Endangered Species and Habitats

• North Atlantic Right Whale
• Phoenix Islands
• Hector's Dolphins
• Project Piaba

Fisheries, Bycatch and Aquaculture

• Sustainable Fisheries Initiative
• Celebrate Seafood
• Bycatch
• Aquaculture Research

• Marine Animal Rescue
• Conservation Medicine
• Past Research Expeditions
• Global Explorer Blogs
• Tools for Conservation

Climate Change

• Climate Change and Ocean Animals
• Climate Change in New England
• Climate Change 101
• Live blue: What you can do

The Phoenix Islands are more than 1000 miles southwest of Hawaii—far enough away from the rest of the world that they are still largely unharmed by human actions. This isolated island chain is home to one of the Earth’s last intact oceanic coral archipelago ecosystems. The coral reefs teem with life and the tropical skies are alive with seabirds—proof that this remains one of the most pristine places left on our planet.

Phoenix Islands Expedition Blog

Nearly one year after the Phoenix Islands Protected Area was created, Aquarium researchers return to this amazing coral ecosystem to explore and study biodiversity. Read more...

Project Background

Since our first visit to the Phoenix Islands in 2000, we have been working to preserve this irreplaceable ecosystem. This huge expanse of South Pacific Ocean is now safe from the threats of commercial fishing and habitat loss.

Current Projects

We divide our time between hands-on scientific expeditions to explore and document the Phoenix Islands’ incredible biodiversity and policy work to help preserve this region.

Results and Successes

In 2006, the New England Aquarium led the charge to protect the Phoenix Islands and their pristine reefs. Today, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area is the world’s largest marine protected area, and is safe from the threats of commercial fishing and habitat destruction.