July 2025
In 2025, the team published the first comprehensive ecological inventory of Mauritius’ seagrass meadows in Regional Studies in Marine Science, mapping seven lagoons and identifying five seagrass species. The study provides a critical baseline for restoration, biodiversity conservation, and blue carbon research, marking a major step toward sustainable coastal management.
New Scientific Article: First Seagrass Inventory of Mauritius
Earlier this year (2025), our team published a landmark scientific article in Regional Studies in Marine Science that provides the first systematic ecological inventory of seagrass meadows in Mauritius.
The study covered seven lagoons – Albion, Bain Boeuf, Bel Ombre, Le Morne, Mont Choisy, Roches Noires, and Wolmar – all recognised as Environmentally Sensitive Areas. Using transect surveys, quadrats, and GIS mapping, the research documented the presence, density, and composition of seagrass species, combining field observations with satellite imagery and local knowledge.
The results confirmed that Mauritius is home to five seagrass species: Syringodium isoetifolium, Halodule sp., Halophila ovalis, Halophila stipulacea, and Thalassodendron ciliatum. Among these, S. isoetifolium emerged as the most widespread and dominant. The study also revealed strong differences between lagoons: some, like Roches Noires, supported diverse multi-species assemblages, while others, such as Mont Choisy, were dominated by a single species.
This article establishes an island-wide baseline for seven seagrass ecosystems in Mauritius, offering critical knowledge for restoration planning, biodiversity conservation, and blue carbon assessments. It also highlights the urgent need to monitor seagrass meadows in the face of climate change, erosion, and coastal development.
The publication is the result of collaboration between Reef Conservation, the World Maritime University, and Södertörn University, and is supported by the European Union through the “Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Protection” project.
