It is a vital habitat for endangered marine and terrestrial species and faces an existential threat from shipwrecks, illegal fishing and pollution.
St. Brandon has been recommended as a UNESCO World Heritage site and as a Marine Protected Area (2004). It is an Important Bird Area (BirdLife International), a Marine Important Bird Area (Nairobi Convention) and a Key Biodiversity Area (CEPF) located within a global Biodiversity Hotspot. Its conservation credentials are unique, extensive and international.
St. Brandon is culturally and historically important for Mauritius. It was mapped as ”baixos” (shoals) by Portuguese navigators possibly as early as 1500, as depicted on the 1502 Cantino Planisphere. ”Cargados Carajos” refers to the ”loaded crow’s nest” of sailors required on a Caravel to navigate the shoals. The name ‘St. Brandon’ is derived from a mythical Irish island.
