Henderson Island and Ducie Atoll, part of the Pitcairn Islands, have been named as Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) by the IUCN, marking them as critical sites for shark conservation.
The designation is the result of work supported by the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme, an initiative dedicated to the marine protection of UK Overseas Territories.
The assessments were informed using data collected by the Blue Belt’s Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network (GOWAN) and the local community of Pitcairn islanders during 2021-2023.
Henderson and Dulcie join a total of 179 locations across the New Zealand and Pacific region that have been newly identified as ISRAs.
The IUCN assessment revealed populations of grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) present at both islands, while Ducie is home to a population of whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus).
Grey reef sharks are currently listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, while whitetip reef sharks are listed as Vulnerable.
“It’s fantastic to see the waters of the Pitcairn Islands recognised internationally as vital shark habitat,’ said Stephen Doughty, Minister for the UK Overseas Territories
‘This is a powerful example of how community leadership in the UK Overseas Territories, backed by the Blue Belt Programme, can drive successful large-scale management of marine protected areas.’
