FAQs

1. How many species of mangroves are found in Mauritius?

While there are dozens of mangrove species globally, Mauritius is home to only three species:

• Rhizophora mucronata (Red Mangrove): The most dominant species, easily identified by its tall, arching prop roots.

• Bruguiera gymnorhiza (Black Mangrove): Distinguished by its "knee roots" that loop out of the mud and its large, reddish flowers.

• Recent research has identified the first findings of Heritiera littoralis in Mauritius, a significant discovery for local biodiversity conservation (Matsui et al., 2025).

2. Where are the best places to see mangroves in Mauritius?

Mangroves are primarily found along the East and Southeast coasts, where the lagoon is sheltered. Key locations include:

• Bras d'Eau National Park: Features well-preserved mangrove stands integrated with coastal forest.

• Ile d'Ambre: Famous for its extensive mangrove "tunnels" accessible by kayak.

• Pointe d’Esny: A Ramsar-protected wetland of international importance.

• Trou d’Eau Douce & Ferney: Large patches can be found in these sheltered bays.

3. How much mangrove cover does Mauritius have?

Historically, Mauritius had over 2,000 hectares of mangroves. Due to coastal development and clearing in the 20th century, this dropped significantly. However, through aggressive reforestation by the Ministry of Blue Economy and NGOs, current estimates suggest there are now approximately 220 hectares of healthy mangrove cover remaining.

4. Are mangroves protected by law in Mauritius?

Yes. Under the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act, it is strictly illegal to cut, remove, or damage a mangrove plant. Violators can face heavy fines and imprisonment. Any activity involving mangroves requires explicit written approval from the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping.

5. How did the 2020 MV Wakashio oil spill affect the mangroves?

The oil spill in the southeast lagoon was one of the worst ecological disasters in Mauritian history. Heavy oil entered the mangrove roots in regions like Mahebourg and Pointe d’Esny. Because mangrove roots (pneumatophores) act like "snorkels," the oil coated and suffocated them. Recovery is ongoing, with specialized cleaning and long-term monitoring still in place to track the health of these sensitive areas.

6. Why are mangroves vital for Mauritian lagoons?

In Mauritius, mangroves act as a "kidney" for the lagoon. They filter out sediments and pollutants coming from inland rivers before they reach the coral reefs. Without mangroves, the sediment would smother and kill our corals, leading to the collapse of the lagoon's biodiversity.

7. Can I participate in mangrove planting in Mauritius?

Absolutely. Several local organisations regularly host "Mangrove Propagation" days. You can reach out to groups like:

• Reef Conservation Mauritius (creators of the 'Mangroves Matter' app).

• The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF).

• Eco-Sud.

• Reef Gardeners.

• Odysseo Foundation.

8. What is "Blue Carbon" in the context of Mauritius?

Mauritius has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Our mangroves are "Blue Carbon" hotspots, meaning they store carbon in the thick peat under their roots. Protecting these forests is one of the most effective ways Mauritius can contribute to global climate change mitigation, as these small forests store more carbon per hectare than the inland Black River Gorges forests.