Bikar Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Restoring a key nesting site for scores of birds and turtles.
THE PROJECT: Bikar Atoll Ocean Restoration Project; Restoring a rich habitat for seabirds and turtles
LOCATION: Bikar Atoll, Marshall Islands
THE WORK: Invasive species removals on nearby islands in 2023 will provide key knowledge for invasive removals in late 2024. Once the island is free from these introduced, damaging species, proactive plant and wildlife reintroductions will help key members of Bikar’s ecosystem return. Erosion rates will decrease, nutrient flows will re-establish, and the nearby reefs will be more resilient against bleaching events and climate change.
SPECIES: XXX
COMMUNITY: Working with local communities and stakeholders, IOCC partners will implement biosecurity campaigns and train islanders to use these high-tech tools to protect this unique ecosystem.
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About Bikar Atoll
Bikar Atoll in the Ratak Chain of the Marshall Islands is one of the smallest atolls in the Marshalls, but its size belies its importance. Birdlife International has designated it as one of two remaining examples on Earth of unaltered semi-arid atoll ecosystems (the other being Bokak), and its location and sheltered lagoons make it the most important turtle habitat in the Marshalls. Indeed, it’s actually the largest nesting site for Green Turtles in all of Micronesia.
In addition to making an ideal home for baby turtles, Bikar’s abundant reefs and rich near-shore ecosystems provide nutrients to scores of nesting seabirds—including the IUCN-listed vulnerable Bristle-thighed Curlew.
Unfortunately, though, this key atoll—also a refuge for highly sensitive and rare corals—is under threat from introduced, invasive species. Rats prey on turtle hatchlings and baby birds, severely impacting these delicate populations. Without these key connector species, the marine food web has fewer nutrients to feed fish and corals.
Voices from the field
“Bikar Atoll is one of the only remaining semi-arid atoll ecosystems on the planet, a true “desert island” that holds huge colonies of seabirds and one of the largest nesting populations of endangered Green Sea Turtles in the central Pacific Ocean. ”
— Paul Jacques, Island Restoration Specialist, Island Conservation
Project Partners & Funders
• RMI Ministry for Environment and Commerce
• Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
• Island Conservation
Photo Credits: Chris Thompson
• Marshall Island Conservation Society (MICS)
• OneReef
• Marshall Islands Marine Resource Authority (MIMRA)
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