Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Dr Mark Spalding
Chief Scientific Advisor to the
British Indian Ocean Territory Administration
Department of Zoology,
University of Cambridge,
Downing Street, CB2 3EJ,
UK
Contents
Trip itinerary ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Key Action Points ................................................................................................................................ 4
Public works ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Freshwater .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Wastewater treatment ..................................................................................................................... 10
Waste and recycling .......................................................................................................................... 11
Pollution in the lagoon ...................................................................................................................... 13
Energy supply and generation .......................................................................................................... 13
Coastal engineering .......................................................................................................................... 13
Imported aggregates for coastal engineering............................................................................... 15
Marine and Fishing................................................................................................................................ 16
Monitoring of legal fishing ................................................................................................................ 16
Boat-based fishing from DG .......................................................................................................... 16
Shore fisheries............................................................................................................................... 16
Yacht fisheries ............................................................................................................................... 16
Surveillance and capture................................................................................................................... 17
Shark human interactions ................................................................................................................. 18
Biodiversity Conservation ..................................................................................................................... 20
Habitat Restoration........................................................................................................................... 20
Invasives ............................................................................................................................................ 21
Rat Eradication .................................................................................................................................. 21
Public engagement ........................................................................................................................... 21
Boats in northern atolls .................................................................................................................... 22
Waste ............................................................................................................................................ 22
Anchors ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Science and observations...................................................................................................................... 25
Facilities ............................................................................................................................................ 25
Coastal erosion.................................................................................................................................. 25
Fishing impact ................................................................................................................................... 26
Mangroves ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Reefs.................................................................................................................................................. 28
Coral condition and disease .............................................................................................................. 28
Citizen science and conservation ...................................................................................................... 30
Expanding the baseline ..................................................................................................................... 30
Closing comments ................................................................................................................................. 31
Acknowledgements............................................................................................................................... 32
References cited ............................................................................................................................... 32
Trip itinerary
29 April
Travel. Flight with XO
2 May
W Great Chagos Bank
Eagle Island old settlement, mangrove and
W shore
Dive off W shore
Dive off N Brother
Middle Brother circumnav
30 April
BritRep meetings
Swim test and mission briefing for trip to outer
islands
US Commanding Officer
PWD Public Works Department staff.
3 May
Peros Banhos
Dive of W end Ile de Coin
Ile Vache Marine brief snorkel and circumnav
Ile de Coin settlement
Moresby Island mangroves
Visits:
Water treatment facility
Coastal revetment work
Quarantine area for coastal revetment stone
Fuel loading bay
Nuclear submarine dock
Fuel pipelines
Drive along E and N shore of W DG new
pipeline
4 May
Salomon and N Great Chagos Bank
Dive of S Ile Anglaise
Dive in anchoring area nr Boddam
Ile Boddam settlement
Snorkel N coast Nelson
Nelson circumnavigate
1 May
Visit with BritRep
Dive store
Waste disposal unit
Turtle Cove
Firing Range (British) and adjacent coast
(turtle nesting monitoring site)
Native tree restoration sites
Plantation and Graveyard
Sharks Cove
Metal recycling
Sewage ponds
Plant Nursery
Fishing marina
5 May
Visits with XO to E arm of Diego Garcia
Turtle Cove
Restoration site Minni Minni
Barton Point
Snorkel lagoon mouth Barton Point
Beach visits on lagoon and ocean side
Evening dinner and debrief with XO, and BritRep
Introduction
The following detailed account covers my first visit as Chief Science Advisor to the Government of
the British Indian Ocean Territory in April-May, 2014. The overall aim of this visit was in some ways
focused on familiarisation with the Territory, including Diego Garcia and the northern atolls. In the
process of this visit I was able to meet key personnel and to visit much of the infrastructure around
DG, as well as to visit a number of islands and reefs across the Great Chagos Bank, Peros Banhos and
Salomon Atolls.
Clearly it is not possible for one person to be expert in all aspects of environmental issues ranging
from biodiversity protection to restoration to waste treatment and munitions disposal. To this end
my remit was rather to observe and absorb. During this process I took extensive notes (and
photographs). I was able to undertake some further research into key questions during and after the
trip, and have also benefitted from some feedback from key personnel, which has helped to cut
down the number of questions raised.
The structure of the report breaks into four broad sections, which are somewhat pragmatic and
overlapping, but help to draw the information together in a more meaningful flow:
Public Works focuses on aspects of infrastructure and utilities on Diego Garcia activities
associated with the human habitation which have the potential to have a significant impact
on the natural environment
Marine and fishing focuses entirely on the range of ongoing fishing activities both around
Diego Garcia and the entire territory and on the efforts to manage these.
Biodiversity conservation focuses on efforts to restore biodiversity, or reduce impacts
through targeted management interventions.
Science includes the broad scope of ongoing research and research needs in Chagos,
including research needed for support of management areas above, but also critical baseline
work to describe Chagos and better understand its importance, role and settings.
Throughout the body of this report I highlight a number of issues which would merit further thought,
discussion or action. These same comments have been more briefly summarised in the Key Action
Points below.
