Increasing Marine Farms

To ensure the success of this project, the Department has indicated its intention to combine some 4000 fishermen of Mauritius and Rodrigues to create cooperative societies. The final project will be similar to the marine farm Mahebourg.

Several sites have been identified across the country to launch this project which initially help fishermen to earn a better living, meet consumer demand for local consumption, reduce the import of seafood and provide the tourism industry of good quality products.

The project of the Ministry of Fisheries goes further. Besides fishermen, individuals and investors are invited to participate in this comprehensive development program. Three pilot projects have already started in Trou d'Eau Douce in Grand Gaube and Rodrigues. Other locations have been identified to continue this project. From one account, Grand Baie, Trou-aux-Biches, Tamarins, among others.

Budget of Rs 10 million proposed for marine farms

The Ministry of Fisheries has budgeted a sum of Rs 10 million to launch a first step this ambitious project.

Interviewed by The Morning Sunday, the Minister of Fisheries Nicolas Von Mally, said the Mauritian waters teeming with extraordinary potential in terms of exploitation of seafood government's ultimate goal is to create a State ocean and we start initially with the proposed creation of marine farms.

This project should not forget also be beneficial to companies operating in the sector produces food for fish farming. Employment will be saved in this sector, said the Minister of Fisheries.

Nicolas Von Mally should also add that this project is likely to maintain the supply of seafood at the local market in case of bad weather.

"I see there is already a craze for fishermen gather to participate fully in the development project. I encourage other fishermen in the country to enter the field. This is certainly an area that is encouraged by FAO to develop. You should know that 50% of the consumption of fish in the world come from fish farms, "said the Minister of Fisheries.

Nicolas Von Mally was noted that when fishermen gather, the ministry with the help of the Research Center of Albion, helps those who engage in the area, he said. According to him, such a project will also allow our marine resources to regenerate while protecting the environment.