Communique Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping - Mauritius Tourism Authority

Recently, the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping has been apprised that tourism operators are carrying commercial/economic sea turtle related activities in the lagoon of Trou aux Biches comprising sea turtle watching, swimming and feeding.

Following a visual assessment by the scientific/technical cadre of the Albion Fisheries Research Centre, it was observed that more than 20 boats surrounded the area from 09 00 hrs to 12 00hrs and 16 00hrs to 17 00hrs every day, where operators were feeding the sea turtles, swimmers were chasing the sea turtles to touch and grab their carapaces, to swim with them or to take photos. The sea turtles were being tamed for this activity.

The Ministry wishes to inform the public and the tourism-related operators that sea turtles are wild animals, classified as endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN) and are protected under the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act 2007.

Members of the public and tourism-related operators are, therefore, informed that swimming with, feeding and harassment (in any form) of sea turtles in the waters of Mauritius is, henceforth, not allowed.