A detailed description and summary of the information from the DG and yacht based fisheries return
forms should be obtained. We need to consider how to improve returns on the shore (and possibly
yacht) fisheries.
There would be great value in commissioning a new creel survey to assess these fisheries.
There may be some value in providing improved information to reduce risks of shark-human
interactions, and amendments to management, including, for example, possibly separating of
swimming areas from fish-landing areas.
Surveillance and capture
The Fisheries Patrol Vessel (FPV) may already be having a valuable impact on the illegal demersal
fishing, although it is difficult to quantify this success in terms of the proportion of IUU vessels that
are captured, or the deterrent value. There is a far greater challenge to impact possible IUU tuna
catch. For both fisheries there is a need to try and ascertain the levels of illegal fisheries irrespective
of capture.
There could be value in encouraging greater dialogue and collaboration between the various parts of
the BIOT Administration specifically MRAG and the BritRep/BIOT team on-island to enable further
co-ordination of surveillance.
For the longer term it would be valuable to have a rational discussion with all players on vessel and
surveillance needs, science support and possible options. There are clearly different opinions, but
also challenging budgetary constraints. An initial workshop could help to kick-start this process
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Habitat Restoration
There is a need to review existing information on the native vegetation restoration efforts, to
understand overall policy, species planted, area covered, techniques and proposals for follow-up.
This should be used to develop advice on future efforts.
There is a possibility of engaging existing ground-staff and/or volunteers to extend this work.
Current grounds management in this area is somewhat ad hoc, so such guidelines could yield
significant benefits at little to no additional costs.
There may also be a need for a field based review of these projects, which would enable a more
detailed understanding of progress, including successes and failures, and the costs and benefits of
the different techniques and approaches that have been attempted to date.
Invasives
There would be value in developing a list of pest species for Chagos and DG, which might provide a
target for managers in developing pest control beyond that of ironwood, rats, cats and chickens.
Public engagement
Increasing public interest in the natural environment around Chagos could lead to greater respect
for the natural environment, but also to other benefits in terms of human health and reduced waste
and energy consumption. There is a need for more direct communication and education, including
more signage, but more especially more active communications through the radio/TV. Visiting
scientists should be encouraged to give presentations.
A science plan already exists and work is underway to develop a conservation and management
plan. While there is overlap between these, it is appropriate that they should be maintained as
distinct outputs. Critical to such planning tools is a vision of need and prioritisation, particularly to
guide the necessarily limited budgets of the BIOT Administration, but also to help in the assessment
of proposals for other visiting scientists and the potential engagement of new partners in
conservation work.
There is also a strong need for a centralised data store for environmental information on Chagos,
including findings from the science, from the fisheries patrol, and from non-sensitive environmental
studies around DG by military and contractual visitors. As much as possible should be made open
access, with data-sharing protocols to be determined and agreed to as an a priori requirement for all
those working in Chagos.
Public works
Freshwater
Freshwater has been extracted from the freshwater lens in two locations. Visit to N site, where
water is pumped from around 100 wells distributed through adjacent forest areas. They have a
number of test wells where they check levels and if there are signs of falling levels nearby wells are
closed off with extraction redistributed across the remainder. Current supply is easily sufficient for
resident population, but need to have readiness for visiting.
The southern area of water supply, near to the airport is now being connected with a new pipeline
to a new treatment plant under construction. The S site was closed due to its proximity to two major
oil spill sites although not directly adjacent, there was a fear that water abstraction might lead to
lateral flow of polluted water into this area. Apparently there is some slight risk of hydrocarbon
contamination of this water, so this is being tested. Prior to the spills this water was considered
better quality than the northern site, with lower organic content and conductivity. This has been
attributed to the grass cover over the S wells, rather than forest over the N wells.
Raw water from these lenses is generally high in organic content and so is treated with chlorine, but
this leads to high levels of trihalomethanes, making it non-potable. Potable water is currently
purified with nanofiltration.
An effort is underway to improve water quality with a requirement to make all water potable
throughout base. This centres around a $27 million project underway to bring in nanofiltration, and
to upgrade supply tanks and pipe as necessary. The re-activated southern lens will also be connected
to the new water treatment facility.
Building work on the new water processing plant (left), and the pipeline connecting to the southern water
supply (right)
Two prior reports from the previous CSA have discussed these issues. There were concerns that
water abstraction was high and potentially threatening to vegetation, some wells had had to be
abandoned. There were concerns over plans for removing large numbers of trees, apparently to
reduce evapotranspiration, but there may be some confusion here. The only trees being felled were
for the building work around the new water purification plant. Further concerns were raised about
9
the inefficiency of nanofiltration or reverse osmosis this is not only linked to the increased demand
of water needed to cover that waste, but also the disposal of waste. The wastewater is still fresh, but
with relatively high concentrations of the undesirable organic and mineral compounds. I was told the
current plan for this wastewater is pumping to deep storage at 180ft, rather than pumping into
wastewater treatment. It is not clear where this storage will take place.
