Fish-Man Island

Fishman Island (魚人島, Sakana Nin Shima) is an underwater island which dwells 10,000 meters under Mariejois, in a giant hole that goes under the Red Line. It serves as an underwater gateway to the New World for those who do not wish to cross over the Red Line above. It is the home of the Fishmen and some Merfolk. Though it is literally directly under the main seat of power of the World Government, it is however controlled by Whitebeard.

History
Because it is the only way for any ship to enter the New World without any hassle from the World Government, Fishman Island was often visited by pirates passing through and the Marines chasing after them. When the Great Age of Piracy begun, this problem escalated to extreme portions. With this, many Fishmen and Merfolk were constantly kidnapped and sold off as slaves. However when Whitebeard declared the island as his territory at some point in time, the problem was solved as attacking the island and its inhabitants would incur Whitebeard's wrath. As a result, the island was indirectly protected and peace was bestowed.

Culture
Fishman Island is said to be an underwater paradise. Because it is underwater, the only way a conventional ship to get there is to be coated with a special resin found in the Sabaody Archipelago.

Fishman Karate can also be learned here, as revealed by Oda, in an SBS question.