Mauritius is a small island with a big ocean state. Fringed by a ring of coral reefs, the lagoons provide the workplace for 2,200 reported small-scale artisanal fishermen. The reefs contribute over $700 million annually from tourism and fisheries and provide coastal protection, valued at approximately $1.5 billion. Rodrigues has taken impressive initiatives, including closing octopus fishing for two months of the year for the first time in 2012. Following this first temporary closure, annual catches of octopus for 2012 are almost back to their levels in 2003 after 15 years of decline.

Our ocean is part of our history, our culture, our livelihood, and our economy. We are two young Mauritians who have witnessed the degradation of our lagoons over the years. We all want our healthy ocean back, with plentiful fish and colorful reefs. Solutions exist but alone we are only a small fish in a vast ocean. We need you and this is a platform to bring all of us together. It is as a community that we will succeed. Together, let’s Vey nou Lagon.