The BBC reports that researchers are calling for the protection of the marine environment around the mid-Pacific Pitcairn Islands. An international team of scientists have stated that the waters around the islands have “unique global value that is irreplaceable”, and that of the fish species found, about half were endemic.

In addition, the team discovered that apex predators like sharks were abundant, with them representing “over half of the biomass” at a reef called Ducie Atoll. The protection plan, which has local support, would create an 836,000 square kilometer (322,781 square mile) protected area around the islands.

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