Generally acting as barriers and absorbing the impact of waves, coral reefs are biological ecosystems and as diverse as tropical rain forests. It is believed that although covering less than 0.2% of the surface of the oceans they harbour up to a quarter of all marine species, or even more. These unique ecosystems are degrading worldwide at a very rapid rate. The main factors causing this are the ones mentioned above: sewage pollution, over fishing and sedimentation.

Tourism with excessive hotel and beach developments, the dredging of bathing and nautical ski areas and anchor damage by pleasure crafts and fishing vessels are unfortunately also major threats to the coral reefs in Mauritius.

There clearly is an urgent need to manage the impacts of this development; impacts that have led to drastic changes in the marine environment today.

We from Maurisun don’t take the beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons of Mauritius for granted. We very much aim to preserve them for future generations and for you, the visitors of our beautiful jewel in the Indian Ocean. We cordially invite you to read about the groups and government bodies set up to protect precious marine life in the links.

Learn about their projects such as the one sponsored by the government for the reforestation of Mangroves; or the reef conservation group and its activities, in which you may even participate. Or lend an ear to the dolphin’s message, before you swim out to meet them in their natural habitat. Many exciting activities around and in the sea are taking place. Join us, jump in and swim along. A world of silent beauty and wonder is out there, waiting for you. It is not only water; it is the seemingly endless space surrounding the tiny spot of land called Mauritius.