The world hidden in the depths of the Pacific Ocean: The last ecosystem untouched by human hands has been discovered

While the world's oceans were experiencing the most severe ecological crisis in history due to environmental pollution, global warming and unconscious hunting caused by humanity, hopeful news came from an isolated point in the Pacific Ocean. The research conducted by the international scientific team and published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science proved that the Bikar and Bokak coral atolls within the borders of the Marshall Islands are one of the rare biological shelters in the world that have been protected from human influence.

University of Hawai'i marine ecologists and international researchers have documented pristine tropical marine life by ecologically mapping these coral islands located hundreds of kilometers from human settlements.

SHARKS AND GIANT FISH POPULATION DOMINATE THE ECOSYSTEM

Using submersible vehicles and special deep-sea cameras during field trips, scientists identified 266 reef fish species belonging to 38 different families around the atolls. Biomass measurements showed that sharks, the top predators of the reefs, constitute 34 percent of the total fish population.

Marine ecologists emphasize that this pyramid, dominated by predatory species, is the most concrete evidence of the natural and healthy ocean structure before human intervention. In the research, 14 new fish species, previously unknown in the region, were recorded by going to a depth of 275 meters.

GLOBAL WARMING AND HUMAN-CAUSED THREATS ARE ALSO CHALLENGING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

Although the discovered areas offer complete protection from land to submarine canyons, scientists state that the definition of "completely untouched" should be used with caution. In addition to invasive species such as Polynesian rats detected on the islands, sea water temperature increases and coral bleaching risks due to global warming also threaten remote coral islands.

It is stated that Bikar and Bokak atolls are the most valuable biological laboratory of the planet in terms of understanding what humanity has lost in the oceans and providing a reference for ecological restoration projects.

A PAINFUL COMPARISON WITH THE BIKINI ATOLL THAT SUFFERED A NUCLEAR DISASTER

Immediately after the investigations in Bikar and Bokak, the research team went to Bikini Atoll, where the USA conducted nuclear bomb tests in the mid-20th century, and made a historical comparison. During the dives in Bikini Atoll, which was vaporized by nuclear explosions and is still uninhabitable due to radioactive fallout, fragmented dead reefs and extinct marine life were observed.

Scientists stated that Bikar and Bokak protected areas are a biological gift to the world; He emphasizes that protecting these pristine ecosystems with strict laws is essential for the global ocean future.