Mauritius Scientists Fear Tourism Impact On Coral

Scientists in Mauritius are warning the Indian Ocean island's ambitious tourism targets will place too much strain on remaining coral. Facing the threats of trade liberalization to its sugar and textile sectors, Mauritius is boosting tourism with a goal of two million tourists per year from an anticipated 900,000 in 2007. But scientists are nervous about that target. "Too many tourists will bring it to an unsustainable level," oceanographer Vassen Kauppaymuthoo told Reuters. Mauritius is proud of its sandy beaches, tropical waters and turquoise lagoons protected by coral. But agriculture, fishing, and other human activity have been stressing the reefs for hundreds of years. Now marine scientists fear the combination of warmer seas and mushrooming human activity will place even more strain on the island's few remaining pockets of quality coral...