Location: 45°57' to 46°30'S : 50°20' to 52°35'E The Crozet Islands consist of five islands in two island groups: Ile aux Cochons with Ilots des Apôtres and Ile des Pingouins; Ile de la Possession and Ile de l'Est. Separated by a total of approximately 100 km, these islands are of volcanic origin. The group covers 325 km2 with the highest elevation being Pic Marion-Dufresne (1090 m) on Ile de l'Est. The first sighting and landing took place in 1772 by French navigator Marion-Dufresne. A scientific station was established in 1963 and has been occupied permanently since. The islands are French territory, part of Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises (French Southern Antarctic Territories).