Comprehensive record of the activities of the Shoals of Capricorn Programme in the western Indian Ocean between 1998 and 2001. The Programme hosted over 200 international scientists from 21 countries, all investigating different aspects of the marine environments of Seychelles, Mauritius and Rodrigues. Alongside this research ran a comprehensive training and education programme. More than 300 local people from a wide range of Government and non-government groups were trained in scientific, practical and marine safety skills in order to support marine research in the region into the future.