The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell, held an interactive session with fishermen at the Albion public beach, today, to better understand the challenges they are currently facing and to explore effective solutions.
The meeting aims to provide a platform for open dialogue between the Government and fishermen, with discussions focusing on appropriate support measures and sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.
In a statement, Minister Boolell recalled that the fishing industry plays a vital role in our food security and the blue economy. “We are committed to working closely with our fishermen to find practical solutions and build a more resilient future”, he added.
Dr Boolell highlighted several pressing issues raised by the fishermen. One of them is the absence of Fisheries Protection Officers at some Fish Landing Stations who are responsible, amongst others, for accurately measuring the daily catch of fishermen. He also expressed concern over the use of fishing traps, known as “casiers”, which pose a threat to marine biodiversity by capturing undersized fish.
Another issue brought to light was the obstruction of traditional fishing zones or “la passe”, as well as a general lack of adequate fisheries protection in the area. Minister Boolell took note of these concerns and assured the fishermen community that the Government is committed to strengthening surveillance and enforcement mechanisms.
“I commend the fishermen for their deep respect for the sea. It is vital to ensure their safety, and we will look into the provision of new life jackets when existing ones are damaged”, he said.
Minister Boolell also encouraged fishermen to venture beyond the lagoon using their traditional boats — “canottes” and “radeaux” — as part of sustainable fishing practices. He underscored the importance of protecting marine resources, especially in light of the UN Ocean Conference being held in Nice, France.
“As Mauritius advances toward becoming an Ocean State, our fishermen play a key role in safeguarding the marine environment,” he added.
The Minister confirmed that a follow-up working session with the fishermen will be scheduled shortly, emphasising the importance of a participative approach to ensure that practical, timely solutions are implemented.
“This collaborative dialogue is essential if we are to address these challenges effectively and support the long-term sustainability of our fisheries sector,” he concluded.
Following his interaction with the fishermen, Minister Boolell conducted site visits at the Albion Fisheries Research Centre and the Mauritius Oceanography Institute. These visits provided him the opportunity to assess ongoing scientific work and research capacities in support of sustainable fisheries management and marine biodiversity protection.
Source : GIS Mauritius