We should take stock of operations and look at future plans for the new water treatment plant
including the deepwater waste disposal, any further plans for tree-felling around wells, estimates
of waste, chemical constituency of that waste, and volumes of waste.
Wastewater treatment
Wastewater receives secondary treatment in two treatment plants. The key treatment is in lined,
open, ponds with mechanical aeration, and benefitting from UV irradiation from sunlight. Treated
wastewater is monitored to ensure compliance to DGFGS discharge standards. Chlorine is added
prior to release. Wastewater is then pumped via pipelines to be released at the reef crest in two
locations. There appears to be no ongoing monitoring of the impact of these releases and no
ongoing water quality testing.
Sludge is removed during major repairs of liners (approximately once every 10-15 years). Sludge
can be dried using a sludge drying bed or in the sewage lagoon once the wastewater is removed.
Sample from dried sludge is collected and sent off-island for hazardous waste characterization. If
found hazardous, sludge is shipped off-island for treatment and disposal. If found non-hazardous,
sludge is buried in the landfill or use as compost materials with green waste (e.g. tree trimmings and
grass cuttings). (Diego Garcia Environmental Officer pers comm, 1 June, 2014).
I am concerned at the assumption that these treated waste water discharges are okay. I have been
told by the previous CSA that his inspections were fairly cursory. The literature on the impact of
sewage pollution of coral reefs is mixed. There is some evidence that in open ocean areas secondary
treated sewage, rapidly diluted, has relatively little impact. By contrast there is a growing body of
evidence that sewage pollution can be contributing to reduced reef condition (Reopanichkul et al.,
2009), harmful algal blooms (Lapointe et al., 2005) and indeed to coral disease (Sutherland et al.,
2011; Voss and Richardson, 2006). There will be a local impact, and it would be useful to
characterise that impact and to consider if there are simple interventions which might reduce this.
10
It is not possible, without evidence, to say that all is fine. On future visits it would perhaps be
useful to visit the adjacent beach area and even (at low tide) walk out to the actual outfall, but
such observations are insufficient to understand any impacts on the adjacent reef. There should
be some water quality sampling at surface and across a depth profile around the outfalls and
adjacent reef areas so the imprint of this pollution can be more accurately described. It would
further be valuable to assess ecological impacts though diving or video surveys.
The output ash represents an 80-85% reduction by mass this ash is tested (twice a year) for toxicity
(e.g. presence of heavy metals). If toxins were detected above predetermined maximum levels the
ash would have to be treated as hazardous waste, to be shipped to the US for proper disposal (it is
not clear this has ever happened).
The ash is then taken to landfill pits, where it is covered, typically daily before the close of business.
The cover material consists of a mixture of soil, aggregate, sandblasting grit and pulverised glass or
mulched tree limbs. These landfill pits are lined and leachate collects along a channel along the W
margin. This leachate is tested on a monthly basis. It is pumped to deep storage at 180 ft depth
below the atoll below the landfill (and thus far from any freshwater wells). It is not clear to any of us
whether this means of disposal is better or worse than adding this waste to ongoing sewage
treatment, which is more typical.
Current waste pits were planned to last 30 years. But last year there was a complete failure of both
incinerators for 8 months. A decision was taken to dump the waste, without open burning, in same
11
pits (CSA was consulted and was ambivalent about possible advantage of burning, while open pit
burning was actually not permitted under Final Governing Standards). 8 months unburned waste
(which was still sorted for metal and toxics) used up 5 years equivalent of landfill with ash. There are
no plans to re-treat this waste.
Fish catch from illegal vessels this can amount to several tonnes. This is buried, unburned, at the
north end of the old (unlined) landfill site. It would be interesting to know if there are concerns
about this waste, either in terms of volume or leachate, and whether there might be alternatives.
Until 2007 waste was burned in open and unlined pits. This material was covered over by a 4ft cover
of the sand dug from the new pits. From 2007-2011 some open pit burning continued for the
removal of wooden materials (pallets and construction debris) with BritRep approval all such
burning is now prohibited under the Diego Garcia Final Governing Standards 2011. Clearly there will
be ongoing leaching from these old landfills for decades. This is NOT being monitored (see pollution
in the lagoon, below).
All toxic waste is processed with HazWaste, indoor facility where it is held prior to removal from
island. A large amount of asbestos remains on-island. Some has been buried, some was taken offisland, the rest is not stored with HazWaste, but there is no clear plan for what to do with this.
The small arms firing ranges are also a source of toxic waste (primarily lead and other metals). The
waste (spent bullets) are removed from these sites through a process of sifting the sand bank behind
the range on a regular basis. I believe this waste is treated as hazardous and taken off-island.
12
The fuel pipelines for different fuels are currently slightly over-hung by some large trees. There is a
requirement that overhanging branches be cut to reduce risk of damage to pipelines but the
responsibility for this is under dispute. Although unlikely, a tree or branch-fall on these pipelines
while fuel is being pumped would be most unfortunate. The problem of large trees/branches
overgrowing the fuel pipelines should be resolved.
