Reefs and islands of the Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean: why it is the world's largest no-take marine protected area.

ABSTRACT: The Chagos Archipelago was designated a no-take marine protected area (MPA) in 2010; it covers 550 000 km², with more than 60 000 km² shallow limestone platform and reefs. This has doubled the global cover of such MPAs.It contains 25-50% of the Indian Ocean reef area remaining in excellent condition, as well as the world's largest contiguous undamaged reef area. It has suffered from warming episodes, but after the most severe mortality event of 1998, coral cover was restored after 10 years.Coral reef fishes are orders of magnitude more abundant than in other Indian Ocean locations, regardless of whether the latter are fished or protected.Coral diseases are extremely low, and no invasive marine species are known.Genetically, Chagos marine species are part of the Wester

SUBMITTER: Sheppard CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4260629 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature