The islands humans are yet to leave their mark on: Scientists discover two 'wild and untouched' worlds hidden in the Pacific

Detailed summary

Humans have left their mark on almost every place on the planet. But scientists have discovered two remote atolls in the Pacific Ocean which appear to be the exception.

Published: 12:16 GMT, 11 November 2026 | Updated: 15:32 GMT, 11 November 2026

Humans have left their mark on almost every place on the planet, from the bottom of the Mariana Trench to the peaks of Mount Everest.

But scientists have discovered two remote atolls in the Pacific Ocean which appear to be the exception.

These coral atolls, Bikar and Bokak, appear to be truly 'wild and untouched', researchers said.

Located near the Marshall Islands, they could be some of the most intact ecosystems remaining in the region – and perhaps the world.

'This study provides the first comprehensive ecological baseline of the newly created National Marine Sanctuaries of Bikar and Bokak atolls from the sky and land to the deep sea, and highlights some of the most intact ecosystems remaining in the region,' first author Dr Alan Friedlander, a marine ecologist at the University of Hawai'i, said.

'Bikar and Bokak are not just treasures for the Marshall Islands but for the entire planet, a gift from the community of Utirik Atoll, which has traditionally and vigilantly safeguarded these fragile ecosystems for decades.'

These coral atolls, Bikar and Bokak (pictured), appear to be truly 'wild and untouched', researchers said

Bikar and Bokak are the northernmost atolls in the Marshall Islands, lying approximately 72 miles (116km) and 239 miles (385km) from the nearest inhabited atoll. Pictured: The reef habitat at Bikar

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