After months of planning and preparation, the Suwarrow Rangers arrived safely in Suwarrow on 21 August 2026 to carry out their duties as environmental guardians until their return to Rarotonga in November 2026.
With the arrival of Park Ranger Johnnie Tangaroa and Assistant Ranger Teokotai Terei, Suwarrow National Park has officially opened to visitors and vessels and will remain open until 15 October 2026.
The Rangers are expected to receive a number of visiting vessels over the coming weeks. As part of their duties, the pair will carry out established border control and biosecurity protocols to help protect the National Park from invasive species and other biosecurity risks. They will also monitor vessel and visitor activities to ensure compliance with the Suwarrow National Park Rules.
Upon arrival, the Rangers reported that a significant amount of plastic waste had washed ashore along the coastlines of the atoll. As part of their environmental protection and monitoring duties, the Rangers are committed to undertaking a comprehensive clean-up of the affected areas.
In addition to removing the marine debris, the Rangers will collect data on the types and quantities of waste found, including recording and weighing the material collected. This information will help NES better understand the extent of marine debris reaching Suwarrow and identify potential sources and drift patterns of the waste.
The collected waste will be transported back to Rarotonga with the Rangers at the end of their deployment for appropriate disposal.
This work forms an important part of the Rangers’ role in protecting Suwarrow’s fragile ecosystems, maintaining the cleanliness and ecological integrity of the National Park, and contributing valuable information to support ongoing marine debris, biodiversity and environmental management efforts.
Through their work on the ground, the Suwarrow Rangers remain an important presence in safeguarding the National Park and ensuring Suwarrow continues to be protected for future generations.
