Mauritian coral reefs, like those elsewhere, sustain a large proportion of the population. Continued demographic growth in Mauritius and the growing consumption of natural resources have resulted in unsustainable exploitation of reef resources, exacerbated by climate change and increasing tourism. The
reefs are degraded and, to reverse this process, it is vital that locals, including fishing communities, be involved in active reef restoration. A multiple-choice questionnaire was thus completed by 500 respondents to investigate socioeconomic trends and options for reef restoration in five Mauritian coastal regions: Grand Baie, Albion, Flic-en-Flac, Belle-Mare and Blue Bay. A site near a fish farm at Point-aux-Feuilles where corals were cultured was also included. The survey revealed that the respondents were aware of the anthropogenic threats to their marine environment and of the need for active reef rehabilitation. They also indicated that the majority of the coastal communities were willing to participate in community-based coral reef restoration. Additionally, fish farms were deemed preferable sites for coral nurseries due to the availability of facilities, a local work force and good water supply. A call is made for direct local community involvement in eco-business and restoration projects in terms of the Mauritian Ocean Economy initiative which prioritises natural assets.