Visitors Rules & Regulations

Strictly respect birds and their habitats

Saint Brandon is a natural bird and turtle sanctuary. Visitors are obliged to respect all bird habitats on the entire Archipelago.

There are numerous threats to birds, and the need for protection is imperative. Fishermen in Saint Brandon can unwittingly disturb birds in their nesting or roosting sites through loud noises, chemicals, excessive light, and other stresses.

Fishermen are never to land on any island with colonies of Roseate Tern (e.g. ‘Petit IDS’, ‘Veronge’ ‘Zozo Posé’). Roseate Tern chicks are very ‘skittish’ and, if disturbed, will run into the sea and often drown.

We also ask our fishermen to scan the surrounding sky, land, and water before casting to keep seabirds from crossing their line or stealing their bait. Also, using barbless fishing hooks, artificial lures and weighted fishing lines to avoid hooking seabirds.  It is essential for all to recycle or dispose of fishing hooks and lines in a responsible manner and keep the sea free of debris.

Abide by catch-and-release regulations

When fishing for limited self-consumption, fishermen must always do so outside the lagoons. The lagoons are critical breeding grounds for the Archipelago. Ensure never to damage the coral reef when fishing.

Catch-and-release fishing, even when the fish is of an appropriate size, is also a great way to enjoy the thrill of fishing while allowing the fish to continue to live and breed, making it easier to sustain strong population numbers of the species in that area.

Use environmentally friendly tackle

For many years, lead was commonly used in fishing tackle. However, this is not an environmentally friendly option—an overabundance of lead in the water can result in poisoning fish and other animals. Instead of using lead jigs and sinkers, we encourage fishermen who visit the 13 islands of Saint Brandon to use fishing equipment that has been designed to be environmentally friendly and will not cause any harm to animals in the area. Generally, these will either be made of steel or tin pieces. You can also purchase biodegradable fishing lines.

Identify Crayfish for size and females

Enough crayfish for a meal can be caught on the condition that sustainable practices are followed.

The first step towards sustainable crayfishing is the identification of crayfish so that small specimens are not caught. This helps to keep lobsters reproducing.

Strictly no females with eggs are to be kept. Visitors must therefore be diligent with the identification of crayfish as no females with eggs (“in berry”) may be kept.

Please be very cautious when catching crayfish as it is only once handled that the gender can be ascertained. It is of critical importance to return female lobsters to the ocean for reproduction to continue.

Using artificial lights to catch crayfish (or any other type of fish) is illegal in Mauritius and must be reported. Immediately contact the National Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 and therafter on VC VHF Channel 22.

Ensure not to damage the coral reef when cray fishing.

Stay far away from Turtles

Sea turtles face many challenges, making them some of the most vulnerable of all endangered animals.  They’ve been around for millions of years, forging their place in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Visitors must keep as far away as possible from turtles on land or in the water.

Marine turtles are protected species in the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act 2007 of the Republic of Mauritius. The “Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species” (CITES) controls international trade in endangered and threatened species. Sea turtles are covered under Appendix I of this agreement

Immediately report anyone interfering with turtles by contacting the National Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 and therafter on VHF Channel 22. Alternatively, contact eco-protection@stbrandon.com

No Shark fishing

Under the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Conservation of Sharks) Regulations 2021 of the Republic of Mauritius, shark fishing is illegal. If a shark is accidentally caught, it must be released with the greatest care.

If caught by mistake, proper handling increases the chance that the shark will survive the release. The internal organs of many species of shark are loosely held in place by connective tissue. In the water, these organs are supported, but if the shark is lifted by the tail, the tissue may tear, causing damage to the organs.

• Leave the shark in the water if possible. If that isn’t possible, minimize the time the fish is out of the water
• If possible, keep the fish from thrashing without using a net
• Do not place on a hot surface, place on a wet towel if possible
• Use a wet rag or glove, or wet hands before handling fish
• Cover the fish’s eyes to calm it
• Don’t put your fingers in the eyes or gills
• Using pliers, remove the hook by backing it out the way it went in
• If the fish is hooked deeply, cut the leader as close to the hook as possible

Report anyone involved in Shark ‘finning’ or storing shark fins on eco-protection@stbrandon.com.

No Molluscs or Seashell picking

Under the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act of the Republic of Mauritius, it is an offence to take marine molluscs from maritime zones.

Report anyone appearing to interfere with marine molluscs by contacting us at eco-protection@stbrandon.com.

Seashells are an important part of coastal ecosystems: they provide materials for birds’ nests, a home or attachment surface for algae, sea grass, sponges and a host of other microorganisms. Fish use them to hide from predators, and hermit crabs use them as temporary shelters. The removal of shells from beaches could damage ecosystems and endanger organisms that rely on shells for their survival, and is therefore prohibited.

Taking out a boat

If you are planning to take a boat out fishing, you should make sure you follow all of the rules and regulations associated with the use of those boats in specific habitats and areas. These rules are in place to protect nesting birds and other animals. If in doubt, consult our staff.

Always anchor responsibly

If you need to put your anchor down, always ensure to avoid any corals or coral reefs by setting down on an appropriate area of loose sand.

Also, under the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act of the Republic of Mauritius, coral cannot be taken from any maritime zone of Mauritius, without a license.

Absolutely no Spearfishing

Spearguns and spearfishing are strictly illegal under The Fisheries and Marine Resources Act of the Republic of Mauritius.

Report illegal spearfishing activity by immediately contacting the National Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 and therafter on VHF Channel 22. Contact us at eco- protection@stbrandon.com.

Dispose of waste responsibly

Before departing Mauritius, organise and be ready to hold, secure and return ALL your own waste & garbage back to Mauritius. Make sure you’re conscious of what you do with any waste you create.

As environmentally conscious visitors to Saint Brandon, there are many ways you can help keep the Archipelago clean and prevent debris from entering the ocean.

• Buy products you will use in Saint Brandon in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging you need to discard.
• Remove packaging from products before you carry them onto the boat.
• Use silicone storage bags, canvas bags and other reusables to replace disposable items.

If you see any person, vessel or yacht involved in dumping on the islands or in the sea, immediately contact the National Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 and therafter on VHF Channel 22 or contact the Company by emailing us at eco-protection@stbrandon.com as soon as you can, and we will act, on your behalf.

Report suspected Illegal activities

If you suspect any fisherman, boat or yacht to be involved in some form of illegal activity, trespassing and/ or not respecting the above regulations, please immediately contact the National Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 and therafter on VHF Channel 22 or contact the Company by emailing us at eco-protection@stbrandon.com.

Invasive Animal Species Procedures

Our Invasive Animal Species procedures and instructions provided by the Saint Brandon Conservation Trust will ensure that your impact on the archipelago is mitigated. The Saint Brandon Conservation Trust will assist you in this matter and fully explain the procedures.