Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

In alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, target 14.5, the Republic of Mauritius is committed to conserving and protecting its coastal and marine areas. Mauritius has established a comprehensive network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including marine parks, marine reserves, and fishing reserves, to safeguard marine biodiversity around Mauritius and Rodrigues.

The country has successfully met Target 14.5, which aims to conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020, guided by international and national laws and the best available scientific information.

To date, the Republic of Mauritius has established 18 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), covering some 139.53 square kilometers (11.9% of the coastal areas or 0.006% of the EEZ (Nairobi Convention 2024; Statistics Mauritius 2024), under its Fisheries and Marine Resources laws and the Rodrigues Regional Assembly Act (Nairobi Convention).

In Mauritius, 8 MPAs have been established, and 10 are located in Rodrigues. Mauritius has also 2 Voluntary Marine Conservation Areas.

MAURITIUS MPAs (and Non-Formal MPAs)

RODRIGUES MPAs

Recognizing the importance of preserving the marine environment for sustainable development and future generations, the Government is considering strategies to expand these protected areas. Notably, a study has been initiated to explore the potential for a multi-purpose Marine Protected Area within the Chagos Archipelago, which could increase the total conservation coverage to about 28%. Additionally, a report outlining the objectives for SDG 14.5 regarding Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mauritius has been submitted to the Cabinet in May 2024.

The MPAs are divided into three categories:

Fishing Reserves: Fishing Reserves are designated areas of the sea legally established with the primary goals of protecting fish populations and fisheries resources, as well as critical habitats such as seagrass beds, mangrove forests, macro-algae fields, and coral reefs. In these reserves, fishing practices are regulated, and the use of fishing gear is restricted to basket traps and line fishing only. The boundaries of Fishing Reserves extend from the high water mark on the shore to the reef crest of the fringing reefs.
Marine Parks: Marine parks are sections of the ocean designated by law primarily for conservation, education, and research purposes. They also support controlled recreational activities, awareness initiatives, and limited extractive uses within specific zones. The geographical scope of marine parks stretches from the high water mark onshore to the outer limits of reefs, extending one kilometer offshore from the fringing reefs.
Marine Reserves: Designed exclusively for conservation, education, research, recreational activities, and awareness initiatives, Marine Reserves prohibit extractive practices unless explicitly authorized in writing by the responsible authority. These reserves are located solely on Rodrigues Island.

The objectives of MPAs encompass a comprehensive range of ecological, economic, and scientific goals, including:

Conservation and Protection	Economic Benefits	Scientific and Educational Purposes	Recreational and Cultural Value
Safeguarding marine life and ecosystems Preserving biodiversity Protecting vulnerable marine habitats	Ensuring food security Creating job opportunities Supporting sustainable fishing practices	Providing living laboratories for research Facilitating marine science studies Offering opportunities for environmental education	Enabling sea enjoyment Promoting marine ecosystem appreciation Supporting sustainable tourism

These multifaceted objectives demonstrate the critical role MPAs play in balancing environmental preservation, human needs, and scientific advancement.

Protected Areas (Marine)

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

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