In pictures: Pacific marine reserve

Kiribati, the Pacific island nation, has declared the creation of a California-sized marine reserve in the Phoenix Islands, home to diverse species such as this green moray eel.

The Phoenix Islands Protected Area covers more than 400,000 sq km (150,000 sq miles) and lies 1,600km south of Hawaii.

Conservationists say it's one of the world's last intact coral archipelagos but is threatened by overfishing.

The US-based New England Aquarium, which helped develop the project, says the reserve is home to more than 120 species of coral and more than 500 types of fish.

The Kiribati Environment Minister, Tetapo Nakara, said: "The coral reefs and bird populations of the islands are unique, virtually untouched by man."

The reserve will mean restrictions on fishing but the government hopes to boost tourism in Kiribati.

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