We were in Mauritius for only 2 days but on each day I led a FDP (Faculty Directed Practica). On the second day 19 of us first headed to the government's Marine Science Institute where we received an hour briefing on the work they are doing. Probably the most important focus for them is how to assist in managing the booming tourism industry on this relatively small island. Hotels are being constructed near the beaches around the island. Associated with this tourism comes potential pollution, from the construction of the buildings, to waste disposal, to swimming around the reef ecosystem. It seemed that these scientists know what the source of pollution will be, now they need to convince the policy makers to pass and implement the needed regulations.
Following this briefing we headed out to one of the Marine Parks that the government has established. We took a glass-bottom boat out to a privately-owned island (by a hotel chain) where we had a wonderful buffet lunch, followed by about 45 minutes of snorkeling. One could rent this island for $ 4,000/day and I think the female students on this trip began planning their weddings at this location. The coral near the main island was already dead from some sort of pollution; fortunately, about 1/2 mile offshore the coral was alive (although not too colorful) but the fish around it was fun to see (in about 15 feet of water).
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| Snorkeling, with the private island in the background |
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| Villa's courtyard on the private island |
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