The government is mulling sustainable mariculture and aquaculture as a next step to its commitment to the ecology.
This is heartening coming just days before the World Environment Day being celebrated worldwide on June 5.
“Mauritius is positioning itself as a hot spot for eco-friendly investment for people interested in sustainable mariculture and aquaculture,” said an officer of the Ministry of Environment.
According to him, market research findings conclude that there is an expected annual production of up to 35,000 tons of fish.
In a test marketing basis, sea bream fish and rabbit fish have successfully been produced on a relatively commercial dimension.
“The strategy underpinning the aquaculture industry, such as Eco Green Branding, will be encouraged to aim at value-added farming,” he said.
He added that the government is working towards a unique and internationally recognised brand for fish farmed in a sustainable way in Mauritian waters.
The masterplan report states six fish farming sites have been identified in the south-eastern lagoon of the country.
Fish such as red drum, cordonnier and Cobia have been recommended due to their fast rate of growth and high price.
The government has taken a series of measures in the budget to sustain a ‘Green Mauritius’, namely improving energy efficiency, energy-efficient buildings, shifting to solar energy, setting up wind farms, and eco villages project among others.
Maurice Ile Durable (MID) was announced by the Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam as a long-term vision aimed at promoting sustainable development.
The minister of Environment Deva Virahsawmy said, “We want the government, the private sector, the forces, NGOs and funding agencies to work together as one team. MID is a project for all Mauritians. It will help the country cope in difficult times."