We only devote one sentence in the "U.S. States and Other Areas" chapter of The World Almanac to Kingman Reef, and deservedly so. It’s two barren coral outcroppings about 930 miles southwest of Hawai’i in the Line Islands group, relatively close to the equally remote Palmyra Atoll. But that’s a good thing for marine ecologist Dr. Enric Sala, who claimed back in 2005 that it’s “the closest thing to a pristine coral reef” that he had ever seen.
Dr. Sala has returned to Kingman Reef and is blogging the experience, from curious sharks to vicious “reef vampires.” Equal parts entertaining and informative, it's a great chance to learn about a unique place that none of us will probably ever visit.
Accompanying his team is National Geographic underwater photographer Brian Skerry, who is shooting for an upcoming issue.
