Good news: New-Caledonia strengthens the protection of its coral reefs

The decrees adopted Tuesday create within the Coral Sea Natural Park an integral reserve of 7,000 km2 and a nature reserve of 21,000 km2, which cover more than a third of the exceptional New Caledonian reefs. With 1.3 million square kilometers, the Coral Sea Park, created in 2014, is one of the largest marine reserves in the world. It is home to an exceptional diversity with more than 2,000 species of fish, 310 species of coral. Any human activity other than scientific is prohibited on some portions of reefs known to accommodate green turtles, sharks or humpback whales. In the nature reserve area, fishing will be prohibited, including for self-consumption, as well as motorized water sports, bivouacs or picnics on land.

Access will be subject to charges and regulated tourism: prior authorization from the government for tourism operators, ban on boats with more than 200 passengers, presence on board of staff trained in good park practices …