acknowledgments

   First of all we would like to thank the National Heritage Fund of Mauritius for continuing support of our work on Ile de la Passe in 2005. We are particularly grateful to the Chairman, Mr Philippe La Hausse de Lalouvière, the Director, Dr Musleem Jumeer, and NHF staff for their interest, enthusiasm and support.
   We would like to thank Dr Vijaya Teelock for her enthusiastic support and for arranging the formal participation of students from the University of Mauritius. We also thank Dr Teelock, Chairperson of the Appravasi Ghat Trust Fund, for kindly allowing Ms Jayshree Mungur, research coordinator of the Appravasi Ghat Project, to act as the NHF liaison officer for the 2005 fieldwork campaign.
   We were afforded every facility by Mr. Prithiviraj Sunil Nosib, Acting Director of the NationalHistory Museum, Mr Ravi Bhootooa and the staff of the National History Museum at Mahébourg. We would like to thank them, and the Director General of the Mauritius Museums Council Mr. Sahezahan Abdoolrahaman, for their friendship and support.
   Grants and sponsorship have made possible the continuation of the project in 2005. The Earthwatch Institute continues to support the project and three teams of volunteers from Eartwatch participated in 2005. Funds contributing towards operational expenses and permitting the employment of local labour for cleaning and clearing have been received from the Mauritius Commercial Bank, General Construction and Phoenix Camp Mineral Ltd. Harel Mallac Electronics Ltd loaned a computer, essential for the digital recording, processing and archiving of data during the season while Gaz Carbonique helped with transport. The Kervern, Koenig, Larcher, Rey, Le Court and Tennant families kindly lent a grass cutter.
   The Coast Guard again removed sacks of rubbish for proper disposal on the mainland and assisted the MSPCA (Mauritius Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) team who came to Ile de la Passe to rescue a stray dog.
   Jean Claude Farla's skills and knowledge of the bay always guaranteed a good trip to and from the islet. Villa Le Guerlande accommodating the Earthwatch team agreed to special rates.
   Last, but by no means least, our thanks go to all those whose contribution made the 2005 season possible, and to our family and friends without whose generosity and hospitality the season would not have happened.