Aquatic Habitats & Biodiversity

Aquatic Habitats are characterized by the presence of water and may be classified into two main types:

Freshwater habitats and biodiversity: 

• Freshwater habitats include rivers, streams, estuaries, and reservoirs, which are vital for both wildlife and human use. These freshwater ecosystems support endemic fish and invertebrate species, making them important areas for conservation.   More…

Marine habitats and biodiversity:  

• The marine habitat of Mauritius is a true treasure trove of biodiversity. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and a diverse array of marine species characterize these waters. Coral reefs, in particular, are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems globally. The marine environment offers opportunities for tourism and fishing, but it also faces threats from climate change and overfishing. Balancing human activities with marine conservation is crucial to ensure the long-term health of these marine ecosystems.   More…

Aquatic Habitats are crucial since they underpin many environmental functions:

• They support a wide range of plants, animals and other organisms that greatly contribute to the global biological productivity.
• They are essential for fisheries, providing a significant source of food for human populations.
• Freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, are a source of drinking water for humans and many other species and are essential for agriculture, industry, and household use.
• They provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, swimming, and birdwatching. Many people engage in these activities for leisure, contributing to tourism and local economies.
• Freshwater ecosystems play a crucial role in nutrient cycling. They help regulate nutrient levels by acting as filters, trapping and processing pollutants and excess nutrients. This process contributes to water quality and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.
• Rivers and streams often serve as natural corridors, connecting different habitats and allowing for the movement of species. This connectivity is important for the migration of fish and other aquatic organisms, maintaining genetic diversity within populations.
• They contribute to local and regional climate regulation.
• They often have cultural significance for communities, and they contribute to the aesthetic beauty of landscapes. 

A few facts and figures

Mauritius, with a 322 km coastline and vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), boasts diverse ecosystems including sandy beaches, rocky shores, wetlands, and mangroves. The island's coral reefs, spanning about 150 km, include fringing reefs, patch reefs, atolls, reef flats, and barrier reefs. Biodiversity is rich, with over 160 marine algae genera and 36 seaweed species.

Rodrigues has 493 fish species, 175 gastropod species, 104 algae species, 109 bivalve species, 138 coral species, 74 echinoderm species, and 41 bryozoan species.

The islands also has two mangrove species, covering 181 hectares, and over 340 identified fish species.

Source: (2016). Third National Communication: Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Republic of Mauritius

Threats

Aquatic habitats are often vulnerable to pollution, habitat destruction, and other human activities. Protecting these habitats is fundamental for sustaining these benefits and ensuring the well-being of both ecosystems and human communities that depend on them.  More…

Conservation Efforts

Mauritius is dedicated to preserving its unique aquatic biodiversity through targeted conservation initiatives, including marine protected areas, reef restoration projects, and regulations to sustainably manage its endemic marine species.  More…