Plans are being drawn up in French Polynesia aimed at channelling navigation in the Tuamotus to protect the environment from shipping accidents.
Rangiroa Atoll, Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia. Photo: AFP / Photononstop
The review by the French authorities has been prompted by recent incidents involving large Chinese fishing vessels, which hit reefs and triggered fears of maritime pollution.
France would like to shield parts of the archipelago from transiting ships longer than 15 metres by suggesting safe routes through parts of French Polynesia's exclusive economic zone.
To that end, lanes are being proposed run between Marutea Nord and Hikueru, and Mataiva and Tikehau.
Restrictions are also being suggested around Fakarava, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve.
Ping Tai Rong 49 stranded at Anuanurunga atoll Photo: supplied French Armed Forces
According to media reports, France intends to submit the proposed navigation curtailment to the International Maritime Organisation for consideration.
In the past two years, there have been groundings at Arutua and Anuanurunga atolls, which prompted costly measures to contain possible oil spills.