A Ministerial Declaration on the Plan Régional de Surveillance de Pêches (PRSP), as well as an Agreement on the administrative arrangement on the institutionalisation of the PRSP with the Indian Ocean Commission, was signed on Friday 02 May 2025 in Port-Louis.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell in the presence of the Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Gilles Fabrice David, and the Chargé de mission responsable, entre autres, des dossiers sur les pêches, Mr Marc Maminiaina.
In a statement following the signature ceremony, Minister Boolell highlighted the significance of this newly established agreement, which is supported by the European Commission through the ECOFISH Fund and the Indian Ocean Commission. The agreement outlines a regional surveillance plan aimed at addressing the pressing issue of illicit, unregulated, and illegal fishing.
Outlining the importance of this initiative for Mauritius being the fourth-largest exporter of processed tuna, the Minister called for collective efforts among regional nations, including non-member States like Somalia and Kenya. In light of Mauritius’ limited patrolling resources, he reassured that assistance is being provided through France (Reunion) and international partners including the United States, India, Australia, and the United Kingdom under the Quad framework.
Dr Boolell further elaborated that illegal fishing results in substantial financial losses estimated at over 15 billion dollars, impacting countries across the region. He underscored that the way forward has already been devised though it remains an ongoing process requiring continued efforts and surveillance is being enhanced through technological tools, such as transponders and satellite monitoring systems. On that score, Minister Boolell called for greater regional cooperation to protect and boost the fishing industry which plays a vital role in the blue economy.
Junior Minister David, in his remarks, stressed the importance of unity in confronting the challenge posed by illegal activities within the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. Describing these illicit activities as an invisible but active enemy, he recalled that the recently signed agreement goes beyond the five Indian Ocean islands namely, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, and Reunion and extends to coastal African States.
The agreement facilitates the pooling of human, technical, and financial resources across a collective maritime area of over 7 million square kilometres, with Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone covering approximately 2.3 million square kilometres. This collaborative effort aims to enhance regional surveillance, ensure food security, foster economic development, and protect marine biodiversity, Mr David said.
Source : GIS Mauritius
