UK GOVERNMENT MOVES TO CREATE WORLD'S LARGEST MARINE RESERVE

Dateline 03-04-2010

The 545,000 sq. km. area of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is to be a marine reserve. The area contains the Chagos Islands and hosts the world's biggest living coral structure - the Great Chagos Bank.

There are complex political issues involving Mauritius which claims sovereignty over the islands, and former residents who were evicted from Diego Garcia and still claim the right of return.

UK Foreign Secretary David Milliband said establishing the reserve would "double the global coverage of the world's oceans under protection."

He commented: "It's creation is a major step forward for protecting the oceans, not just around BIOT (British Indian Ocean Territory) itself, but also throughout the world. This measure is a further demonstration of how the UK takes its international environmental responsibilities seriously".

SCS welcomes and applauds the move which can only be a very positive step for shark conservation.