Ocean Challenge 2011 Vol 18 Num: 3, page 32
The Chagos Archipelago - conservation and humanity can
go hand in hand
Richard P. Dunne and
Magnus Johnson
Charles Sheppard argues that the Indian Ocean needs the Chagos ‘intact’ –
a euphemism for ‘uninhabited’ – to ensurethe best chance for its survival ‘in good condition’
to benefit the region in per-petuity. We question this proposition
on several evidential grounds.The argument that the Chagos is ‘an important
larval source and sink for the western Indian Ocean’ is a gross over-statement
of the scientific evidence that exists.