The Pitcairn Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA)

In March 2015, the United Kingdom declared the waters of the Pitcairn Islands (Pitcairn, Ducie, Henderson and Oeno) as one of the world’s largest Marine Protected Areas, spanning 834,334 square kilometers.

As a condition under the MPA the Government of Pitcairn Islands prohibits all visiting vessels from conducting fishing activities within the Pitcairn Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This applies to All Cruise and tour vessels, pleasure yachts and Government of Pitcairn Islands charters.

Whilst cruising within the Pitcairn Islands EEZ, visiting vessels that detect unusual activity are asked to report the vessel name, date, time and GPS location to the Pitcairn Police and Pitcairn’s Division Manager of Environmental, Conservation and Natural Resources, email: police@pitcairn.gov.pn; dmnature@pitcairn.gov.pn

Henderson Island – A World Heritage Site

• Landing on Henderson Island is restricted to North Beach Only
• Landing and excursions on East Beach and North-West Beach are prohibited.
• Special provision can be granted to visitors to land on North-West Beach ONLY if it is not possible to land on North Beach due to sea and weather conditions or an emergency
• Henderson Island provides a protected marine habitat for sharks.  Caution is advised when swimming or diving in the area.

The Pitcairn Islands International Dark Sky Sanctuary

The night skies of all 4 islands in the Pitcairn Islands Group comprise The Pitcairn Islands International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Mata ki te Rangi – Eyes to the Sky, established in March 2019.

To ensure that the pristine night skies of the Pitcairn Islands remain free of light pollution. The Government of Pitcairn Islands (GPI) approved and enacted its Outdoor Lighting Management Regulation, in December 2018 (enacted as Part XII of the Local Government Regulations).

All visiting vessels, anchoring overnight in the Pitcairn Islands are asked to keep all on-board outdoor lighting within minimum safety requirements.

Items of Historical, Botanical and Geological Interest

It is an offence to remove or attempt to remove any protected artefact from the Pitcairn Islands, without written consent from the Governor. Any person who does so may be liable to a fine of up to $20,000.

Protected artefacts include:

• any relic of the ships “Bounty”, “Cornwallis”, “Arcadia”, or “Bowden”;
• any artefact of the Polynesian people resident on Pitcairn prior to the arrival of the “Bounty”; and
• any coffin on Henderson Island.

It is also an offence to remove marine life or non-living natural material from the seabed within the Pitcairn Islands Marine Protected Area; or to take, kill or harass any wild bird (including their eggs), or any protected species.

Any person seeking to remove any of the above artefacts, any other artefact of historical interest, or any soil, rocks, or botanical, geological, biological or marine samples for research or other purposes should apply to the Governor for a permit, and present such permit for inspection prior to departure.

Filming on Pitcairn Island

Using Drones on Pitcairn Island within 100 meters of residential areas is not permitted

Visiting the Pitcairn Islands to undertake media related research, film, take photographs, make audio recordings or undertake interviews for commercial purposes or public viewing is not permitted without prior approval from the Pitcairn Islands Council. Email: isec@pitcairn.gov.p

Alcohol Consumption:
As stated in the GPI Sale and Use of Liquor Ordinance, the consumption of alcohol is not permitted in many public areas on Pitcairn Island unless otherwise specified by the Pitcairn Islands Council. Those drinking alcohol in these public areas, without the aforementioned dispensation from Council, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine. To make application to the Pitcairn Islands Council for passengers to consume alcohol in public areas on Pitcairn Island contact the Mayor: Email: mayor@pitcairn.gov.pn

No Alcohol is permitted on Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands. Those who drink alcohol on Henderson, Ducie or Oeno Island, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine.

Overnight Anchoring/Stopover:

• Cruisers are welcome to stopover (without going ashore) at Ducie, Henderson and Oeno Islands. Out of the three, Ducie and Henderson are recommended only for safety reasons – both islands have a short reef close to the land. Oeno Island on the other hand has about a mile before you get to the beach and there is only a small passage which can cause big issues if caught in the waves.
• If cruisers do use the Islands, Pitcairn authorities ask that you take extra care, as should there be an accident, it is awkward for the authorities to get out to the islands and the nearest hospital is in Tahiti.

Last updated:  April 2022

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