October 2025
In October 2025, the team conducted the first post-restoration eDNA survey in the lagoon of Roches Noires to track how biodiversity responds to seagrass restoration. By comparing species detected in restored, natural, and sandy sites, the study will reveal early signs of recolonisation and help evaluate how effectively restored meadows recover ecological function.
First Post-Restoration eDNA Sampling Campaign Completed
In late October 2025, our team carried out the first post-restoration eDNA sampling campaign in the lagoon of Roches Noires. This marks an exciting step forward in monitoring how biodiversity responds to the seagrass restoration that was completed earlier this year.
​
During the campaign, water and sediment samples were collected from restored plots, nearby natural seagrass meadows, and sandy reference sites. These samples will allow us to compare the species present across habitats and to detect early signs of recolonisation in the restored areas.
eDNA is a powerful tool because it can reveal hidden patterns of biodiversity – from tiny invertebrates to juvenile fish – that might otherwise go unnoticed. By tracking changes over time, we will be able to measure whether restored meadows begin to function like natural ones, supporting the rich communities that make seagrasses such important ecosystems.
​
The October campaign is just the first of several planned post-restoration surveys. Together, they will create a detailed picture of how restoration influences biodiversity and will provide valuable evidence for scaling up seagrass restoration in Mauritius.
