Protect Chagos

"The Chagos Archipelago represents a magnificent conservation opportunity that could be of lasting benefit to humanity. There can be few places on this planet that represent better value for leveraging spectacular returns. What is needed is vision and a leadership initiative by Britain to create the Chagos as an iconic, pristine area held in trust for the future of the world community."

Professor Callum Roberts, University of York.

Protect Chagos

Creating one of the world's greatest natural conservation areas

Chagos Environment Network Reports

1. Our submission to the government consultation on whether to establish a Marine Protected Area in the Chagos NEW!
An extensive document which outlines the Chagos Environment Network’s position in detail, which was submitted to the Foreign Office on 10th February 2010.

2. The Case for a Chagos Marine Reserve
Information on what makes the Chagos such a good candidate for a Marine Reserve, and why we think the government should designate such a Reserve as fully no-take (i.e., one that is closed to commercial fishing and other extractive activities).

3. The Chagos Archipelago: A Unique Scientific and Conservation Opportunity
More information on the values that the Chagos holds for science.

Other Reports

1. The Consultation Report NEW!
The full report produced by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Chagos Consultation Facilitator, giving a full breakdown of the responses received to the consultation and also the overall conclusions upon which the FCO based their decision to declare a Marine Reserve in Chagos.

2. “Marine Conservation in the British Indian Ocean Territory: science issues and opportunities”
Report from a workshop held at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, on 5-6 August 2009.

3. Reef shark declines in remote atolls highlight the need for multi-faceted conservation action. NEW!
Graham, N.A, Spalding, M.D, & Sheppard, C.R.C (2010) Aquatic Conservation, Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Paper assessing the abundance and composition of reef sharks between 1975-2006 in the Chagos, showing a decline of over 90% in numbers.

4.Chagos feels the pinch: assessment of holothurian (sea cucumber) abundance, illegal harvesting and conservation prospects in British Indian Ocean Territory. NEW!
Price, A.R.G, Harris, A., McGowan, A., Vankatachalam, A.J., & Sheppard, C.R.C (2010) Aquatic Conservation, Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Paper investigating sea cucumber abundance around exploited atolls and Diego Garcia, which does not suffer from harvesting. The results point to heavy illegal harvesting around the exploited atolls.