Cocos Island (Guam) facts for kids
Nautical chart of Cocos Lagoon,
with Cocos Island in the southwest (lower left) |
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| Location | Pacific Ocean |
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Cocos Island (also called Islan Dåno in the local Chamorro: Chamorro language) is a small island located about 1 mile (1.6 km) off the southern coast of Guam. Guam is a territory of the United States in the Pacific Ocean. Cocos Island is part of the Merizo area and sits within the beautiful Cocos Lagoon.
The island is not inhabited by people. It is about 1,600 meters (1 mile) long and between 200 and 300 meters (650 to 980 feet) wide. Its total area is about 386,303 square meters (95.5 acres). Cocos Island is actually part of the coral reef that forms the edge of Cocos Lagoon.
Contents
What Can You Do on Cocos Island?
The eastern side of Cocos Island is a popular day resort. It has many fun things for visitors to enjoy.
- You can swim in a pool.
- There's a volleyball court for games.
- You can grab a snack at the cafe or an ice cream parlor.
- A restaurant and bar are also available.
- You can rent equipment for water sports.
Fun Water Activities
Visitors to the resort can try many exciting water activities:
- Go snorkeling to see colorful fish.
- Try scuba diving to explore deeper parts of the lagoon.
- Paddle a kayak across the calm waters.
- Go on a boat trip to watch dolphins.
- Experience parasailing for a view from above.
- Ride a jet ski for a thrilling adventure.
- You can also ride bikes around the island.
The western side of Cocos Island is public land. It is part of Guam's Territorial Park System. You can take a ferry boat from Merizo to reach the island.
History of Cocos Island
Cocos Island has an interesting history, including different owners and uses over the years.
Early Ownership
During the time when Spain controlled Guam, the island was owned by a person named Don Ignacio Mendiola Dela Cruz.
United States Takes Over Land
In the late 1920s, the U.S. Government bought two-thirds (⅔) of the island. They used a process called Eminent Domain, which allows the government to buy private land for public use. In the mid-1930s, Don Ignacio sold the remaining one-third (⅓) of the island to a businessman named Gottwald.
Coast Guard Station
From 1944 to 1963, the United States Coast Guard operated a special station on Cocos Island. This station helped with long-range navigation for ships and planes.
Becoming a Park
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the U.S. Government gave the larger part of the island back to the Guam Government. The Guam Government then turned this area into a public park for everyone to enjoy.
Environmental Concerns
In the past, there was an environmental issue on Cocos Island that people needed to know about.
Contamination Discovery
In late 2005, tests were done on the soil from Cocos Island. These tests showed high levels of a chemical called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The levels were much higher than what is considered safe.
Scientists also tested twelve different types of fish in the lagoon. Almost all of them had high levels of PCBs. One type of fish had 265 times the acceptable level. It is believed that these chemicals came from old electrical equipment at the former Coast Guard station.
Public Health Warning
On February 20, 2006, officials from the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, and the Coast Guard shared their findings. They warned people not to eat fish caught in Cocos Lagoon because of the contamination.
Wildlife on Cocos Island
Cocos Island is important for wildlife, especially for a special bird.
Guam Rail Reintroduction
Cocos Island is one of the few places where the endangered Guam Rail bird has been brought back. The Guam rail is a flightless bird that is native to Guam. Bringing them to Cocos Island helps protect them and grow their numbers.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Cocos (Guam) para niños
