Our Objectives

Seagrass meadows are among Mauritius’ most valuable yet overlooked ecosystems – protecting coastlines, supporting fisheries, and storing carbon beneath the sea. Our research brings science and society together to reveal, restore, and revalue these “blue meadows.” Through the objectives below, we investigate how people connect with seagrasses, where they grow and the biodiversity they sustain, how they can be restored, and how they help fight climate change – turning knowledge into action for healthier coasts and communities.

Objective 1: Capture Coastal Community Perceptions

This objective examined how coastal communities in Mauritius perceive and value seagrass meadows, revealing varying awareness but broad support for their protection and restoration.

Objective 2: Mapping Mauritius’ Seagrass Meadows

This objective established an updated map of Mauritius’ seagrass meadows at seven sites, providing essential baseline data to guide restoration, management, and coastal protection efforts.

Objective 3: Restoring Seagrass in Roches Noires

This objective launched Mauritius’ first seagrass restoration trial in Roches Noires, testing planting techniques to restore ecosystem functions, support biodiversity, and build coastal resilience.

Objective 4: Engaging People through Citizen Science and Awareness

This objective empowers Mauritian communities to protect seagrass meadows through citizen science, education, and awareness, turning conservation into a shared effort between scientists and society.

Objective 5: Measuring Blue Carbon in Mauritius’ Seagrass Meadows

This objective quantifies how Mauritius’ seagrass meadows capture and store carbon, linking marine ecology with climate policy to promote restoration as a nature-based climate solution.

Objective 6: Revealing Biodiversity and Connectivity in Seagrass Meadows

This objective uses environmental DNA (eDNA) and genetic analyses to reveal the biodiversity and connectivity of species in Mauritius’ seagrass meadows, showing how seagrasses support local fisheries and restoration supports ecosystem function and resilience.

Objective 7: From Science to Action – Recommendations for Seagrass Protection, Management and Restoration

This objective ensures that scientific results inform policy and management, turning gained knowledge about seagrass ecosystem services and seagrass restoration into a practical roadmap for sustainable coastal development and climate resilience in Mauritius.