Mauritius Marine Conservation Society – MMCS
Explore our marine environment and heritage underwater with us!
Exploring the depths to discover the richness of our biodiversity and uncover history’s hidden secrets. Our team of diving biologists and archaeologists struggle to protect the marine ecosystems and investigates shipwrecks, preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations. Through cutting-edge technology and expert research, we bring forgotten stories back to life.
Existence
Membership
Achievements
Under Water
Who We Are?
The Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS) is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) which has been operating for more than 40 years in Mauritius, focusing on the education about and conservation of the marine environment in Mauritius as well as the development of underwater archaeology in the Southwest Indian Ocean region.
Underwater Archaeology
In the past, underwater Archaeology was too often mistaken with treasure hunting of artifacts for the sole purpose of commercial trade. On the contrary, the real archaeology is the study of the ancient and recent human past through the recovery and analysis of material culture. Today, in most cases, archaeological studies require considerable financial funding in order to achieve successful completion. Therefore, sponsoring has become absolutely necessary for this activity, which, in spite of itself, then needs to be regarded as an economic operation.
We Are Into Several Projects
Marine Animals
Following the development of the Dolphin Watching activity on the west coast of the island, the MMCS put forward a long term plan to protect the coastal marine resources.
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs occupy less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, but they rival the rainforest in terms of biodiversity as they are highly complex ecosystems, and support nearly 25% of species.
Marine Protected Area
Launched in July 2009 thanks to funds received from the Regional Programme for the Sustainable Management of the Coastal Zones of the Countries of the Indian Ocean.
Artificial Reefs
In small island states, interest in the development of artificial reefs has grown steadily over the past two decades. Furthermore, this concept has been proven to be a promising technique to increase and enhance fishing. Therefore, it fits well into programmes where development and management of marine food resources is concerned.
Octopus Fishing Closure
Following the success of Rodrigues, where a two-month island-wide seasonal closure of the octopus fishery has been taking place every year since 2012, a pilot project with a 2 months voluntary closure of the octopus fishery was implemented this year in the south-west region of Mauritius, along the coastal strip extending from Le Morne to Souillac.
Achievements
The organization has been involved in several activities, and some achievements can be consulted as follows.
Media
Find our latest reports in PDF, and download them straightaway. Consult the latest developments of MMCS as well.
Multimedia Galleries
The MMCS has documented several videos and photos of their events, and expeditions. View them in the sections below.