On renewable energy, there are also plans for a major new photovoltaics installation near Fuel
depot. (This area is currently grass and scrubby ironwood forest.) It is somewhat surprising that
there is no heat capture from the incineration plant as this could also be used to generate energy.
Coastal engineering
Coastal erosion is a major problem in several parts of the island as identified in the Moffat and
Nichol report (Moffatt and Nichol, 2013). Prior efforts at coastal defence have involved ad hoc
armouring or dumping of concrete and other materials, but major efforts are now underway for
13
well-engineered revetments. Some of these were built in 2011/2 and work is now continuing to in
front of CPO Club
There is a potential impact during building of sediments being re-suspended and moving to
surrounding areas. Given the high sensitivity of corals to sediment damage, it is fairly common to
adapt coastal engineering practices to minimise these impacts, for example using sediment skirts to
surround areas of work (PIANC, 2010). I was told that work is undertaken at low tide and it was
suggested (though not clear) that work may be halted if large sediment plumes were being
generated. It is not clear whether this is really being put into practise or how effective it might be.
There were no reefs visible in the immediate vicinity of these works, and it is possible that most of
the sediments are quite heavy sands which might rapidly resettle. Even so, it would be valuable to
know if this threat was properly appraised, how effectively the simple measures are being applied
and what reasoning was used in assuming further measures such as sediment skirts were not
considered necessary.
Edge of existing revetments (2012) in front of BOQ7 and adjacent beach with material in place for building
revetments from here to CPO Club
Understanding of the impacts of coastal engineering is never simple, and even the most rigorously
researched and planned interventions can lead to unexpected consequences elsewhere. The
proposals for engineering work recommended by Moffatt and Nichols appear to be thorough,
however there would be some value in getting an independent expert to review these. Even if they
are well-planned, it might still be expected that such interventions could lead to changing patterns
of coastal erosion and deposition elsewhere
A substantial revetment has been built beneath the lighthouse at Mini Mini. There have also been
two very minor coastal defence efforts in southern DG (ocean side) and western DG (lagoon side)
using large rock armouring, where the road is been threatened by erosion. These were opportunistic
dumps, without any effort at design, and are unlikely to be highly effective, but equally not likely to
be having any negative impact.
The other fairly regular form of coastal engineering is dredging to maintain deepwater ports and
channels. The previous CSA expressed concerns about the storage of dredge spoil and a storage area
was set aside. It would be useful to know if there are any impact studies of sedimentation from
these activities and to know more about the use of siltation avoidance measures such as siltation
skirts (PIANC, 2010)
14
Overall it seems likely that reasonable measures are being taken here but the risks are very high and
the costs of just one aggressive alien introduction could be enormous. Vigilance remains key
clearly the contractors have prime responsibility, however the US and the British Authorities as
independent verifiers at the port of arrival should take their roles seriously. Advisory
documentation should be developed building on the experience of current customs staff, clearly
stating these risks and explaining in simple terms the process for conducting thorough customs
inspection prior to and during offloading.
15
A detailed description and summary of the information from the DG and yacht based fisheries
return forms should be obtained. We need to consider how to improve returns on the shore (and
possibly yacht) fisheries. There would be great value in commissioning a new creel survey to
assess these fisheries.
17
The current SFPO was widely praised for his abilities in patrolling and interception, with an
observation that such skills are not always expected, and yet are clearly more important than the
now redundant abilities of fisheries management.
It might be possible to improve policing with a more co-ordinated approach and some sharing of
surveillance data between BIOT officials and their contractor (MRAG) in real time. A previous MRAG
SFPO had shared six-hourly position and activity reports from the FPV for 4 months 2013-14. Plotted
these show areas of patrolling and linked observations of FADs and ship interceptions. The sharing of
such information is currently not in the job description of the SFPO and there may be concerns of
interference or even conflict of interest as SFPO is employed by MRAG. On the other hand such
information is clearly valuable and MRAG also holds presumably very large volumes of such
surveillance information over many years and these should be made available to BIOTA for future
use in a broader review of surveillance approaches and for possible sharing with other/future parties
being engaged in this work.
In the short-term there could be value in encouraging dialogue and collaboration between MRAG
and the BritRep/BIOT team on-island to encourage some further data-sharing around surveillance.
There were also discussions about other novel surveillance approaches:
Placing web-cams on the islands for surveillance
Aerial surveillance with drones
Marine surveillance with Remote Operated Vehicles
There could be security concerns with deployment of these active, but unmanned approaches,
however these would be surmountable if BIOT authorities were linked to surveillance and able to
develop the policy. UK and US military could remain fully informed and could perhaps influence such
work to avoid sensitive operations.
The above came from a real interest in a more formal engagement of Royal Navy in surveillance.
They are expert at it!
The BIOT patrol vessel is performing an excellent task for the resources available to it, however
there are significant limitations in its capacity. This is due to its size and speed, but also to the
multiple requirements of its mission, which include patrolling, science expeditions, customs and
immigration, Chagossian cultural visits, the resettlement feasibility work as well as official visits from
CSA and other government representatives.
