UBPSSIF Protected Marine Reserve

UBPSSIF Protected Marine Reserve
IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve)
Location	Thalassa, Eurth
Nearest city	Cronulla, Burkini
Area	1,187,382,666.7 acres (4,805,167.171 km2)
Established	March 19, 2017 (2017-03-19)
Visitors	17 (in 2020)
Governing body	CAOS

The UBPSSIF Protected Marine Reserve is a marine protected area in the Oriental Ocean of North Thalassa. The northern edge is marked by the Dobbarrier Reef. A marine reserve provides "maximum protection" for all biodiversity. Resource removals and all but light human removals are strictly prohibited.

The area is home to dense native ecosystems where only scientific study, environmental monitoring and education are allowed. The UBPSSIF is a favourite migration route of many whale species. Most whales prefer the colder waters of the northern and southern hemispheres, and migrate to the equator to give birth. The long north-south layout allows whales to migrate undisturbed from the colder North Pole region to the tropical archipelago of Sunset Sea Islands.

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  A whale with her calf.

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  A variety of colourful corals.

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  Coral reefs near the southern edge of the reserve.

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  The Dobbarrier Reef is clearly visible from an aircraft.

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  Table coral Acropora latistella.

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  Pink soft coral.

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  Nembrotha kubaryana.

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  Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus).

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  Parrotfish.

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  Harlequin ghost pipefish.

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  Anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris).

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  White-eyed moray eel (Gymnothorax thyrsoideus).

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  Beautiful turquoise waters, white sands and waving coconut trees on Itagi Island.

Controversy

According to leaked Black Hat documents, in a calculated move planned in 2017, the SSI proposed that the UBPSSIF become a "marine reserve" with the aim of preventing the former inhabitants from returning to the islands. A summary of the leaked cable mentions how:

The government wants to establish a closed "marine nature park" to provide broad environmental protection to the reefs and waters of the UBPSSIF. The secondary objective of establishing this enormous marine park to prevent the former inhabitants from returning to or pursuing their claim for resettlement in the area. Careful negotiation was advised to achieve the tertiary objective: safeguarding SSI interests and the strategic value of the UBPSSIF, including military purposes.

The leaked document shows that this plan was dreamt up by government officials to preserve the area as a military outpost, and prevent the native people from returning. In response, multiple MPs from Sunset Sea Islands spoke out and claimed they were tricked into supporting the creation of this marine reserve.