


Local Species
The islands are known for their rich, diverse fauna and are home to a wide range of plant and animal species many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The islands’ unique environment which includes mangroves, coral reefs and sandy beaches, provides a habitat for a variety of species from birds and reptiles to fish.
A recognised bird sanctuary, some of the species include the “Ye-ye”, the “Virgin”, the “Makoa” and the Roseate Tern.
A survey of seabirds and turtles at Saint Brandon was undertaken in 2010. It recorded the presence of an estimated 1.1 million seabirds of seven breeding species and counted 279 turtle tracks and nesting pits of green turtles. Hawksbill turtles were also present.
What we do
The Raphaël Fishing Company has a long-term record of protecting the ecology of Mauritius, the 13 islands of Saint Brandon and the surrounding areas. The team works closely with international and Mauritian environmental organisations and scientists to protect the islands’ ecology but also to make them more accessible to all on a long-term, sustainable basis.
In the 1960’s, a turtle reserve was established at Ile du Nord and landing on this island was permitted only in the Summer under The Raphaël Fishing Company’s regulations.
The Raphaël Fishing Company regularly encourages, consults, subsidises and works with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and other international NGOs in protecting and promoting the unique ecology of Saint Brandon.
In April 2016, The Raphaël Fishing Company funded and organised a seven-day fact-finding mission by some of the world’s leading island ecological experts. Three highly acclaimed international experts Professor Henk Bauwman (Ecotoxicology, Environmental Pollution, Bird Ecology); Professor Tony Martin (world’s foremost expert on marine mammals) and Dr. Nick Cole (herpetologist; MWF Islands Restoration Manager) inspected the islands to raise awareness about the need to further protect them and to investigate, for the longer term, the effects of plastic and heavy metal pollution in the Indian Ocean.
The Raphaël Fishing Company’s team and its NGO partners, on an ongoing basis, control invasive foreign species and monitor not only plastic pollution (with regular clean-ups being organised) but also the presence of heavy metals.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Protecting our natural biodiversity and participating in conservation efforts is now possible with some of the projects that The Raphaël Fishing Company’s team has established. There are many ways you can help protect this unique ecological ecosystem so that our future generations can enjoy the beauty and vibrant natural environment of the islands.