Nature Seychelles is working on a long-term study of the life cycles of seabirds in the Western Indian Ocean. The diet, growth-rate, body condition, breeding success and population sizes of seabirds are all useful indicators of the overall health of the marine environment. Seabirds are 'barometers' of change.

Landslip in Seychelles © Greg Bell

 Tsunami and rainfall impact
Studies have been carried out to establish the extent of the impacts of the December 2004 tsunami on the marine environment, and coastal reefs in particular. According to the New Partnership for Africa's Development, Seychelles' coastal reefs suffered damage by being in the direct line of the waves, especially on the main island of Mahe. A report from the Seychelles Centre for Marine Research and Technology has said that the extent of reef damage is worse on carbonate reefs such as around Moyenne Island and Anse Cimetierre. Granitic reefs such as at Grand Rocher seem to have been better able to withstand the damage.

The poultry flu strain known as H5N1 continues to move across the world. It is not yet clear how the disease is spreading. Movement of domestic birds seems to have a significant role, but migrating water birds may also be involved. Although this may be probable there is still no scientific data collected to prove it. In any case Seychelles is not at risk from migratory birds.

Louisa Wood of University of British Columbia, Canada, worked with Nature Seychelles to study what motivates illegal fishing in Marine Protected Areas, to try to identify ways to improve the level of compliance with the law.