In making plans for ongoing and future surveillance it would be valuable to have a rational
discussion with all players on vessel and surveillance needs, science support and possible options.
There are clearly different opinions, but also challenging budgetary constraints.
18
Even so, there may be a place for some improved information and management amendments to
reduce risks of shark-human interactions, while maintaining or even enhancing overall access to
the lagoon and these should be further investigated. For
example it would make sense to separate swimming from areas
where coastal fishing is popular and from the dock where fish
are landed. Measures might be put in place for greater
separation between boat-based fishing areas and areas used
for in-water recreation. It would also be valuable to develop
some posters to explain the risks (for example reef sharks are
non-aggressive and generally safe but: non-fatal bites have
been associated with presence of food in the water, typically the
threat is greater if water is murky and in shallow water where
sharks may be feeding, and where only part of a body is visible
to them (typically ankles)). Actions on this front should be
undertaken with the participation, and funding, of US MWR.
Similar consideration needs to be given to Salomon anchorage
area. Reef sharks are permanently present under the yachts.
Better information might help to reduce the residual risk of
accidental attacks.
Two small lemon sharks feeding in knee-deep water in the eastern lagoon area near Barton Point.
19
Biodiversity Conservation
Habitat Restoration
PWD have a formal policy of replacing every tree cut down with two planted. They apparently
greatly exceed this ratio at the present time. Previous CSA made the point that these hardwoods are
far more water efficient than coconut forest so there could be significant water recharge benefits in
such activities.
From a habitat restoration perspective, three small sites have been a focus of restoration, largely led
and encouraged by Major Peter Carr, former XO. I visited the southernmost two of these briefly and
made a more thorough tour of the furthest site beyond Minni Minni, (Barton Point Hardwood
Restoration Site). In all sites the original donkey fencing is somewhat dilapidated. There is quite a lot
of hardwood growth, including a good variety of native trees: Intsia bijuga, Barringtonia asiatica,
Guettarda speciosa and Morinda citrifolia were among those identified
There is a need to track down any reports covering overall policy, species planted, area covered
(maps?), techniques deployed; follow-up or proposals for follow-up. These should be used to
provide advice on future efforts.
There is a possibility of engaging existing ground-staff and/or volunteers to extend this work.
Current grounds management in this area is poorly planned and ad hoc, so such guidelines could
yield significant benefits at no cost.
20
There may also be a need for a field based review of these projects. It would be valuable to know,
for example, about the relative success of different native species, the importance of nursery
saplings versus natural regeneration, the threat of donkey grazing, the effectiveness of different
measures, including fencing, or coconut cordons. Equally understanding the relative costs and
benefits of different approaches would be helpful if natural regeneration is only slightly slower, but
comes at a fraction of the cost of nursery rearing, planting and fencing large plots it might be
possible to progress restoration over much wider areas for similar costs in terms of funds or labour.
In the absence of more information I would suggest that the most effective and rapid gains around
restoration would be to encourage natural regeneration in areas of mixed coconut and other native
forest areas where there are already saplings. Here efforts could focus on removing coconut palms
and using trunks, coconuts and debris to build cordons around priority native saplings as protection
against donkey grazing
The previous CSA also spoke of wetland restoration I did not follow up on this, but did note that
one of the artificial ponds adjacent to the airport had been drained for clearance and re-filling. It
would be useful to know more about this, and its conservation relevance
Invasives
Currently on DG the regular invasive controls are on rats, cats and chickens. Chickens are perhaps
gone. An environmental officer on DG estimated 8 individual cats have been seen and extrapolated
from this to perhaps 20 in total on the island. Rats remain abundant, though less so downtown due
to ongoing poisoning. Brown and black widow spiders are spotted on occasion inside buildings,
when this happens a team is sent out to remove them with insecticides. I am also aware that some
training is run twice a year on the brown tree snake risk for staff likely to be handling cargo from offisland. There is an ongoing study of rat eradication, with possible idea of DG eradication programme,
it would be useful to know more about this.
Invasive plants are not being actively managed except as part of other ongoing site work which can
include quite thorough removal of Ironwood and Mimosa.
No other invasives are actively pursued. Britrep suggested it would be helpful to have an official list
of pest species to guide removal policy.
Rat Eradication
A brief circumnavigation was made of Ile Vache Marine (scheduled for eradication in July). Some
cross-island transects have already been cut and locations for others are prepared. This looks a
highly manageable island for the work in terms of island size and vegetation.
Public engagement
One of the most important tools in effective and ongoing environmental protection is the
engagement of local people, in this case island personnel. If people are able to enjoy their
environment it is much easier to engage them in caring for it.
Many island personnel are already highly active in the natural environment, through activities such
as cycling, snorkelling, sailing and fishing. It is also highly positive to note a number of activities that
do encourage or foster such engagement, including:
the biannual tip to tip bike race,
the viewing platforms at Turtle Cove,
18 miles of jogging/walking and off-road biking trails
21
To further benefit from this kind of outreach there is a need for more direct communication and
education and there could be considerable advantage in development of more signage or other
more active communications. The materials (postcards, booklets and information sheets) produced
by CCT are certainly a positive contribution, but are probably somewhat hidden from most people. It
would be valuable to encourage direct communications through the radio/TV, and to strongly
encourage visiting scientists to give presentations. (I did offer and there was enthusiasm, but no
time to organise as BritRep was off island during latter part of my stay).
