Marine Life in PNG

Thursday, 9th January 2020

Image via Tourism Promotion Authority Papua New Guinea.

Boasting an abundance of tropical fish, coral reefs, turtles, and mammals like whales and dolphins, Papua New Guinea is considered one of the world’s wonders in terms of the sheer variety and volume of species that can be found in its surrounding waters.

This wonder is further enhanced by the fact the region remains relatively undiscovered by the outside world. Rather than a heaving mass of populated dive sites, beaches and waterways, exploring the marine life of PNG is an uninterrupted experience where the natural beauty is yours to take in at your leisure.

Here’s an insight into the staggering marine life of PNG and why this Pacific nation continues to feature such an astounding array of species.

Location, location

Situated in the middle of the Coral Triangle, PNG owes much of its marine diversity and abundance to its unique location.

This triangle, which also encompasses Indonesia, East Malaysia and the Philippines, is considered the richest area of marine diversity in the world.

Indopacific Images explains over 600 species of coral and 3000 species of reef fish are found in the Coral Triangle.

This is in addition to sea turtles, migrating whales, dolphins and mammoth blue water fish like Maori Wrasse, Dogtooth Tuna and Giant Trevally.

Meanwhile, climate and ocean current further contribute to this watery wonder. PNG is positioned to take prime advantage of the Indonesian Throughflow, which is the phenomenal flow of water between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It also boasts the South Equatorial Current, which results in the New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent.

“These massive movements of water, together with the high levels of tropical light and warm regional temperatures, produce the conditions that have created the incredible marine diversity of Papua New Guinea,” Indopacific Images reflects.

Unpopulated paradise

In addition to PNG featuring a unique climate and location, the region remains largely untouched by much of modern life.

In many locations, coastal communities still manage the waters in traditional ways, and the regions are yet to be overwhelmed by tourism and industry.

Together, these factors make PNG a marvel of marine biodiversity that scuba divers, snorkellers and marine biologists are just beginning to discover.

Image via Tourism Promotion Authority Papua New Guinea.

A snapshot of species

So extensive is PNG’s marine diversity, it’s impossible to list all species which can be found here. But suffice to say the region features an A-list of underwater celebrities.

Clownfish, crabs, lobster, nudibranchs, ghost fish, sea horses, starfish, and stingrays are among the stellar line-up while the country encompasses an awe inspiring 13,820 sq km of coral reefs, along with extensive seagrass beds.

About Paga Hill Estate

Paga Hill Estate is a world-class, master-planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.

The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.