BIOT (Chagos) - Restrictions

Visits to the islands are tightly controlled and certain restrictions put in place; some of the islands have been designated as Strict Nature Reserves and it is illegal to enter them. If you are granted permission to visit, you must moor your vessel at BIOT approved sites only, to help conserve BIOT’s fragile coral environment.

Diving, spear-fishing, removal of flora or fauna and commercial activity (including charter trips and fishing other than for subsistence purposes) are strictly prohibited and any offence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Conservation

BIOTA is committed to preserving the rich environmental heritage of British Indian Ocean Territory. Marine protected areas are recognised by scientists and the international community as essential to the conservation and sustainable management of oceans and fisheries. BIOT hosts the world’s largest contiguous ‘no-take’ marine reserve, along with several strict nature reserves.

The islands are a conservation area and all flora and fauna, such as turtles, coconut crabs, live coral and shells, are protected.

If you are granted permission, you must moor your vessel at the BIOT approved sites only, to help conserve BIOT’s fragile coral environment. If your vessel is not moored at one of the approved sites, you are liable to be issued with an on-the-spot fine of £500. Failure to pay the fine could result, on conviction, to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months and/or a fine not exceeding £3,000.

WARNING: The government strongly advises against vandalism of BIOT's natural resources. Legal action will be taken for anyone found vandalising.
[see BIOTA's feedback on a 2021 vandalism incident by a cruising boat in BIOT comments].

Totally Restricted Areas

Any person entering the Strict Nature Reserves of Great Chagos Bank (The Three Brothers and Resurgent Island; Eagle Island; Danger Island; Cow Island; Nelson Island) and Peros Banhos Atoll (all the islands to the east of a line drawn between the easternmost point of land on Moresby Island and the easternmost point of land on Fouquet Island - in practice, this means that one may only anchor off the western islands which are quite unsafe during the SE trade wind season), is liable to an on-the-spot fine of £1000. Failure to pay the fine could result, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months and/or to a fine not exceeding £5000, and to detention and forfeiture of any boat and equipment used when committing the offence.

The Strict Nature Reserves also include the territorial seas around each of the named islands, and therefore transit within three nautical miles of the islands is prohibited, as is any water-based activity, e.g. fishing.

Fishing

There is no fishing in the entire BIOT Marine Protected Area. The only exception to this is to allow visiting yachts to fish for their own consumption (no more than three days’ worth, without freezing) and only with a hand line. A fishing log must be kept up to date whilst in BIOT waters, as a Fisheries Protection Officer may wish to see it.

Fire Pits

Fires may only be permitted (but not encouraged) in the designated areas and be of limited size. Currently, there are only two such areas on Ile de Boddam and Ile de Coin.

Drones

Drones are not permitted in the Territory.

Penalties

Penalties for infringement of the regulations are severe.

Any person who enters BIOT without permission is liable to imprisonment for 3 years and/or a fine of £10,000 and the vessel used to enter BIOT waters may be seized and forfeited.

For useful tips on cruising in BIOT waters and permit issues, see this 2015 report from SY YOLO.

Last updated:  June 2024