Motu One (Marquesas Islands)

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Motu One

Image of northwestern Marquesas Islands. Motu One and its lagoon are the pale blue oval shape in the upper right. Image courtesy of Johnson Space Center.

Country

France
French Polynesia

Archipelago

Marquesas Islands

Region

South Pacific Ocean

Area

negl. km²

Coastline

- km

Highest elevation

-
< 3 m

Population

- Density

0 ppl.
(2002)
0 ppl./km²

For Motu One in the Society Islands, see Motu One (Society Islands).

Motu One (Marquesan for "Sand Island"; in French the islands are sometimes called Îlots du Sable) is the name of two small sandy islands on the western edge of a coral reef. At approximately 7.85° S 140.38° W, it is the northernmost of the Marquesas Islands, located about 30 km (18 mi.) northeast of Eïao and 15 km (9 mi.) northeast of Hatutu.

Motu One is administratively part of the commune (municipality) of Nuku-Hiva, itself in the administrative subdivision of the Marquesas Islands.

The reef is approximately 5 km (3 mi.) in diameter, and the islands rise only a few feet above sea level. The only vegetation is low-growing shrubs and grasses. Sea turtles and a wide variety of seabirds nest on the islands.

Although Motu One was reportedly visited by Marquesans, primarily on egg-collecting missions, there is no archaeological evidence that they were ever inhabited. The first Westerners to sight the islands were on the 1813-1814 voyage of the American commander Commodore David Porter, who named the island Lincoln Island. Subsequent explorers also called the islands Sand Island(s). Since 1992, the whole reef and island ecosystem have been protected as the Motu One Reserve.

[edit] See also

v • d • e Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia

	Northern Marquesas: Eiao • Hatutu • Motu Iti • Motu One • Nuku Hiva • Ua Huka • Ua Pu

	Southern Marquesas: Fatu Hiva • Fatu Huku • Hiva Oa • Moho Tani • Motu Nao • Tahuata • Terihi

Archipelagos of French Polynesia: Australs • Gambiers • Marquesas • Societies • Tuamotus