Ascension Island Marine Protected Area
Marine protected area in the Atlantic / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ascension Island Marine Protected Area covers the entirety of the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone of the mid-Atlantic territory of Ascension Island. Within the area, no commercial fishing or deep sea mining is allowed, with recreational fishing allowed only in the territorial waters directly adjacent to the island.
Ascension Island Marine Protected Area | |
---|---|
![]() The protected area covers the entirety of the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone of Ascension Island | |
Location | Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha |
Coordinates | 7°56′S 14°22′W |
Area | 443,571 km2 (171,264 sq mi) |
Established | 30 August 2019 (2019-08-30) |
Ascension Island is part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the protected area covers a number of underwater features such as seamounts and hydrothermal vents. Three major seamounts in the southern half of the protected area are significant areas of marine biodiversity, in addition to the waters surrounding the island itself. Marine species in these waters include endemic species and species that are otherwise associated with South America or Africa. The area also protects seabirds and green sea turtles that nest on the island.
The protected area was established in 2019 following a planning and consultation process that included the Ascension Island Council, local residents, the United Kingdom government, non-governmental organizations, and a philanthropic donor. The large size of the ocean covered means remote sensing plays a crucial role in monitoring, and the local government receives external financial support to effectively administer the area.