The Site consists of eight coastal areas along the southern shore of Madagascar. It contains a network of coral reefs and associated marine habitats, including deep shoals, deep coral formations and beaches. Approximately 140 coral species and 240 fish species have been recorded, together with molluscs, echinoderms and marine seagrasses. The Site supports several rare and threatened species, including the critically endangered coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), five species of marine turtle (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea, Caretta caretta, and Dermochelys coriacea), dugongs, dolphins and whales. Three damselfish species are found (Pomacentrus sulfureus, Pomacentrus trilineatus and Abudefduf sparoides) which are endemic to the western Indian Ocean. It is also the only known breeding site for an endemic colony of the red-tailed tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda. The coral reefs provide important ecological and economic benefits to surrounding communities, particularly through fisheries and tourism. The Site also delivers key coastal protection functions, including erosion control and sediment stabilization.