Signage like this at Turtle Cove presents an important opportunity to reach out to island residents and engender
greater support for environmental issues on Diego Garcia.
22
Waste on Salomon (left) and on Boddam (right) bins were full, but much of content was uncrushed plastic
bottles and cans, with excess dumped on the ground in breach of regulations
Current signage for waste disposal on Salomon unreadable, and not encouraging
It would be valuable to create some clearer and more forceful (and explanatory) signage to
encourage correct behaviour. This is probably a task that needs repeating on occasion as signs will
fade, become outdated or simply look old and be ignored. Where there is evidence or reporting
of particular culprits these should be followed up, at lease with an expression of concern.
Anchors
Over the years, concern has regularly raised about anchor damage to the sea bed in the northern
atolls. More recently boats were restricted to five mooring sites where they can moor or anchor.
We dived under two yachts but unfortunately in both cases the yachts were attached to fixed
moorings so anchor damage was minimal. I am not clear whether these moorings were installed by
BIOT, or with BIOT approval (historically there were demands for such moorings, but concerns were
also raised over insurance implications if BIOT put these in).
Undamaged coral gardens at 5-7m depth in Salomon Lagoon, showing the high diversity and complexity of reef
structure (rugosity).
23
This area really is an extraordinary coral garden with a high species diversity and very high rugosity
(structurally complex), making it highly vulnerable to anchor damage. There were certainly quite a
number of small patches that had been smashed, possibly by small anchors from dinghies coming to
Boddam from yachts further offshore. Under the second mooring there was a more extensive plain
of flattened substrate, but this appeared to be associated with a shipwreck.
The unusual and highly diverse nature of the Salomon Lagoon gives it a very high conservation value,
already much commented on. I am, however, unaware of whether this importance is contiguous
across the lagoon, or hence of the relative importance of this anchorage site in relation to the lagoon
overall.
It would be valuable to obtain a more detailed understanding (either from data already gathered
from the ongoing science expeditions, or from a new survey) of the distribution of important
benthic habitats across the wider Salomon lagoon, and perhaps to undertake a (necessarily more
sparse) survey of seabed features in Peros Banhos in order to ascertain the relative importance of
anchorage sites.
The observations from Salomon also underscore the importance of fixed moorings.
Patches of damaged coral in Salomon linked in the vicinity of the fixed moorings. Damage like this could be
created by a single anchor and chains in a matter of days.
The FPV anchors with large chains across the archipelago. It was noted that the ship has a number of
fixed locations marked on its charts where it always anchors and this is doubtless important these
are effectively sacrificial sites needed to support the work of the FPV.
There would be some value in detailing the exact GPS locations of these anchorages for any
change of personnel or for use by other licensed vessels to ensure that damage remains
contained.
24
Coastal erosion
Aside from the Moffatt and Nichol report, which deals with the inhabited area of DG I am unaware
of other studies on erosion across the rest of DG, other than the recent debate between Sheppard
and Hamylton on DG (Hamylton and East, 2014; Sheppard, 2014). While I did make personal notes of
erosion/deposition, it is important to note that such observations have little value in ascertaining
overall processes around the islands.
Clockwise from top left: Erosion on E Eagle island, showing collapse of former settlement buildings in to the
sea; erosion on the protected lagoon shore of Middle Brother; erosion of lagoon shore in Diego Garcia with
eroding dune scarp; recent colonisation of newly deposited sand on Ile du Coin, Peros Banhos (note that these
are very young plants could be less than one year old and this may not represent any permanent new ground on
the island.
Overall erosion is widespread on many islands including: W Eagle, large parts of Middle Brother,
parts of N Ile de Coin (lagoon side), N shore of Moresby (ocean side), and outer margins of S and E
shores of DG. In all or most of these cases the erosion is undermining mature trees, suggesting that
this is novel. By contrast deposition is rarer quite a number of islands on Perhos Banhos showed
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sand banks extending to north and south or on most sides of Ile Vache Marine, however the lack of
any substantial colonisation suggests that such extensions are probably seasonal (confirmed by
SFPO). There is some new colonisation by coconuts and Scaevola on the W end of Ile de Coin.
On DG, Eagle, Moresby and Ile du Coin there is clear evidence of over-topping of some island
margins, visible in terms of debris transported inland. Over-topping is a natural process on atolls and
indeed is a necessary part of island formation and so it would not be advisable to use this evidence
as proof of a growing threat of sea level rise or of risk of island loss. At the same time, inundation
and erosion will be the mechanisms by which sea level rise begins to impact islands, along with the
salinization of freshwater lenses.
