Fishermen Warn of Ecological Ruin in Hotel’s Shoreline Defence Dispute

BELLE-MARE, MAURITIUS – Angry fishermen on Mauritius’ east coast are demanding answers as a hotel-backed coastal protection project threatens to devastate marine life and their livelihoods, despite government assurances that the works are legally approved.

Dramatic footage shared widely on social media shows local oyster fishermen protesting against construction works in Belle-Mare, where groynes, breakwaters, and sandbags are being installed to shield the hotel’s shoreline.

Fishermen claim the project—approved under an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence—was pushed through without proper consultation and is already damaging fragile ecosystems they depend on.

Government Insists Project is Legal

The Ministry of Environment, under pressure from growing protests, conducted an inspection on 6th August but found no breaches. Officials confirmed the hotel developer has all necessary permits, including a July 2024 EIA licence and a later amendment allowing rock-filled geotextile sandbags instead of basalt walls.

“The project complies with all regulations,” the ministry stated, pointing to mitigation measures like geotextile screens and safety signage.

However, work was temporarily halted on 5th August following backlash, with the hotel ordered to hold crisis talks with fishermen.

Fishermen: “Our Survival is at Stake”

Locals are arguing the development risks both the environment and their socio-economic survival. “They never consulted us,” one fisherman said in the viral video.

“If the sea life is destroyed, how will we feed our families?”

Environment Minister Rajesh Bhagwan insisted his team is monitoring the site closely. “We will ensure all EIA conditions are strictly enforced,” he explained, though tensions remain high.

The hotel operator has so far refused to comment.

Source: Defi Media