Abstract:
Niue is the worldâs largest and highest single coral atoll. It is situated in the southwest Pacific Ocean (19oS, 169oW), with a land area of 259 km2. It is approximately 480 km east of Tonga, 930 km west of Rarotonga and 660 km southeast of Samoa. Within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 39,000 km2, Niue has two reef atolls, Antiope and Beveridge, visible only at low tide, from which commercial fishing is banned. However, a number of seamounts also exist and these attract fish.
Niue is characterised by three terraces; the rim of the lower terrace averages 28 m above sea level, with the upper rim averaging 69 m above sea level. The slopes of the terraces are rough, with jagged coral outcrops. The island has a rugged, rocky coastline, featuring steep cliffs, caves, deep chasms and blowholes. The reef is continuous, and is breached at one small area opposite the Alofi wharf.