The most important message from these observations is that there is an urgent need to get
observations like this onto a solid science footing. Atoll islands are naturally highly dynamic. Sea
level rise is a clear and important threat, but will not need to loss of territory in all places. A
reliable long-term study, using air photos for recent history and setting baselines for even more
detailed annual assessment could be critical for long-term planning, both for conservation and for
current and future human use of the islands. Such a study should be led by those with an expertise
in tropical geomorphology as suggested in Hamylton and East (2014).
Fishing impact
There is legal fishing in DG, from the yachts, and from the fisheries patrol vessel. The yachts are
probably having a localised impact in the lagoon (no large groupers were seen in the lagoon dive
there). In DG there is no information regarding the large shore-based fishery. The FPV is not a large
ship and is patrolling a very large ocean, however concerns have regularly been raised by scientists,
both that there may be some impact, and that this is not sending out a good signal in what is
regularly described as a no-take MPA. Currently fishing from the FPV, even in the strict nature
reserves, is legal. While there would be only weak ecological justification for closing all fishing
from the FPV, there would be some value in establishing some additional limits, with the closure
of some areas. The primary aim of such an approach would be to curtail any future expansion, but
also to signal the importance of no-take in Chagos and to ensure that some locations are truly
without any fishing impact. Closing all fishing from the FPV would probably be counterproductive.
Mangroves
There are two known areas of mangrove in the Chagos Eagle and Moresby Islands. Both have been
described by scientists in the past as threatened with loss through overgrowth by coconut, parasitic
plants or drying out and there have been calls for management intervention.
The two communities are very different:
Although this is a (heavily!) ratted island the mangrove was a rich nesting ground for redfooted boobies even on branches at low elevations over the water. Presumably they are
benefitting from the waterlogged substrate which might prevent rat predation.
On Eagle the mangroves are more clearly inland and while the site is usually (SFPO pers
comm) waterlogged we visited at low tide and it was largely dry. The mangroves are quite
extensive but mostly in a number of mixed associations with coconut, grass, fern and some
hardwoods. Towards the central more open area many larger (4m plus) trees were dead or
dying, but the cause of death was unclear, it was not overcrowding, and there were a
number of dead or dying coconuts. In one area apparently healthy low-stature bushes (2m)
were in a solid formation, but nearby similar trees were being strongly overgrown by the
parasitic dodder (Cassathya). The latter is a native species, however and this is presumably a
natural phenomenon. Unlike Moresby, quite a number of the mangroves were flowering and
there was recruitment.
From the observations of the mangrove forests it is not clear that any urgent management
intervention is needed, but ongoing scientific observation and perhaps more detailed mapping
and description would be valuable
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Reefs
Dives and snorkels were undertaken at eight locations. There is enormous variation in the reef
communities with depth and location, and much of the highest diversity, coral cover and fish
abundance is located in waters 5-10 depth (beyond easy snorkelling range). Given that coral reefs
are among the most important habitats in BIOT it would be difficult for the CSA to fully assess
ongoing science or raise key issues without at least some recent experience of these habitats and so
it took some organising to be able to dive, it was important for the CSA to be able to see these.
The CSA kept basic site descriptions and these have been used to develop the following comments:
Disease and recent coral death was mostly confined to plate Acropora, but this partially bleached, partially
dead massive coral was photographed in the lagoon near Barton Point
There was variation in die-back, and of course it cannot be assumed that all dead corals have
resulted from disease, but in some areas, notably off the west coast of Eagle Island a majority of
coral was dead and new recruitment was relatively low.
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Detailed reports on disease are expected shortly from the most recent science expedition and
should be given close attention.
Fish and shark populations
Fish stocks appeared healthy, with large numbers of groupers and snappers in most sites. There was
possibly some evidence of fishing pressure in Salomon Lagoon and a slight indication that large
grouper numbers may have also been a little reduced on the outer slopes of S Ile Anglaise which is
likely to be a popular fishing location for yacht-based fishers.
Sharks were abundant on most dives. Clearly the sample was too small for any scrutiny, but these
included 5 common reef shark species (whitetip reef, blacktip, silvertip, grey and nurse sharks, with
2 lemon sharks observed feeding in DG Lagoon).
Lagoon reefs
Lagoon reefs were visited in 3 very different settings. Ile Vache Marine (very brief snorkel), which is a
somewhat exposed lagoon/fringing reef had very high cover of live plate Acropora with little disease
observed. Salomon lagoon has remarkably high coral cover, with considerable diversity (at least of
coral morphologies, experts are needed to comment on species diversity). Anchor damage was
present, but not widespread in the area visited (about 300x25m). Finally a snorkel over the back reef
areas towards the mouth of DG Lagoon (Barton Point) showed an extensive area of shallow reef
dominated by bare rock with algal turf) and some larger, stable areas of rubble, but with numerous
massive Porites-like corals, forming fields of micro-atolls in shallower areas, and some robust
branching colonies (Pocillopora-like). This DG reef was probably impacted by bleaching some time
ago (1998) explaining the branching coral rubble, and also the recovering growth forms of some
massive corals.
