Context (Coastal Zone Management)

The coastline plays a vital role in the tourism industry that hosts activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, and sailing. The coral reefs, some of the most diverse in the world, harbour a kaleidoscope of marine life, attracting tourists and supporting local fisheries. Fishing communities depend on the abundant marine resources, emphasizing the delicate balance required for sustainable practices.

The vital ecosystems of the coastal zone and the ocean, however, face a multitude of challenges, including erosion, pollution, overfishing and the effects of climate change. Erosion is a significant concern, particularly in areas where development and human activities have disrupted natural coastal processes. Pollution from runoff, sewage, and marine debris poses threats to both the environment, the fisheries resources, and public health.

Efforts are underway to mitigate these challenges through measures such as beach nourishment, coastal vegetation restoration, and wastewater management initiatives, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations. Additionally, Mauritius is actively involved in international agreements and partnerships aimed at addressing climate change and protecting marine ecosystems.

Mauritius has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that covers about 2.2 million km², providing extensive maritime resources. An additional 0.4 million km²  is jointly managed with Seychelles.

The coastal zone in Mauritius is one of the most significant natural assets. The coastal zone is characterized by stunning beaches, coral reefs, lagoons, and a diverse range of marine habitats. It is a precious resource that requires careful management to ensure its preservation for future generations to enjoy. With its beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life, it's a crucial aspect of both the environment and the economy. 

The 322 km coastline of mainland Mauritius is made up of hotel and developments, residences, and public beaches.

Key characteristics of the coastal zone of:

The ocean and coastal zones are crucial for the Mauritian economy, supporting key sectors such as tourism, fishing, and shipping. Mauritius also seeks to expand its ocean economy through initiatives like seabed exploration for minerals, hydrocarbons and ocean energy.  Economic value of coastal resources (2012): Rs 1 Trillion

Mainland Mauritius

• 49 islets around mainland Mauritius (15 islets are declared as national parks or nature reserves);
• 203 coastal wetlands in Mauritius (406 ha);
• Marine Protected Areas: 7.2 ha
• Three Ramsar sites covering 401 ha;
• Two marine parks and six fishing reserves proclaimed around the island;
• Live coral reef cover varies from 0.6% to 23% as a proportion of the whole lagoon.
• Number of Rivers and Rivulets acceding to lagoons: over 50
• Mangrove cover  (2000 ha, 1987); (1400 ha 1994); xxxx
• Lagoons: The island is renowned for its beautiful, shallow lagoons that are separated from the open sea by coral reefs, providing calm waters ideal for aquatic activities. Notable lagoons include those at Grand Baie, Blue Bay, and Trou d’Eau Douce.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Coral Bleaching: Elevated sea temperatures have led to significant coral bleaching events, threatening the health of the reefs.
  • Coastal Erosion: Several factors, including rising sea levels and human activities, are contributing to the erosion of Mauritius’s coastal areas.
  • Overfishing: This is a significant issue affecting the sustainability of marine life around Mauritius, impacting both ecological balance and local livelihoods.
• Conservation Efforts: Numerous marine protected areas (MPAs) and nature reserves have been established to conserve the island’s marine ecosystems. These include the Blue Bay Marine Park and the Marine Protected Area at Pointe d’Esny.

Ongoing initiatives to restore coral reefs and manage fisheries sustainably are vital to preserving the marine environment. 

Rodrigues

• 18 islets around Rodrigues are declared as national parks or nature reserves;
• ~200 ha lagoon;
  • x ha coastal wetlands in Rodrigues;
  • x marine parks and x fishing reserves proclaimed around the island;
  • Live coral reef cover varies from 0.6% to 23% as a proportion of the whole lagoon.

Quick Facts (source:  ICZM)

Extent & Occupancy:

• Extent of Exclusive Economic Zone : 2.2 Mkm² (+0.4 Mkm² under Joint Management with Seychelles)
• Length of coastline (RoM):  496 km
• Total coastline length (mainland): ~322 km
• Length and % of sandy coastline :  210 km (70%)
• Land area: 1865 km² (Mauritius); 108 km²  (Rodrigues); 2040 km²  (Total)
• Area of lagoon :  243 km²
• Population residing in the coastal zone:  20%
• Number of public beaches in Mauritius : 130
• Length & Extent of public beaches: 48 km (327 ha)
• Number of hotels: 111 (13511 rooms) (2017)
• Length of coastline occupied by Hotels: 48 km (2017)

Marine Biodiversity:

• Home to over 1,700 marine species including fish, corals, mollusks, and other marine organisms.
• Notable species include the Mauritian clownfish, parrotfish, and various species of sea turtles which are often seen along the coasts.
• Mauritius is surrounded by an almost unbroken coral reef, which encircles the island and are critical for biodiversity, providing habitat for myriad marine species. The reef also plays a crucial role in protecting the shoreline from erosion and storm surges.
• Length of reef: 150 km
• Area of coral reefs 300 km²
• Coral cover: 27% (down from 60 % decade ago)

Significance of the Coastline

• Food Resource: The coastline is vital for fishing, providing a livelihood for hundreds of families through artisanal fishing practices. However, challenges such as acidification, pollution from effluents, sea warming, recreational boating, and overfishing are severely degrading the quality of the lagoons. This degradation leads to coral bleaching and the suffocation of marine flora and fauna.
• Leisure and Recreation: Despite the limited natural leisure spaces in Mauritius, the coastline remains a major recreational area. While public beaches provide a measure of relief, only about 48 kilometers—or roughly 14%—of the coastline is officially designated as public beach access.
• Cultural Identity: The ocean is a unifying cultural element for all Mauritians. Historically, the coast has symbolized freedom and sustenance, particularly for ex-slaves post-abolition and fishing. It continues to be a central leisure spot for the growing population.
• Tourism Resource: The coast is pivotal for tourism, heavily promoted under the allure of "Sea, Sand, & Sun." This sector dramatically impacts the economy:
  • Approximately 1,400,000 tourists annually around 2018-2019.
  • Revenue of €1,550,000,000.
  • Contributes 6% to the GDP.
  • Home to 114 hotels, 95 of which are directly on the seafront, with more under construction.
  • Numerous private villas and bungalows, along with a growing number of rental apartments, enhance its appeal.