Research towards sustainable development of ocean economy
(
Government
)
#OceanAction41090
Description
To fully charaterise the physical, chemical and biological attributes of Mauritiuss oceanic and coastal environments.
The overall goal of the project is to evaluate the economic, environmental and societal nature of near shore waters with emphasis on their potential for aquaculture and coastal development directed towards Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs). This project entails a multi-disciplinary approach merging physical, chemical and biological understanding. The following gives the specific objective of each component:
Component 1: ocean dynamics. The objective of this component is to establish the physical dynamics of the aqua-culture sites as first priority and at second stage, to have an integrated approach to the whole ecosystem around the selected sites. It will look into the:
Topography of the beach.
Sediment transport and granulometry.
Habitat cover survey.
Physical dynamics: Tide, wave, temperature, salinity, fluorescence and current patterns.
Component 2: GIS (Geographic Information System) database. The objective of this component is to establish integrated management systems on GIS by building a data network for each site thereby showing the correlation among the parameters and overall biodiversity in addition to the physical attributes of each site. To manage complex issues, GIS gives the possibility to understand and analyze resources and their environment from a geographical point of view to show relationships, patterns and trends.
Component 3: Remote sensing. This component aims to monitor the state of the ocean and give the trend over the years on its evolution; this will be among key information for aquaculture projects. It is important to understand
Inter and intra annual variability of our waters.
Synoptic patterns and trends.
Sustainability of any marine project is dependent on proper assessment of the marine environment and preparedness to mitigate ocean hazards.
Component 4: Modelling. This component will make use of numerical models which will require the use of both in-situ and satellite data to look into the physical dynamics to:
Estimate and predict the hydrodynamics of lagoonal circulation due to waves, tides and regional ocean currents.
Site characterization and hazard management.
Component 5: Bathymetry. Most of the entrepreneurs in aquaculture require bathymetric information. Bathymetry data is an important component to determine the organisms to be cultured. Further, it will provide baseline information applicable in other field of coastal development. The aim is to have a detailed bathymetry of area earmarked for the aquaculture projects and its surroundings.
Component 6: Chemical. The importance to study water quality in the setting up of any aqua farm is unequivocal. Defining the chemical parameters in a region will help in the identification of cultured species which will benefit from the prevailing conditions for optimal growth. The objectives of this component will look into:
Chemical profiling of sites proposed for aquaculture (measurement of conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, chlorophyll content and heavy metals).
Identification and characterization of water input from land (if any).
Chemical characterization of sediment to determine the amount of absorbed and recirculated heavy metals.
Probe for organic pollutants in the water.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.7 | By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism |
| 14.a | Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries |
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Contact Information
Ruby Moothien-Pillay, Dr. (Mrs), Director of Mauritius Oceanography Institute