The implementation of an Electronic Reporting System (ERS) which will enable fishing vessels operating in accordance with the licence issued by the Ministry to report electronically of all their catches in high seas, is underway, said the Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Gilles Fabrice David, this morning in Albion.
He made this announcement in the wake of a joint site visit at the Albion Fisheries Centre with the EU delegation. The delegation comprised the Director of International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries of the European Commission (EC), Mr Fernando Andresen Guimares, and the Ambassador of the EU to the Republic of Mauritius and to the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Oskar Benedikt. The site visit is in line with the second Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) under the Sustainable Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Mauritius.
Junior Minister David commended the work undertaken by technical officers at the Albion Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) who are engaged in the monitoring of registered local and foreign fishing vessels through satellite-based tracking systems.
Speaking about the second JCM, he pointed out that the EU delegation and representatives in Mauritius have been able to review some 15 EU funded projects. The site visit at the Albion FMC and the Aquaculture Hatchery comprising freshwater prawn, mud crab, discus fish and marine shrimp feature on the list of EU projects, added Mr David.
While referring to the blue economy which is high on the agenda of Government, the Junior Minister pointed out that the EU is a historical and strategic partner for the Republic of Mauritius in the fisheries sector and in the development of the blue economy.
Mr David recalled that in December 2013, there was an Ocean Road Map which coincided with the first Fisheries Partnership Agreement which chalked out the framework for responsible fishing; sustainable exploitation of resources; prevention of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Mr Guimares pointed out that Mauritius is an important partner in fisheries in the Indian Ocean region. The EU, he added, looks forward to collaborating with Mauritius and provide continued funding for cutting-edge projects, with a view to giving a new impetus to the blue economy for the benefits of the people and the ecosystem. Mr Guimares also reaffirmed the commitment to working together for the long-term viability and sustainability of the tuna industry.
EU Ambassador Benedikt reiterated his dedication to fully supporting Mauritius in its endeavour to tap into the potential of aquaculture for an increased production of fish and to tackle illegal fishing.
Source : GIS Mauritius
