French Southern and Antarctic Lands nature reserve, Nature reserve in Southern Indian Ocean, French Southern and Antarctic Lands.
The Réserve naturelle nationale des Terres australes françaises is a nature reserve in the southern Indian Ocean spanning four island groups: Crozet, Kerguelen, Saint-Paul, and Amsterdam. The area contains coral reefs, rocky coastlines, moorlands, and open ocean waters that support diverse habitats for seabirds, seals, and other marine life.
The reserve was created in 2006 and received major expansions in 2016 and 2022, reflecting France's growing commitment to ocean protection. These expansions transformed it into one of the world's largest marine conservation areas.
Scientists study marine mammals, birds, and environmental changes here, showing how important this territory is for understanding southern oceans. Visitors can learn about local wildlife and climate challenges through research stations and visitor programs in these remote islands.
Access to this area requires special permission from the French Southern and Antarctic Lands administration based in Reunion, meaning visits are rare and carefully controlled. Most people reach this remote location only through scientific expeditions or specially authorized cruises.
This territory holds the world's first strict fishery exclusion zone where commercial fishing is completely banned. It stands as a pioneer in global marine protection measures and demonstrates how far conservation areas can go.
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