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Seychelles, officially known as the Republic of Seychelles, comprises 115 islands. Of these islands, 41 constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands. The marine life around the islands, especially the more remote coral islands, are considered by many as the most spectacular in the world. The reefs are teaming with more than 1000 species of fish.
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- Seychelles is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites run by the Seychelles Islands Foundation.
- The bleaching event of 1997 and 1998 led to the death of many corals and the dominance of algae. Although the regeneration of juvenile corals has occurred in some areas, it is far from a full scale recovery.
- Some important steps have been taken to protect natural resources. Private island owners, have collaborated with the government and local NGOs to restore island habitats and to re-introduce threatened species.
- The use of spear guns and dynamite for fishing was banned in the 1960’s after a campaign by local conservationists.
- The marine wildlife in Seychelles is completely unafraid of snorkels and divers allowing people to get closer than anywhere else in the world.
- In 1998 coral bleaching affected vast amounts of reefs in Seychelles, resulting in widespread damage.
- Turtle populations are now recovering on the main islands, and since the use of gill nets and shark fining was banned, shark populations are also recovering.
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