News
The EU and Mauritius’ dying corals
Mauritius is the world’s largest Oceanographic state, and owns the fishing rights to most of the Indian Ocean. And its world famous coral reefs are dying…
In 2017, Mauritius renewed the Europeche agreement with the EU.
Mauritius does not have the policing resources to protect its territory, so under this agreement, the EU is responsible for protecting the Mauritius territorial waters in exchange for fishing rights.
Initially the EU Nations agreed to process their fish in the Princes Tuna plant in Port Louis while Mauritius reserved the right to catch its own fish in its own waters. Sadly, certain countries found it cheaper to take the fish to their own factories, leaving Princes Tuna idle for part of the year.
In 2002 Japan built a fishermen training centre in Point aux Sables, and began to train Mauritius fishermen in trawler fishing.
The owners of Princes Tuna Ireland, Blythe Limited (IBL) – an internationally listed company – expanded their fish processing plant in Port Louis. The Mauritius Government extended the Port Louis harbor.
In 2018, Japanese lend-lease trawlers arrived to catch tuna for processing in the Princes Tuna factory.
The slaughter began, together with the destruction of the livelihoods of thousands of Mauritius citizens who had no idea what happened to their marine based businesses.
Stories of holds full of sharks, marlin, bill fish and sailfins were told in the dive centre by shocked divers with jobs in the harbor who were appalled at the slaughter. Baby sharks are openly sold in the Port Louis market.
There is nothing in the agreement that abrogates EU responsibility for indiscriminate fishing under the Europeche contract.
The Knock on Effect
The subsistence fishermen who catch fish for the local market for companies like Bella Amigo can no longer catch pelagic fish and tuna. They are now netting reef fish.
Bella Amigo – a Local Fishmonger.
Now selling reef fish.
Sadly the fish they are selling are the fish that eat algae and the new born corals are smothered in five different species of algae.
Diving in the North of Mauritius is still superb with healthy reefs, growing corals and plentiful fish life. There is easy access to the Northern Islands, where the reefs are still thriving.
Round Island where corals thrive. Too far for subsistence fishing nets to be economic.
It is extremely satisfying to honour the 23 fishermen in the North who stopped fishing and took the Mauritius Government incentive of Rs 450 000 to give up their nets and Rs 250 000 to surrender their licenses and thereby allowed the Northern Reefs to re-grow.
Perhaps if this incentive was increased the rest of the Island there would be less problems. Fishermen, who are now struggling to meet their quotas are given a higher incentive, possibly a pension, and the right to apply for jobs as skippers or to enter other marine industries which will allow the reefs to regenerate.
Odonus Niger (Triggerfish) in a trap. They feed on zooplankton as well as sponges.
Our Marine Biologist says this:
“Species diversity is crucial. Sadly the fish species that are being targeted are crucial to reef survival.
While parrotfish are especially important for reefs, a variety of herbivores are needed to help control algal growth. For example, surgeonfish eat algae that parrotfish do not like.
Grazers include most rabbitfishes, butterflyfish, small angelfishes (all Centropyge species), and many species of surgeonfishes (all Zebrasoma and Acanthurus species except those that feed exclusively on plankton or are grazers/detritivores). Grazers/detritivores include Acanthurus species that feed on a combination of epilithic algal turf, sediment and some animal material.
Grazers regulate the effects of unwanted algal blooms resulting from phosphorus pollution in marine ecosystems.”
Eggs, and millions of tiny fish are hatching in the algae infected areas. Left to grow they will, over time, restore the balance on the reefs.
Permits Allowing the Removal of Reef Fish from the Reefs
The Ministry of Fisheries allows 10,000 reef fish per year to be collected around Mauritius for commercial purposes. There are so few reef fish left, this seems unbelievable.
For 10 years one family collected on a permit. Their offtake was very small, and mainly for local hotel marine aquaria and the local aquarium.
In 2014 they partnered with German acrylic tank builders SCHURAN where they appeared in a German Aquarium show. They were so successful that they removed most of the fish around Trou Biches in the North.
This year they tell me that could only find 4000 reef fish, in and around Trou Biches, an area where corals were already under stress.
I spoke to the CEO of SCHURAN, who had been told that there were no more fish, that the corals were dead and the probable cause was global warming.
In fact Mauritius is one of the few coral centres where global warming has had no major impact, in comparison to other parts of the world. Sea temperatures in general have not risen above 29ºC, not even in the lagoons. The sea is too cold and the upwelling from the deep ocean provides an exceptionally healthy environment for its reefs. Healthy reefs are resilient when they experience temporarily ocean temperature rises, following a tidal surge for instance. They may suffer, but they will survive and recover quite fast. The reason that the Mauritian reefs are dying is probably due to a combination of causes – the major one being overfishing.
The CEO of SCHURAN was horrified to learn that the problem was in fact overfishing. At some personal cost, he and his partners have established a company called Reef for Life which is now training staff to grow corals, which can be planted in the lagoons and assist the recovery.
Allowing fishing with nets across coral reefs is a potential financial disaster. When Mauritius loses its reef fish and corals, it might well lose 50% of its tourists. Divers don’t dive to watch algae encrusted reefs slowly dying. Photographers come to film rare reef fish in their natural habitat. Tourists don’t snorkel to look at bare rocks. Divers want to see lots of fish. Tourists want to snorkel in healthy lagoons filled with corals and fish.
Tourists will stop coming to Mauritius.
Divers and snorkelers will be diving in Bali, in Indonesia and Malaysia, in Raja Ampat, in the Red Sea, in the Maldives. These are countries where the governments protect their coral reefs and the fish that inhabit them. Their problem is in fact global warming, which is not a problem in Mauritius so far, and the Island might well become a last bastion of healthy coral growth if climate change accelerates.
Mauritius has an excellent conservation record, and this catastrophic loss of reef life can immediately be stopped by invoking the existing legislation to protect the reefs.
Reef fish are prolific breeders, and the reefs will quickly recover, given a chance.
The EU should police the catches of the Japanese trawlers.
The trawlers should be encouraged in the middle of the Indian Ocean where they should be monitored and allowed to take only what their licenses allow. Currently they have been seen fishing within the 30 nautical mile areas, where their impact is catastrophic.
I am filming millions of minute fish hatching on the reefs at the moment. If they are allowed to grow and breed, they will clean up the reefs.
The ocean looks after itself if it is left alone.
Words: Jill Holloway
Copyright Ocean Spirit – www.osdiving.com 2019
Images: Jill Holloway and Thomas Vignaud
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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