Pitcairn view of boat harbour Photo: Graham Wragg
A new marine science base has been opened in the Pitcairn island group, with hopes it will attract scientists from around the world to conduct research there.
The UK-Government-funded base will allow researchers to explore one of the world's largely undisturbed marine habitats.
The Governor of Pitcairn Iona Thomas said that the ocean around the Pitcairn island group is one of the most pristine marine environments on Earth.
Thomas said that she was delighted to be able to open the new marine science base in Pitcairn with the support of the local community.
"I hope this base will attract a continuous cycle of scientists to the islands and provide a huge boost to our knowledge of marine science in what is one of the last remaining untouched marine habitats on the planet," Thomas said.
The islands in the Pitcairn group, a UK Overseas Territory, make up the third largest continuous 'Highly Protected' Marine Protected Area in the world - with some of the planet's most unspoiled coral reefs and an abundance of sea life not seen anywhere else on earth.
The marine science base equipment includes remotely operated vehicles and the most modern underwater video technology - which will allow them to monitor the health of these untouched marine habitats.