July 2025
In July 2025, the team completed Mauritius’ first seagrass restoration trial in the lagoon of Roches Noires, successfully transplanting healthy shoots to a bare sandy areas. This pioneering effort, supported by the EU and local partners, marks a milestone for nature-based coastal resilience and future large-scale restoration in Mauritius.
First Seagrass Restoration in Mauritius Completed at Roches Noires
In July 2025, our team successfully carried out the first seagrass restoration trial in the site of Roches Noires on the northeast coast – marking an important milestone for marine conservation on the island.
For a week, healthy shoots were carefully collected from donor sites and transplanted into bare sandy area of the lagoon. Planting techniques and patterns were designed to maximise survival to give the new shoots and plugs the best chance to establish and spread.
The restoration is already showing encouraging signs. Early monitoring has detected transplanted plugs adapting to their new environment, and upcoming eDNA surveys will explore the first stages of faunal recolonisation. Beyond the science, the restoration provides a visible example of how nature-based solutions can improve biodiversity, strengthen fisheries, and support climate resilience in Mauritius.
This achievement is the result of close collaboration between Reef Conservation, and the World Maritime University, with support from local stakeholders and communities. It is funded by the European Union as part of the “Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Protection” project.
The lessons learned at Roches Noires will guide larger-scale restoration in other lagoons and demonstrate that seagrass recovery is possible – and already underway – in Mauritius.
