Marine Protected Areas (MPA), Sanctuaries, and Forest Reserves

Pohnpei Island currently has thirteen marine protected areas, including three mangrove forest reserves and two stingray sanctuaries. Additionally, Pakin Atoll has five of its own MPAs and all of Ahnd Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

If you wish to visit a MPA it is best to work with a tour operators as they have the necessary permits that allow entry into these MPAs and biosphere reserves.

Current MPAs

Sapwtik MPA

Sapwtik Marine Protected Area is a 0.83 km² (0.32 mi²) area encompassing Sapwtik (island), portions of its fringing reef, and sections of the lagoon southwest and northeast of the island.

Dekehos (Mwahnd) MPA

Dekehos Marine Protected Area is a 4.60 km² (1.78 mi²) area encompassing Mwahnd Passage (Kepidauen Mwahnd) and portions of the barrier reef north of the pass and to the south as far as the fringing reef of Mwahnd Peidak (island).

Dehpehk MPA

Dehpehk Marine Protected Area is a 2.12 km² (0.82 mi²) area encompassing the eastern and northern coasts of Dehpehk (island) and adjacent fringing reefs.

Nanwap MPA

Nanwap Marine Protected Area is a 3.05 km² (1.18 mi²) section of the barrier reef and adjacent lagoon areas north of the Madolenihmw Bay passage (Kepidauen Deleur).

Senipehn Mangrove Forest Reserve

Senipehn Mangrove Forest Reserve is a 1.30 km² (0.5 mi²) area of mangrove forest surrounding Dauen Sapwalap in Madolenihmw.

Namwen Na Stingray Sanctuary

Namwen Na Stingray Sanctuary is a 0.71 km² (0.27 mi²) area encompassing both shallow reef and deep water areas located north of Na (island) and south of Nahpali (island).

Namwen Nahnningi Stingray Sanctuary

Namwen Nahnningi Stingray Sanctuary is a 0.34 km² (0.13 mi²) area encompassing four large reef pools and the adjacent reefs northwest of Nahnningi (island).

Nahtik MPA

Nahtik Marine Protected Area is a 0.75 km² (0.29 mi²) area encompassing Nahtik (island) and all fringing reefs.

Enipein Mangrove Reserve

Enipein Mangrove Reserve is a 9.55 km² (3.69 mi²) area of mangrove forest located in Enipein, Kitti.

Kehpara MPA

Kehpara Marine Protected Area is a 1.89 km² (0.73 mi²) area encompassing the three Namwmwour barrier reef islands (including Kehpara) and large sections of the barrier reef both north, south, and east of the islands. This area is completely closed to diving and snorkeling from January 1 to June 30 every year.

Pwudoi Mangrove Sanctuary

Pwudoi Mangrove Sanctuary is a 1.39 km² (0.52 mi²) area encompassing large sections of mangrove forest in Pwudoi, Kitti, as well as adjacent fringing reefs and portions of the lagoon.

Wahulap MPA

Wahulap Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Nikahlap Island and all surrounding reefs.

Painpwel MPA

Painpwel Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Painpwel Island, a number of tiny islands off the north coast where sea turtles nest, and all surrounding reefs.

Palikir MPA

Palikir Marine Protected Area is one of Pohnpei’s largest inner-lagoon sanctuaries. It stretches from the shore of Palikir all the way to Palikir Pass. It is also one of Pohnpei’s most successful MPA’s and in 2020 efforts were made expand the MPA’s borders.

Sapangin MPA

Sapangin Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Sapangin Island, several tiny islets to the north where sea turtles nest, and all surrounding reefs.

Kehrot MPA

Kehrot Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Kehrot Island, many tiny islets to the northeast where sea turtles nest, and all surrounding reefs.

Mwahnid MPA

Mwahnid Marine Protected Area on Pakin Atoll encompasses Mwahnid Island and all surrounding reefs.

Map Guides >> Marine Attractions >> Pohnpei Marine Protected Areas (MPA)