Protection for species around Easter Island

SANTIAGO, Chile - President Michelle Bachelet officially created a 740,000-square kilometer marine reserve on Saturday around the remote Easter Island, a move that will protect dozens of species found nowhere else.

The move follows five years of efforts by environmental organizations and the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island, famous for its extreme isolation and mysterious stone statues known as Moai.

The creation of the Rapa Nui Rahui Marine Protected Area restricts commercial fishing and underwater mining, while allowing local artisanal fishermen to continue with their craft.