The healthiest plate Acropora colonies were observed near Ile Vache Marine, but even here there was disease
and some areas of substantial die-back
Turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles were observed in multiple locations in the Northern Atolls and are of
course still abundant in Turtle Cove. Nesting tracks were observed in multiple locations around DG,
Nelson and Ile Vache Marine. It is now over 40 years since turtles were harvested and 18 years since
Jeanne Mortimers extensive island-by-island assessment of nesting (Mortimer and Day, 1999). It
would be valuable to know if the science is delivering any information on change in nesting rates.
Island erosion and beach litter are both likely obstacles to nesting in a few places, with the steep or
vertical sand or root margins of eroding shores being perhaps the greatest obstacle, but it seems
unlikely that these would be limiting nesting capacity. In 1996 Mortimer and Day estimated length of
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suitable nesting beaches for most islands in Chagos (Mortimer and Day, 1999): it would be
valuable to know whether this extent is being reduced by changes in island morphology.
There is a strong commitment from the current XO to supporting turtle monitoring which is being
linked directly to the academic research community (see below).
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As ecological examples, the reefs encircling DG are unstudied beyond a handful of point locations at
the northern tip. Likewise I believe the extraordinary diversity on the seabed of Salomon Lagoon is
only really described from the southern end, the area most impacted by anchors and (presumably)
pollution. In both cases we have no idea of the representativeness of these known areas, we are
unable to judge if the protection (DG) or sacrifice (Salomon anchorages) are well placed. Further we
would be unable to recognise any major changes to these systems resulting from human or natural
perturbations.
Some of this science, is of particular relevance for human needs. On DG the long-term stability will
undoubtedly benefit from thriving reef communities generating new sediments and providing critical
natural breakwaters (Ferrario et al., 2014). There are also implications for any considerations of
resettlement beyond Diego Garcia.
A science plan already exists and work is underway to develop a conservation and management
plan. While there is overlap, it is appropriate that these should be maintained as distinct outputs.
Critical to such planning tools is a vision of need and prioritisation, particularly to guide the
necessarily limited budgets of the BIOT Administration, but also to help in the assessment of
proposals for other visiting scientists and the potential engagement of new partners in
conservation work.
In developing management plans and science plans there is also a strong need for a centralised
data store for environmental information on Chagos, including findings from the science, from the
fisheries patrol, and from non-sensitive environmental studies around DG by military and
contractual visitors. As much as possible should be made open access, with data-sharing protocols
to be determined and agreed to as an a priori requirement for all those working in Chagos. This
may be something the CCT and science leaders have already been pushing for.
Science and conservation work are both growing in quantity and scope throughout the Chagos.
Funding for such work is also growing and diversifying, from academic, philanthropic, NGO,
government and other sources. This is to be welcomed, but with this is an ever growing need for a
broader vision.
Closing comments
At the end of this first formal visit as CSA to Diego Garcia and the northern atolls it is important to
stress the positive impression given by all those I met and worked with. Diego Garcia is a very large
military facility in a remote and fragile environment and the efforts that are being undertaken to
preserve and indeed enhance this environment are impressive. The only counter to this is that they
should be. The BIOT is almost unique in the world now, in terms of its large area of healthy coral
reefs and undisturbed coral islands. Its importance will likely only increase relative to the ongoing
declines in many other tropical reef environments world-wide. There is thus what might be seen a
need or a duty to look after this environment above and beyond the normal best practises. An
alternative wording might talk about an honour and a privilege to be able to undertake this
stewardship in one of the worlds most pristine environments. In no place was I given the impression
that efforts are slacking, or that weaknesses are being deliberately ignored. I was given full access
and encouraged to ask questions and to inspect wherever I wanted. This open-ness is most
impressive and welcome.
I have of course raised quite a number of issues, listed at the start of this document, and in boldtypeface throughout. Key among these are the need to better understand the possible impacts of
31
treated wastewater disposal directly onto the reef; the impacts of recreational fishing around DG
but also from the yachts in the northern atolls; the possibilities of improving surveillance and
capture through co-ordination with BIOT personnel and over the longer term through new
approaches. There is a need for new baseline science research, and for much greater sharing and
access to data describing the environment around BIOT; there could also be considerable benefits
from better environmental communications and efforts to engage and educate both personnel in DG
and visitors to the northern atolls.
These and the full list of comments need to be understood in terms of the positive impression
overall. They are intended to help to push, steer and guide towards greater improvements and to
avoid present and future risks.
Acknowledgements
I am most grateful to the BritRep and XO for their support and enthusiasm to help me understand
the islands and all the issues which might impact the environment. Thanks also to the US
Commanding Officer and to the staff of PWD for the invaluable discussions and the access and
guidance around several key facilities.
For the visit to the northern atolls I am grateful to the Captain and crew of the Pacific Marlin and of
to the SFPO for his guidance around islands and for sharing his broad ecological and fisheries
knowledge. Many thanks to my two dive buddies from the Royal Marines. Thanks are also owed to
the science expeditions for allowing us to use dive tanks and a compressor to enable this to take
place, and to the BIOT Dive Club for the loan of equipment.
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