At only 62 acres, granitic Cousin Island is one of the smallest islands of the Seychelles. The island, a private nature reserve, is home to five of the bird species found only in the Seychelles. It’s also a nesting haven for a variety of seabirds and hawksbill turtles. The reserve, which includes the island as well as 437 yards of surrounding sea and reefs, is a conservation success story. The rehabilitation of rare species is at the forefront of island activities, and more than 10,000 visitors a year boost the local economy.
Because the boundaries of the protected marine area are not clearly marked, fishers sometimes inadvertently poach from the conservation area. Seacology, in cooperation with the local nonprofit organization Nature Seychelles, is funding eight buoys to mark the reserve’s boundaries. The Seacology grant will also fund training for Cousin Island staff on installing and maintaining the buoys.
