February 2012 Expedition - About the expedition

Between 13th February and 7th March 2012 a scientific research expedition took place in the Chagos archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory), supported and facilitated by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and numerous other institutions. Twelve scientists and supporting team members participated in the first full scientific expedition since the no-take marine protected area (MPA) was established in April 2010. Our research plans therefore prioritised the continuation of long-term monitoring programmes as well as establishing the best and most resource-efficient methods to monitor and manage the MPA. We believe our initiatives will assist BIOT in understanding and managing the world’s largest fully no-take MPA, maintaining this extraordinarily rich area of marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

Aside from guest contributions, the below posts were written and edited by Anne Sheppard, Research Fellow at the University of Warwick and Editor of Chagos News.