The Pacific island nation of Palau has announced the creation of what will be the sixth largest fully protected marine reserve in the world. The 193,000 square mile reserve would help in conservation of 700 species of coral and thousands of fish species. It is also seen as a way for the island nation to boost tourism; visitors will be able to see some pristine species that the island is known for.

The move holds great relevance as around 1 million square miles of ocean have been announced as highly protected in 2015 alone, greater than any year in the past, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts.

“When you think about it from the perspective of the planet, the last 12 or 13 months, there’s been more of the planet protected than at any time in our history,” said Matt Rand, Pew’s Global Ocean Legacy project director, reports The Independent.

Palau Island’s new reserve follows the announcement of the Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve, a stretch of 332,000 square miles and the largest marine reserve ever dedicated. The Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve was dedicated by Britain in March 2015 and is followed by the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary of New Zealand, Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park of Chile and the proposed Easter Island Reserve. The Easter Island reserve, although announced by Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and proposed by the indigenous Rapa Nui people, is yet to be finalised, according to Pew trusts.

Fully protected marine reserves form the highest class of ocean conservation, with the areas becoming off limits to dumping, drilling, fishing and other uses, reports The Independent. Scientists indicate that such areas can have positive outcomes for local people by boosting fish populations, some of which can be caught as they travel outside these areas.

Protecting its natural resources will have more benefits than one, for Palau Island. Tourism forms a chunk of economic revenue generated by the island nation, known particularly for diving. The move may serve as a branding opportunity for addition to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, according to The Independent.

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