Chagos Archipelago Close To Protection

A three month public consultation recently ended making the Chagos Archipelago one step closer to becoming one of the world's largest marine reserves at 210,000 square miles. It is said that the Chagos Islands and the waters around them in the Indian Ocean harbor some of the most pristine coral reefs on Earth. "It is home to 220 species of coral, 1,000 species of fish and a breeding ground for sharks, dolphins, and green and hawkbill sea turtles. It's also home to the largest arthropod in the world, the coconut crab."


Proposed Chagos Archipelago Marine Reserve on left - Credit: Pew Foundation

There are some thorny issues to be addressed involving native peoples, a military base and fishing. Read more below.

Source:
Proposed Indian Ocean Chagos marine reserve sparks controversy - Science Fair: Science and Space News - USATODAY.com

 

Very interesting issues.

 

IMO, even though people resided there for some years, the islands were originally uninhabited, meaning there are no native people. Tough break for them, yes, but it's more important to leave the area be. Clear the base and let the area be. If the "native" people can't survive without government aid, they'll turn to their resources and destroy the islands.

 

Good to hear, thanks for post, Matt.

 

No problem. Here is the follow up.. UK has decided to go ahead with the reserve even with outstanding issues as described here:
BBC News - UK sets up Chagos Islands marine reserve