A decision on Pitcairn Island's marine reserve proposal could be made by the end of the year.
Since 2011 The Pew Environment Group has been working with the Pitcairn Island Council to convince the British Government to establish a marine reserve.
But the Island's governor who is also the British High Commissioner to New Zealand, Vicki Treadell, says setting it up is not an easy task.
She says a plan is needed that looks at the costs of maintaining the proposed reserve and also allowing some sustainable fishing.
"One of their major dietary sources is the local fish so is there potential to allow some sustainable fishing? It's not as simple as just declaring a marine protected area."
Mrs Treadell says the Darwin Trust has been commissioned to provide a study on whether the reserve is possible and the results are due in a few months.