Worldwide, our oceans are in trouble and island nations like the Seychelles are especially vulnerable to changes to marine ecosystems. International organisations have called on countries to safeguard their marine resources by creating an effective network of marine reserves that protect important habitats and make fish stocks more sustainable in the long term. St Joseph Atoll, a critical nursery site in the Outer Islands, would play a valuable role in the Seychelles’ network of marine protected areas.