South Caicos
The village of Cockburn Harbour on South Caicos | |
Location of South Caicos within the Turks and Caicos Islands | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 21°30′34″N 71°31′04″W / 21.50944°N 71.51778°W |
| Archipelago | Lucayan Archipelago |
| Administration | |
United Kingdom | |
| British Overseas Territory | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,139 (2012) |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone | |
| • Summer (DST) | |
| ISO code | TC |
South Caicos is the seventh-largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, with a land area of 21.2 square kilometres (8.2 square miles). South Caicos is known for excellent fishing, both deep-sea and bone fishing, and scuba diving. South Caicos was formerly a salt exporter, the island still hosts a network of salt pans as a reminder of the industry. Today, the island's main income is derived from small-scale commercial fishing.
The School for Field Studies, a global nonprofit, accredited by the University of Minnesota, has established a well-regarded Center for Marine Resource Studies in Cockburn Harbour. The centre's research focuses on marine ecology and natural resource management. The island hosts an Annual South Caicos Regatta, a large celebration that features parties, boat races, and other games. The island has some real estate development, and tourism is a small, but growing, industry.