The Plan to Allow Fishing Around the Chagos Islands Concerns Environmental Defenders

The Chagossians may be allowed to fish in an area teeming with life since the fishing ban was imposed in 2010. One of the world's most precious marine reserves, home to sharks, turtles, and rare tropical fish, would be opened to a form of fishing for the first time in 16 years as part of the British government's agreement to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The allowance for non-commercial fishing in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) is seen as a crucial aspect of the Chagossians' return to their homeland, as fishing has historically been their primary means of livelihood. However, some conservationists are sounding the alarm, highlighting that biodiversity has thrived in the Indian Ocean waters since their protection.

Established in 2010, the Chagos MPA has become one of the largest "no-take" marine areas in the world, where all fishing activities are prohibited. At that time, this decision, supported by environmental NGOs such as Greenpeace and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), sparked controversy as local populations accused the British and American governments—responsible for the Diego Garcia military base—of implementing the ban to hinder the return of the Chagossians.

Covering nearly 640,000 km², the reserve possesses some of the cleanest waters, healthiest coral reefs, and one of the richest marine biodiversities in the world. It serves as a crucial sanctuary for over 76 species listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Approximately 800 species of fish can be found there, including rays, stingrays, and over 50 species of sharks, along with around 175,000 pairs of seabirds that come to breed.

According to a spokesperson from the Foreign Office, most of the currently protected area would be open to certain fishing activities. Mauritian media reports indicate a so-called "sustainable" fishing plan for nearly 99% of the area, with the space around the Diego Garcia base remaining off-limits to fishing boats.

Richard Ally from the Chagossian Voices collective believes it is essential to preserve Chagossian culture by allowing fishing. "For Chagossians, the sea was an integral part of their culture. Allowing their return without permitting them to fish does not constitute a true resettlement," he explains, asserting that the community has always acted as guardians of the environment and practiced sustainable fishing.

However, he expressed concerns about the Mauritian government's ability to effectively regulate the MPA after the handover: "It will be very difficult for Mauritius to control and regulate fishing activities by itself."

Professor Heather Koldewey, head of ocean conservation at the Zoological Society of London, stated that Mauritius has strong conservation ambitions and is committed to banning all commercial fishing while seeking solutions to balance wildlife protection and the needs of ocean-dependent communities.

But for some experts, any opening of the reserve poses a threat. Dr. Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Society's Pristine Seas program, believes the area must remain fully protected. "The waters of Chagos are a time machine showing what the ocean looked like before human exploitation. As a no-take zone, they serve as an essential fish bank for migratory species," he emphasizes.

Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, has also warned of the risks: "A potential catastrophe threatens the wildlife of these rare and precious islands. Even if commercial fishing is prohibited, how will this ban be enforced?" She advocates for a legally binding agreement maintaining the status of an entirely protected area.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office states that the UK and Mauritius remain committed to protecting this unique marine environment and combating illegal fishing. The Mauritian government has been solicited for a response.

Source: The Guardian

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