Activities & Events -- SHOALS of Capricorn Programme 1997-2000
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Royal Geographic Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) in association with The Royal Society and the Governmenta of Seychelles and Mauritius
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In a few words...
The Third Ocean and the Mascarene Plateau
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceans, yet the least studied. The Mascarene Plateau is a spectacular marine feature, dominating the western Indian Ocean. It is larger than the Great Barrier Reef and is one of the few submerged marine features clearly visible from space, extending approximately 2,000 kilometres between Seychelles and Mauritius. This remote area of banks, shoals and islands covers over 115,000 square kilometres, ranging in depth from 8 to 90 metres on the plateau, and dropping to abyssal depths of 4,000 metres at its edges. These isolated islands and shoals are each unique in their structure and function, but are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation.
In collaboration with the Governments of Seychelles and Mauritius the Shoals of Capricorn Programme will investigate the remote Mascarene Plateau in the western Indian Ocean, and develop knowledge and skills for the management and protection of its resources.
OBJECTIVES
- Implement multi-disciplinary scientific investigation and exploration of the Mascarene Plateau
- Raise the profile and global importance of marine environmental and oceanic processes
- Develop innovative marine science techniques and research
- Raise awareness of marine environmental protection in schools, communities and the tourist industry
- Train key government personnel in marine research techniques, resource management and conservation
- Develop sustainable links between research and academic
- institutions
- Help develop regional marine observatories and mobile interpretation centres.
| PROJECT OVERVIEWThe Shoals of Capricorn Prograinme is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary geographical and marine science research, education and training programme in Seychelles ind Mauritius where National Co-ordinating Committees have been established. The scientific concept grew from a workshop held in December 1995 attended by 120 scientists representing an outstanding breadth of expertise. This programme will investigate the remote shoals, banks and islands of the Mascarene Plateau. Some of the least explored features in the world are to be found in this remote oceanic region. |  |
A thorough understanding of the marine resources and ecological processes of this plateau is required to ensure their long-term management and protection.
Surprisingly little is known or has been published about the Mascarene Plateau. Research is the key to the development of knowledge: without research, knowledge will stagnate. Education is key to the dissemination of knowledge and the effective utilization of research results.
SCIENCEThe Shoals science programme, in collaboration with host nation scientists, will address local and regional issues which may also have global relevance. The multi-disciplinary research includes geography, biology, oceanography, geology and archaeology.
Investigations and activities will include:
- Mapping of the banks and geological formations and geophysical investigations
- Climatic variability and historical variation in sea level
- Effects of ocean currents on physical resources and biological productivity
- Coastal and shallow-water processes
- Inventory of marine hiodiversity
- Bank tisheries and their sustainability
- Archaeological site formation processes
- Anthropogenic impacts
- Physiological studies on human divers
- Integrated research for coastal zone management
- Assessment of potential marine conservation areas
Initiatives will include:
- Training of local personnel in the skills necessary to implement coastal zone management and conservation programmes, including field and managerflent techniques and SCUBA diving for marine park rangers, technicians and local scientists
- Marine environmental programmes for the tourist industry, including diving operators
- Assisting with in-service training for teachers in the: use of coastal habitats as classrooms
- Training of extension workers to implement environmental awareness programmes in schools an coastal communities, and the establishment of permanent and mobile marine interpretation centres
- Development of training packages, including educational CD-ROMs
- Development of international links, including the twinning of schools, academic and research institutions and the establishment of regional marine observatories
SHARING THE RESULTS - WHO BENEFITS?
Data and results will be made available to the participating nations and will be widely distributed. The outputs of the programme are varied and will include:
- final report in the year 2000 incorporating key recommendations
- personnel trained in marine assessment, conservation and management
- increased understanding of the marine environment in schools, communities and the tourist industry
- marine interpretation centres and regional marine/geographical observatories
- scientific publications
- education and training pacakges aimed ta various levels including publicatiobs, CD-ROMs and videos
- long-term international links between scientists, research institutions and schools
- documentary film targeting mass audiences
Contact
- Iain Watt
- Programme Director
Shoals of Capricorn Programme
ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY
1 Kensington Gore
London SW7 2AR
United Kingdom
Tel: (44) [171] 591 3066
Fax: (44) [171] 591 3031
email: shoals@rgs.org