With an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 2.3 million km², Mauritius has a vast maritime area. However, some of its fish resources remain little exploited. The government wants to increase production from some 5,000 to 15,000 tonnes in three years. How and by what means?
The first step is for coastal fishermen. About 2,500 are currently registered, while lagoon resources are in high demand. The authorities therefore want to promote offshore outings, especially around fish aggregation devices, where the possibilities of capture are greater.
Some Rs 30 million have been mobilized with the support of international partners to support this transition. The sum should be used in particular to train fishermen and to strengthen their means of navigation. An aid of Rs 50,000 is also provided for the replacement of a defective or irreparable overboard motor.
For boats, the Canotte program remains the main aid device. Implemented with the Development Bank of Mauritius since 2015, it allows registered fishermen to acquire fiberglass boats of 7 to 12 meters. The state finances 50% of the cost of the boat and the engine, up to Rs 300,000.
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Since 2015, about 250 fishermen have benefited from subsidies representing some Rs 53 million. For 2026-27, Rs 24 million are planned to finance about 80 new Canottes. According to the ministry’s estimates, these boats could increase artisanal production by about 10%, currently estimated at some 800 tons. The semi-industrial segment is the second axis.
The fleet has 45 boats and produces about 1,400 tons of fish per year. The goal is to move to 65 ships by 2027. Twelve are already under construction and eight more are to be acquired during the 2027-28 financial year. For 2026-27, Rs 48 million are planned for this purpose.
With an estimated average catch of 42 tonnes per vessel per year, these eight vessels could represent an additional 840 tonnes. Each boat costs about Rs 12 million.
At the same time, the government wants to reactivate industrial fishing on the benches, interrupted in 2015. According to the Minister of Agro-industry, Arvin Boolell, about six boats operated there before, and brought in some 5,000 tons of fish. The recovery would go through the attraction of foreign direct investment and the registration of ships in Mauritius. Five boats could produce about 1,000 tonnes of bottom fish per year.
Tuna is another resource. Foreign ships are already disembarking about 10,000 tons in the port of Mauritius. The ministry plans to develop a national fleet of five semi-industrial longliners, with a potential of an additional 1,500 tonnes per year. Tax and regulatory incentives are being considered to attract investors.
Aquaculture, the air bubble
Accessory sockets could also be more landed in Mauritius. The ministry estimates that the volume of nearly 2,500 tonnes per year corresponding to 5% of the catches made by vessels operating in the EEZ. A revision of the rules should make it possible to bring local prices closer to those of international markets and encourage operators to land their catches in the country.
Aquaculture, for its part, must expand the available offer. Marine production reaches about 2,000 tons, but 90% is exported. The government wants to increase the share of the domestic market in order to have more fish without increasing the pressure on wildlife.
Two large-capacity hatcheries are under construction at the Albion Fisheries Research Center. The investment amounts to Rs 41 million. They must increase the production of juveniles for aquaculture activities and repopulation programmes.
The Barachois constitute another potential. Of the 21 registered in Mauritius, nine are entrusted to the ministry for fish activities. Three have already been awarded to private promoters for the breeding of sea cucumber, crabs and oysters. The other six remain available for new projects.
Abagold is part of the planned investments, with a production project of about 1,000 tons of « red drum », for an announced amount of Rs 300 million.
Better infrastructure
This activity will also require equipment adapted to the reception and processing of catches. The government is working on the concept of a new fishing port and integrated seafood processing centre. The project could include a fish market, cold rooms, ice factory, processing units, waste collection facilities, logistics services and an export terminal.
Finally, the development of the sector is accompanied by new requirements for ship tracking. The government has approved the Fisheries (Electronic Reporting Systems) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. In particular, they govern the use of electronic systems used to transmit capture data and to track authorized vessels. In the event of an anomaly or breakdown, the equipment must be repaired or replaced within 30 days, in a port approved by the ministry. The vessel will not be able to start or continue an exit until the device has been repaired and checked.
For a breakdown at sea, the Fisheries Monitoring Centre must be informed. A manual register must be kept and daily data transmitted by email to the department until the system is put back into service. The same equipment will also be able to transmit electronic reporting data and those relating to the position of the ship.
The new provisions should improve the reliability of the information collected and reduce the risk of manipulation of tracking systems. They must also help combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in Mauritian waters and in the Indian Ocean region. Sanctions have been removed from the regulations to align them with the Fisheries Act, which provides for more severe penalties.
Judex Ramphul, secretary of the Fishermen’s Union: « No lamer pe zere by the European Union »
Judex Ramphul says that the majority of imported fish are not intended for the local market. Thus, when we talk about imported fish, it is actually a large part that is redistributed and whose quality does not always meet the expectations of the local consumer. « We are lamer pe zere by the European Union. Lalwa lor nou lamer pe fer by European Union, » says Judex Ramphul. He insists on the need for awareness of the importance of local consumption.
Regarding aquaculture also raises questions. While the sector is presented as a priority, Judex Ramphul believes that the actions carried out on the ground do not live up to the ambitions displayed.
He cites several projects that, according to him, have not been completed or have been abandoned. « Eski or finn deza manz pwason akuakiltir dan Moris? Ena plas ban kiltir finn abandons kouma dan Bambous Virieux ek Grand-Gaube, » he says. He believes that a fundamental reflection is necessary in order to determine how to sustainably revive aquaculture production and, more broadly, strengthen the place of local fish on the Mauritian market. To this end, the entire import and distribution system should be redesigned, according to him.
For Kenzy Brunet, institutional strengthening is just as important
« If we do not take the necessary measures, we risk not having enough local fishermen within five years, » says Kenzy Brunet, Chief Operating Officer of the Mauritius Fishermen Cooperative Federation Ltd. It is urgent to put in place incentives for the next generation of this profession. Training is also fundamental.
Just like the strengthening of the institutions that accompany fishermen. According to Kenzy Brunet, the federation could be a true partner of the ministry and contribute to the implementation of a long-term strategy.
The increase in local production also requires the development of infrastructure and the fleet. The government could encourage the creation of a semi-industrial base and promote an increase in the number of boats, rethink port infrastructure and possible logistical challenges. Kenzy Brunet also recalls the potential of longline fishing. This sector has unfortunately declined in recent years for various reasons. However, several countries are interested in collaborating with Mauritius to revive and develop this fishing technique.
source : allafrica
