Mauritius has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.2 million square kilometres including the Chagos region and a continental shelf of 396,000 square kilometres co-managed with the Republic of Seychelles. With such a vast EEZ, the ocean sector is being developed as a major pillar for economic development.

Sustainable use of these marine-based natural products would help in modern-day applications of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and food industries. The marine environment constitutes an infinite resource of valuable novel bioactive compounds from marine organisms such as bacteria, algae, sponges, fish, invertebrates, bryozoans, tunicates, and molluscs. Bioactive compounds from these organisms are effectively used in new therapeutic agents, human nutrition with highly specific target molecules especially enzymes.

The global population needs potential ocean resources for the sustainable evolution of blue-based commercial products such as biofuels, bioplastics, food, chemicals, enzymes, and other essential commodities. The perspective of bioplastics, agrobased chemicals, and biofuels from marine resources is considered as the promising prospects in the near future. Development of new drug from marine resources is also discovered for new innovation to create effective and safe drugs of consumers for the increased demands of the world population.

Potential of Blue Biotechnology

• As a Large Ocean State with one of the world's most extensive Exclusive Economic Zones, Mauritius is uniquely positioned to lead in the emerging field of blue biotechnology. Our waters harbour a largely untapped reservoir of natural ingredients, genes and micro-organisms with high-value applications across pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, fine chemicals, dietary supplements, feed, cosmetics, agriculture and industrial enzymes.

  Harnessing marine biotechnology will unlock new revenue streams, job creation and export opportunities, while reinforcing climate resilience and environmental stewardship. By converting the country's rich marine biodiversity into sustainable products and services, Mauritius can strengthen its competitiveness, diversify its economy and advance national and global Sustainable Development Goals.

  Strategic Priority Areas

  • Biofuels and Biocatalysts
  • Pharmaceuticals and Cosmeceuticals
  • Bioremediation and Nanotechnology
  • Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods