Mauritian fishermen seek new horizons

Local fishermen are hoping to cash in on the potential of the island’s Exclusive Economic Zone of more than two million square kilometres.

But that will mean getting out of the lagoons and fishing on the Banks. And for that, larger boats and more training will be vital.

This prospect has come a step closer after three weeks of talks between the Association of Fishermen of Mauritius and the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues.

The association made about 30 recommendations to the ministry and are said to be quite happy with the way the talks are proceeding.

Association president Judex Rampaul says that the main problem with the fishing industry in Mauritius today is a lack of innovation and professionalism.

According to ministry figures, there were 1,443 registered fishing boats of less than 12 metres length engaged solely in artisanal fishing in 2010. These fishing boats mainly work in the lagoons and a few miles offshore.

There are also 36 local fishing boats of between 12 and 24 metres which are registered with the ministry. Bigger fishing boats, there are 11, are registered with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport and Shipping. The last two categories can fish on the Banks.

According to Mr Rampaul, Mauritius is lagging way behind in its efforts to make the majority of fishermen more professional. “The whole country has seen a transformation. We have come from a monocrop economy to a multi-sector economy. There have been major improvements in various sectors of the economy and in the social lifestyle of the inhabitants.

“However, the fishing industry has remained mainly artisanal,” he says. It is now time for Mauritian fishermen to look beyond the lagoons. “The lagoons are depleted. We have to go to the Banks now,” insists the fishermen’s leader.

“We need to find new ways of fishing.” He reveals that one of the recommendations of the association is training for fisherman to enable them to be able to fish on the Banks.

Mr Rampaul explains that with the appropriate training, fishermen who presently operate pirogues can pool their efforts and buy bigger boats. “Of course, this implies financial aid from the government as it would be very difficult for fishermen to start on their own.”

Mr Rampaul concludes that they are very thankful to the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues for the talks, adding. “However, we expect to get the results soon.”

By Nilen Kattany