Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 1. Physical Setting of the Islands
Draft 1 March 2007
lagoon was 30 cm lower than sea level. The size and salinity of the lagoon depended on
rainfall. Manra (Sydney) had one large lagoon and several smaller ones which were mostly
dry (Arundel 1890; see also Wiens 1962). The large lagoon was not connected to the sea.
There were no fish as the salinity was too high.
Bigelow (1939) reported that on the north side of the lagoon, there were two locations and
numerous points around there edges that showed evidence of seepage above normal water
levels. There was evidence that the lagoon water level was at least 60 cm (2 ft) higher during
the guano work (1860 to 1890).
Bryan (1934) reported that on the southeast side was a low area with a slightly brackish pond.
These were the remains of guano collection (Bryan 1941 and 1942).
Lagoon Openings - The lagoon has no openings to the sea (Hydrographer of the Navy 1969;
see also Maude 1937).
Reef Shelf - The island was surrounded by a platform reef from 46 to 183 m (50 to 200
yards) wide (Hydrographic Office 1940).
Soil - Maude (1937) reported that the soils were lighter and sandier than on other Phoenix
Islands and richer than that found in the Gilbert Islands (see also Garnett 1983).
Guano was found on the island (Government of Kiribati 1995). The soil was fertile.
Knudsen (1965) reported that the soil on Manra (Sydney) was better than Abariringa
(Canton), but poorer than on Nikumaroro (Gardner).
MCKEAN
Dimensions - McKean is less than 805 m (half a mile) long (north to south) by 732 m (800
yards) wide (Bryan 1941 and 1942). The beach was primarily beach rock and coral shingles.
The maximum elevation was 4.6 to 5.2 m (15 to 17 ft) (see also Hydrographic Office 1940)
A map of McKean is provided in Figure III-1.7 below [no satellite image could be located].
Figure III-1.7. McKean Chart
(source: U.S. Government Chart of 1943).
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