Using data over the period 1966-2008, this paper investigates the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis for Mauritius. The conventional inverted-U EKC is not found, instead a long-run quadratic relation implying higher carbon emission as a result of economic growth since the early 1980s is uncovered. The estimated cointegrating equation is used to derive projections for carbon emission up to 2014. These projections may potentially act as benchmarks in assessing the near-term effectiveness of the MID project in reducing carbon emission in Mauritius. In the longer-term however, the MID project should reverse the rising trend in emission without compromising output growth to be considered effective. For this to happen, the authorities should provide incentives to economic agents for the adoption of green technologies. If incentives do not prove effective, the legislation should be amended and toughened accordingly.

Purpose: This study investigates whether higher catch rates near a marine protected area (MPA), and/or in other fishing areas within a choice set, attract more fishers. A survey conducted in the fishing grounds near an MPA located in south east of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean shows concentration of fishers in regions with lower catch rates. This contrasts with the predictions of the “fishing the line” hypothesis and the ideal free distribution (IFD) that fishers are likely to be attracted near the MPA with higher resource abundance.Design/methodology/approach: Using the random utility model as the framework and the random parameter logit (RPL) model, the study attempts to explain spatial behaviour of fishers. Expected catch and catch variability are modelled using the Just and Pope (JP) production function. The study also estimates effort elasticities with respect to expected catch and catch variability and simulates the relocation of effort from area closure.Findings: The paper concludes that higher catch does attract fishers but is a partial and very restrictive explanation of fishers' behaviour. The “fishing the line” hypothesis does hold to some extent, but it should not be taken for granted that rising catch rates in adjacent waters will increase fishing pressure. The paper concludes that factors such as catch variability, distance from homeport to fishing ground, potential physical risk and attitudes towards risk of fishers affect spatial behaviour of fishers and should be considered for the placement and size of MPAs. The study also finds that the responsiveness of effort to catch rates is lowest in areas which are already heavily fished and easily accessible.Practical implications: The identification of fishing areas as complements (when fishing in one area increases fishing effort in another) and substitutes is valuable information for determining the placement and size of an MPA. A larger reserve is likely to have more displacement effect in this case than a smaller one. Therefore, a small or a network of a small reserve may be appropriate. The premise to select the site and size of the reserve is to avoid overconcentration of fishers in alternative fishing areas, which can be vulnerable to excessive fishing and unintended effects from fishers.Originality/value: The paper contributes to an understanding of fishing behaviour and its impact on the configuration of marine reserves. It discusses the importance of effort elasticities to determine the placement and size of an MPA. Studies on this topic are very scanty in the Indian Ocean region. It also shows the application of location choice model, the RPL model and the JP production function in the fisheries sector for a small island.

In recent decades, narratives about the sustainable ocean economy and the blue economy have gained prominence. However, these terms remain fluid, reflecting the unprecedented scale and scope of ocean-related economic activities. Despite this ambiguity, the sustainable ocean economy (SOE) has received significant attention for its role in boosting national accounts and supporting development. The relevance of the SOE for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs) is evident. Through three case studies – two from SIDS and one from an LDC – we illustrate the current realities of implementing the SOE. This chapter delves further into the challenges and opportunities for SIDS and LDCs in tackling pressing ocean issues. It focuses on the status and progress towards achieving target 14.7 and other related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly concerning the sustainable use of marine resources, including fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, and the resulting economic benefits. This chapter examines the challenges and opportunities these nations face in addressing critical ocean issues and how the SOE contributes to achieving the SDGs.