Mauritius – Government steps up support for safer, sustainable fishing
As part of Government’s budgetary measures to support the fishing community, some 725 fishers received first aid kits and ice boxes, while 17 others were provided with personal locator beacons during symbolic handing-over ceremonies held yesterday at the Village Halls of Bambous Virieux and Mahebourg.
The equipment is intended to enhance fishers’ safety and preparedness and enable a more effective response to emergencies at sea. With 2,483 registered fishers, including 149 women, Mauritius’ fishing community is set to benefit from a nationwide distribution programme covering all 14 fisheries posts, ensuring that every registered fisher receives a first aid kit.
The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Dhananjay Ramful; the Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Gilles Fabrice David, the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram, Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Gilbert Tony Apollon as well as Members of Parliament attended the ceremonies.
In his address, Minister Boolell highlighted the vast potential of the blue economy and encouraged fishers to tap into sea-based opportunities to diversify their activities, grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
He underscored Government’s collaboration with the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme through initiatives such as AfriSIDS and ECOFISH, noting that Rs 30 million has been secured to support fishers in moving from overfished lagoon waters towards sustainable offshore fishing.
The initiatives, he underlined will provide training in the use of modern fish aggregating devices and support the expansion of the semi-industrial fishing fleet. This will enable Mauritian fishers to venture beyond the lagoon into more productive fishing grounds, increase their catch and contribute to the country’s food security, he said.
Minister Boolell indicated that Government is providing a range of facilities to support and protect the fishing community, including financial assistance for the acquisition of larger canottes and support for the installation of solar energy systems on fishing boats.
Minister Ramful, for his part, stated that Government aims to triple fish production from 5,000 tonnes to 15,000 tonnes, while placing greater emphasis on supporting and empowering artisanal fishers. Reaffirming Government’s commitment to their welfare, he highlighted the increase in the pension for retired artisanal fishers from Rs 52,000 to Rs 200,000, as well as financial assistance of Rs 300,000 for cooperative societies engaged in fishing activities.
Junior Minister David highlighted that Government is providing a one-off grant of Rs 50,000 to registered fishers for the replacement of broken or irreparable outboard motors, alongside loan facilities available through the Development Bank of Mauritius. He further indicated that fishers will receive first-aid training to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to emergencies at sea.
Source : GIS Mauritius
