Bismarck-Solomon Seas - A Global Ecoregion
Diverse marine ecosystems and intact coral communities in the southwestern Pacific
Snapshot: Ecoregion 219
Size:
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Coral
Geographic Location:
Southeast Asia, the Torres Strait, and the Northern Great Barrier Reef
Conservation Status:
Relatively Stable/Intact
N/A
Habitat type:
Tropical Coral
Geographic Location:
Southeast Asia, the Torres Strait, and the Northern Great Barrier Reef
Conservation Status:
Relatively Stable/Intact
Quiz Time!
Are whale populations stable worldwide?
Answer:
Seven out of the 13 great whale species are still endangered or vulnerable after decades of protection. Whales, dolphins and porpoises are succumbing to new and ever-increasing dangers such as collisions with ships, entanglement in fishing gear, intensive oil and gas development in its feeding grounds, toxic contamination, climate change, habitat degradation, and commercial whaling practices.
About the Area
Bound to the north and south by deep ocean trenches, the Bismarck-Solomon Seas contain numerous small islands. In close proximity to both the Great Barrier Reef and the highly diverse East Indian region, these waters potentially contain unique and complex species assemblages, including a number of endemic species.
Local SpeciesIn addition to Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) rookeries, also found here are Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris), Dugongs (Dugong dugon), Giant clams (Tridacnidae sp.), Giant tritons (Charonia tritonis), Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus pacificus), Black-naped terns (Sterna sumatrana), Lesser frigatebirds (Fregata ariel), and the Finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides).
Fish families include butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae), seabasses (Serranidae), pipefish (Sygnatidae), and sea horses (Hippocampus spp).
Threats
Widespread logging activities and associated sedimentation, unregulated cutting of mangroves and clearing for coconut plantations, light industry residues and sewage discharge, illegal dynamite fishing, hunting of crocodiles and turtles, increase in tourism activities and its associated impacts - all constitute major threats to the integrity of this ecoregion.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
