The objective of the Mauritius Ocean Observatory E-platform(E-platform) is to centralise data pertaining to the maritime zones of the Republic of Mauritius to facilitate data discovery and data sharing between researchers, partners and users involved in management, policy and planning. It is built using GeoNode open-source geospatial content management system
Data management tools built into the E-platform allow for integrated creation of data, metadata, and map visualizations. Each dataset in the system can be shared publicly or restricted to allow access to only specific users. Communication tools on the E-platform enable users and data providers to interact among themselves and thereby facilitate the access and usability of data.
The E-platform also serves as a platform to provide access to cruise reports and data collected during research cruises that have been approved under the Maritime Zones (Conduct of Marine Scientific Research) Regulations 2017. The E-platform thereby ensures the dissemination and flow of scientific data and information resulting from marine scientific research as stipulated under Article 244 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Department for Continental Shelf, Maritime Zones Administration & Exploration (CSMZAE) has been mandated to host the National Oceanographic Data Centre (NODC) of the Republic of Mauritius under the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) programme of IOC-UNESCO in November 2023. In line with the mission of an NODC, the E-platform will provide access and stewardship for the national resource of oceanographic data.
The Department for Continental Shelf, Maritime Zones Administration & Exploration (CSMZAE) operates under the aegis of the Prime Minister’s Office (Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity). Its mission is primarily to ensure the effective management of the maritime zones of the Republic of Mauritius and to delineate and establish its maritime zones in accordance with international laws and conventions. The CSMZAE is responsible for the formulation of policies in ocean affairs and for the establishment of legal and regulatory frameworks governing the sustainable management of the non-living resources in the maritime zones.
Its main objectives are, inter alia, to ensure orderly, safe and rational management of non-living ocean resources including the seabed area and the underlying sub-soil; ascertain sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting our non-living ocean resources; carry out the delimitation of our maritime boundary as provided for, under international conventions; develop regulatory and operational frameworks to enable exploration and exploitation activities in our maritime zones and oversee upstream activities of any petroleum sector; rationalise and harmonise all ocean-resources related matters; regulate marine scientific research; and contribute to energy security and maritime safety. The CSMZAE also has the responsibility of preparing submissions regarding the extended continental shelf of the Republic of Mauritius to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
The CSMZAE has been mandated to elaborate the Marine Spatial Plan for the Exclusive Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Mauritius in view of the increasing demand for marine space in the EEZ for various purposes, particularly, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism and leisure.
For more information, please see https://csmzae.govmu.org/SitePages/Index.aspx.
The Department for Continental Shelf, Maritime Zones Administration & Exploration (CSMZAE) wishes to acknowledge the support of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and expertise of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of Australia and GISCAN Ltd in developing the Mauritius Ocean Observatory E-platform.