During an average year Sable Island has about 50 to 100 visitors. There is no commercial tourism, however, small numbers of people – including politicians and dignitaries, artists, news media, sailors, and people simply interested in seeing the landscape and its flora and fauna - have travelled to the island. Access to Sable Island is restricted, and visitors must obtain permission from the Canadian Coast Guard. Station staff assist CCG in ensuring that all persons coming ashore have received prior approval.