Evolving Fisheries in Mauritius: Regulatory Advances, Challenges, and the Path to Sustainability

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the evolving fisheries sector in Mauritius, examining recent governance reforms, emerging challenges, and strategic innovations aimed at sustainability. Anchored in the transition from the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act (2007) to the Fisheries Act (2023), the analysis highlights strengthened regulatory tools such as marine protected areas (MPAs), species moratoriums, and licensing reforms. The government’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Reform Program has prioritized small-scale fisher empowerment through co-management initiatives, digital tools like the RodMoFAD application, and the introduction of a national online fish auction platform. Despite these advancements, the sector continues to face systemic threats, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and the impacts of climate change. A notable 17% decline in marine capture between 2015 and 2020 illustrates the urgency of adaptive and inclusive management. This review underscores the importance of sustained investment in research, participatory governance, and technological integration to ensure ecological resilience, economic viability, and cultural continuity within the Mauritian fisheries sector.