Curieuse Marine Park coral restoration sites have been damaged by frequent unauthorised anchoring, according to the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority.
The authority said the damage has affected three restoration sites within the marine park.
According to the authority, the damage occurred in areas where boats anchored directly on the reef.
The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority said Baie Laraie and Anse Papaie have become some of the most popular snorkelling spots in the Curieuse Marine Park with the arrival of the North-West monsoon. The authority added that these areas also host coral restoration sites.
It said frequent unauthorised anchoring has caused serious damage to restoration structures.
The authority said fish trap frames, re-bars and reef stars have been flipped. It added that many corals have broken off.
“Respect the buoys, anchor responsibly and be part of the solution to protect our coral reefs,” the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority said in a statement posted online.
The authority urged park users to respect designated anchoring and mooring zones within the park.
It also said its team has installed new demarcation buoys to guide boat operators and protect the restoration areas.
“Please respect designated anchoring and mooring zones within the Park,” the authority said.