Mauritius
Oil Spill Preparedness - Shoreline Response
The Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI), was established in January 2000 by the proclamation of the MOI Act (Act No. 24 of 1999). The need to rationalise and co-ordinate research and development activities related to Oceanography was the motive for the setting up of the MOI.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Focal Point
My marine research career started in the early 1990s at the Ministry of Fisheries. In 2001, I joined the Mauritius Oceanography Institute where I am currently the Director. My pre and post doctoral experience stem from participation in several local, regional and international projects in coral taxonomy, coral reef ecology, phylogenetics, phylogeography and population genetics.
Seagrass ecosystems have been recently acknowledged for their blue carbon potential. Blue carbon, is a recent concept used to refer to organic carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems. Mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass beds possess enormous potential to capture, store and release carbon. These blue carbon ecosystems are considered important natural carbon sink sources.
The project seeks to advance ecosystems restoration on Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, a site of national and international biodiversity importance, and the surrounding sea. Recognising that terrestrial conservation and seabird colony re-establishment has benefits for both land and marine ecosystems, the project will conduct focused, seabird friendly, habitat restoration and seabird attraction.
