The provincial government of Balochistan on Thursday declared Astola Island as the country’s first ‘marine protected area’.

According to a notification issued by Forest and Wildlife Department, the island has been declared protected in view of protecting, conserving and restoring species, habitats, biodiversity and ecological processes which may be adversely affected as a result of human activities, reported Geo.tv.

Astola Island, located about 39 kilometres east of Pasni in Balochistan is considered the largest island along the coast of Pakistan.

Locally known as Haft Talar, the island supports several species of marine and terrestrial animals and plants. The island is uninhabited, but attracts large number of vacationers and tourists for its breathtaking sights.