This report outlines the first official research fieldwork conducted as part of LagoonLife Foundation’s scientific collaboration with the University of Mauritius. The field session marks the launch of our long-term lagoon monitoring and coral resilience initiative, combining scientific data collection with conservation planning.
Objectives
The fieldwork was undertaken to:
- Establish baseline environmental and biodiversity data for La Prairie Lagoon
- Assess the condition of the coral reef and early signs of stress
- Collect biological samples for identification and future genetic research
- Deploy monitoring equipment to enable continuous data collection for climate-related analysis
Field Team & Roles
- Diving Guide: Matilda (LagoonLife Foundation Project Manager)
- Skipper: Kendy
- Onboard Assistant: Ridick
- Scientific Lead: Yosheta (PhD candidate, University of Mauritius – Research Coordinator for the collaboration)
Yosheta supervised all scientific testing and sampling procedures on site. All data collected will be analyzed by her team and shared with LagoonLife for further interpretation, action planning, and integration into the coral nursery project.
Scientific Activities Conducted
- Measured seawater dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, temperature, and salinity- Installed a data logger to monitor temperature and light intensity at 30-minute intervals
- Conducted a snorkel-based biodiversity assessment recording species presence, abundance, and occurrence
- Assessed coral bleaching levels and physical damage to reef structures
- Identified and recorded crustacean species, Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTs), and Drupella snails
- Collected hermit crab and seagrass samples for lab analysis
Purpose of the Research
The dive was designed to:
- Detect and monitor long-term environmental changes linked to climate stressors
- Understand how variations in water parameters impact marine biodiversity, particularly crustaceans and coral ecosystems
- Assess the current state of coral health, identifying stress indicators and guiding restoration priorities
- Identify the presence of harmful reef predators such as COTs and Drupella
- Support future species identification, habitat mapping, and genetic studies for research and restoration
Next Steps
- Await analysis of biological and chemical data from the University of Mauritius
- Begin interpretation of environmental trends in collaboration with Yosheta and her team
- Use findings to define coral farming strategies and restoration priorities for La Prairie
- Maintain monitoring via the data logger and schedule upcoming dives aligned with the five-year coral resilience plan
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This collaborative dive reflects LagoonLife’s mission to build a science-based foundation for marine conservation. By aligning data collection with ecological action, we aim to protect and restore the unique biodiversity of Mauritius’ lagoons
