The need to decentralise the fishing sector, boost local production and improve training opportunities were the three key themes that emerged from the pre-budget consultative meeting held with representatives of Fishermen Cooperatives and Associations, yesterday afternoon, in Port Louis.
The Junior Minister of Finance, Mr Dhaneshwar Damry, who chaired the session, emphasised that the fishing sector holds great potential for Mauritius. He indicated despite the fact that while the country benefits from a vast maritime zone of 2.3 million square kilometres, around Rs 12 billion worth of fish and seafood are to be imported each year.
According to him, this situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Drawing a parallel with India, he noted how its larger sea space contributes significantly to its economy. He further stressed the importance of collaborating with local fishing groups to devise practical proposals. On this note, Mr Damry underlined that a decentralised approach would enhance economic benefits and increase local seafood production.
For his part, the President of the Syndicat des Pêcheurs, Mr Judex Ramphul, stated that a proposal put forth for the forthcoming budget pertains to promoting decentralised and participatory governance in the fishing sector. This, he said, would improve efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. He also highlighted the need to streamline procedures, such as boat licensing, which can take up to two years.
Mr Ramphul also spoke of the need to provide adequate training for fishers. With Government’s support, more local fishermen could be trained thus reducing the need for foreign labour and strengthening the sustainability of the sector, he added.
Representatives of Fishermen Cooperatives and Associations present at the meeting include: Association des Pêcheurs de Roche Noires; Association des Pêcheurs Professionnel de Trou Fanfaron; Association of Fishermen of Pamplemousses; Des Anges Coop Sty; Le Migrateur Offshore Fishing Cooperative Society Ltd; Le Morne BT/ L Fishermen Coop Sty Tamarin; Med Fishing Coop Sty; New Grand Gaube Coop Sty; Notre Dames de Banneaux Coop Sty; Organisation des Pêcheurs Professionnel de Sud-Sud-Ouest; Quartier Ville Noire Coop Sty; Riambel Large Net Coop Sty; St Louis Fishermen Coop Sty; Syndicat des Pêcheurs; Société Coopérative de Pêcheurs Réunis; Whale Offshore Fishing Co-operative Society Ltd; and Wave Runner Offshore Cooperative Society Limited.
Source : GIS Mauritius
