Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 6. Environmental Issues, Regulations, and Agreements
Draft 1 March 2007
In the 1950’s there was a suspension of tuna exports from the Pacific into Europe due to the
discovery of radioactive elements in the tuna (Teiwaki 1988). There were nuclear tests in
the Marshall Islands and Christmas Island during that period and there was concern about the
spread of radiation through the Line and Phoenix Islands.
There was concern within the Government of Kiribati regarding the potential use of the high
seas between the Phoenix and Line Islands for nuclear dumping (Teiwaki 1988).
OCEAN DUMPING
An explosives dumping area was established southwestward of Abariringa (Canton)
(Hydrographic Office 1956; see also McIntire 1960). Coordinates for the dumping area were
3 0 09’S to 3 0 28’S, and 171 0 53’W and 172 0 13’W.
TOXIC WASTES
According to Greenpeace (n.d.) unused malathion was stored on Abariringa (Kanton). It was
left by the U.S. military after World War II.
Burns et al (2000) reported that there were additional quantities of pesticides stored on
Abariringa (Canton). This included Sevin and Malathion that were stored in an open shed.
Burns et al (2000) noted that an inventory of the chemical stocks on Abariringa (Kanton) (site
KIR17) was not yet available.
Neilson (2002) reported finding hazardous chemicals at the former Quarantine Station storge
sheds on Abariringa (Kanton). Chemicals found are listed below in Table III-6.1. Some of
these materials had leaked from their containers and had spilled onto the concrete floor. The
remains of many dead animals were observed on the floor including rats, crabs and several
different species of birds. I-Kiribati workers on Abariringa (Kanton) had attempted to
catalog these materials, but became sick from the fumes.
Table III-6.1. Summary of chemicals found in 2002 at the
Quarantine Station, Abariringa (Kanton).
(source: Neilson 2002)
Chemical Quantity Condition
2