of protection. Tuesday’s announcement means that the reefs are now off-limits to commercial and industrial fishing and will be much harder for Superyacht owners and other tourists to visit.
The New Caledonia government voted to establish marine protected areas (MPAs) around the Chesterfield, Bellona, Entrecasteaux, Pétrie and Astrolabe coral ecosystems. The protected area covers 28,000 sq km (10,810 square miles) and contains some of the world’s last remaining unspoiled coral reefs.
A drop in the ocean
Despite the impressive size of the new MPAs, they still represent only a very small fraction of the reefs surrounding the Pacific territory. The entire Natural Park of the Coral Sea of New Caledonia spans a total of 1.3 million sq km (501,933 square miles) and, while it is protected to an extent, the safeguards and regulations imposed in the MPAs are much more comprehensive.
“Although we believe this to be a major breakthrough, we are convinced that New Caledonia can still go further and lead the way for other Pacific countries,” said Christophe Chevillon, head of the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy in New Caledonia, who helped to draft the new protection plans. “In fact, the 28,000 sq km protected only represents two per cent of the Coral Sea Natural Park.”
About 600,000 tourists visit New Caledonia each year, in part for the stunning reefs which support populations of dugongs, nesting green turtles and humpback whales, as well as 1,700 species of fish and 473 types of coral. However, reefs around the world are under threat from pollution, overfishing and the effects of climate change, with widespread coral bleaching observed.
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts New Caledonia for detailed information about cruising around New Caledonia, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Audrey Morand is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of New Caledonia and the surrounding area.
Audrey Morand
Phone: +687 70 9009
Email: newcaledonia@seal-superyachts.com