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The Bismarck-Solomon Seas contain some of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems and some of the most intact coral communities in the southwestern Pacific. These waters are home to globally outstanding coral reef communities that are among the most diverse in the world. The two seas are bound to the north and south by deep ocean trenches and contain many small islands.
Close to both the Great Barrier Reef and the diverse Central Indo-Pacific region, these waters contain unique and complex species, including many endemic species. The Bismarck-Solomon Seas ecoregion provides great feeding and nesting habitat for colonies of hawksbill sea turtles, which share the waters with other sea turtles such as the leatherback, green, loggerhead, and olive ridley. Blainville's beaked whales and bottle-nosed dolphins swim in search of fish to eat, while rare dugongs graze among the sea grass. Black-naped terns and magnificent frigatebirds circle in the sky, looking for fish below. The water teems with many fish, including butterfly fish, sea bass, seahorses, and pipefish. Also found here are giant clams and tritons. Gorgonia seafans and Acropora staghorn corals are common.
Widespread logging activities have resulted in siltation from the land, which smothers corals. Unregulated cutting of mangroves is underway, including clearing for coconut plantations. Illegal dynamite fishing and the hunting of crocodiles and turtles pose serious threats. The increase in tourism and the associated impacts are another cause for concern.
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