Jarvis Island

Jarvis Island

Jarvis Island Guano Tramway

Squire Flockton death 47059637 1465956622

Amaranth (barquentine)

Men left at Jarvis Island (80-CF-798677-14)

Jarvis Island is a small, uninhabited coral island located in the South Pacific Ocean. Known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem, Jarvis Island is part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands, a scattered group of islands that are unincorporated territories of the United States. The island is situated approximately halfway between Hawaii and the Cook Islands, making it remote and largely inaccessible.

History

Jarvis Island was first discovered by the British in 1821 and was named after the ship's captain, Edward Jarvis. In the 19th century, the island was used for guano mining, a common practice on many isolated islands during that period, due to the high demand for guano as a fertilizer. The United States took possession of Jarvis Island in 1856 under the Guano Islands Act, which allowed Americans to take control of unclaimed islands with guano deposits. However, the guano mining operations were short-lived, and the island was abandoned by the late 19th century.

In the early 20th century, attempts were made to establish a coconut plantation on Jarvis Island, but these efforts failed due to the island's harsh conditions and lack of fresh water. During World War II, the United States established a short-lived naval air station on the island, which was abandoned after the war.

Geography

Jarvis Island is one of the smallest islands in the Pacific, with an area of only 4.5 square kilometers. It is a low-lying coral island, characterized by its sandy beaches and a saltwater lagoon in the center. The island is surrounded by a coral reef, which is home to a diverse range of marine life.

Ecology

Despite its small size and remote location, Jarvis Island supports a variety of wildlife, including several species of seabirds, marine turtles, and fish. The island has been designated as a wildlife refuge by the United States government, in recognition of its ecological importance. Efforts are being made to protect and preserve the island's natural habitat, including the eradication of invasive species that threaten the native ecosystem.

Conservation

Jarvis Island is part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, established in 2009. This designation provides additional protection for the island's biodiversity and prohibits commercial fishing, mining, and other extractive activities. The monument is one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world, encompassing several other remote islands in the Pacific.

Current Status

Today, Jarvis Island is uninhabited and rarely visited, except by scientists and conservationists. The island's isolation and protected status have allowed its ecosystem to thrive, making it a valuable site for scientific research and conservation efforts. Jarvis Island serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the world's remaining untouched natural areas.

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