“What assessment she has made of whether the Mauritian Government is able to effectively protect Chagos' marine environment.”
Asked by
Blake Stephenson
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Answer from Hansard
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Stephen Doughty)
The Chagos archipelago and marine protected area is one of the world’s most important marine environments, and as has rightly been recognised by Members across the House, both the UK and Mauritius are committed to its protection. I can confirm that no commercial fishing will be allowed, but low levels of artisanal fishing will be permitted for the sustenance of Chagossian communities, which is compatible with nature conservation. We are working closely with Mauritius to ensure that adequate patrolling capabilities will be maintained after the marine protected area enters into force.