Bokak Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
One of the only remaining examples of a completely natural, unaltered, semi-arid atoll ecosystem in the world today.
THE PROJECT: Bokak Atoll Restoration Project; Protecting a refuge for sensitive corals
LOCATION: Bokak Atoll, Marshall Islands
THE WORK: Invasive species removals begin in late 2024. Once the atoll is free from damaging species, Bokak’s unique semi-arid ecosystem will be fully composed of only native species. It will be the most unaltered ecosystem in the Pacific, and its corals—nourished by healthy nutrient flows—will be more resistant to emergent threats such as rising temperatures.
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.
TIMELINE: XXX
About Bokak Atoll
Bokak Atoll is far from other islands in the Republic of the Marshall Islands—meaning its unique and precious ecosystem has developed in relative isolation. Covered in beautiful native grasses and brush, Bokak’s significant distance from urban centers has allowed its ecosystem to develop more or less free from human intervention. As a result, its biome—the unique semi-arid atoll ecosystem—may be one of very few of its kind in the world to remain unaltered. It is home to many species of endemic grass, which thrive in its dry savannas. Abundant sea turtles and more than 20 species of breeding seabirds mark the atoll’s significance for the surrounding ocean as well, with unique closed reef formations and giant clams benefiting from the nutrients these connector species bring with them.
However, one significant human impact has made it to this pristine atoll: invasive species. Introduced, damaging, invasive rats are the most significant threat facing Bokak. This species disrupts the delicate balance that keeps Bokak’s undisturbed ecosystem intact, predating on birds and turtles by eating their eggs and young. When seabirds and turtles nest elsewhere, Bokak’s terrestrial ecosystem of 100% native plants feels the impact in the form of less rich soil—which then runs off into the near-shore ecosystems, where malnourished corals support smaller populations of fish.
Voices from the field
“Eradicating rats on Bokak will pave the way for the restoration of the seabird colonies to their former glory, in turn repairing vital ecosystem functions and improving the health of the reef and the surrounding seas, giving Bokak the best chance to endure the effects of human-induced climate change.”
— 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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