Mauritius: The Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Sudheer Maudhoo, participated in a series of activities this week during his visit to Rodrigues.
During his visit to Pointe Monnier, a handing over ceremony was held at La Maison des Pêcheurs, whereby Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) were handed over, and Certificate of Awards were remitted to 20 beneficiaries of Schemes for Assistance to off-lagoon fishers whilst Fishers and Vessel Operators received certificates of ‘Safety at Sea’.
In addition, Minister Sudheer Maudhoo had a meeting with Rodrigues’ Commissioner of Fisheries, Louis Ange Perrine, during which a presentation of selected research activities undertaken by the Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) was made, followed by a roundtable discussion on the research activities that the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping can collaborate on jointly with the Rodrigues’ Commission for Agriculture.
Moreover, various equipment, including 100 Life Jackets and other gear for fishers, were remitted to the Commissioner by the Minister. A Bailer’s kit and an ice box were also handed over to fishers. The Fisheries Protection Service at Petite Butte Fisheries Post received a set of binoculars, torches, measuring tape and a canvas frame ‘La Pêche Miraculeuse’.
Besides, Minister Maudhoo visited the Coral Nursery at Mourouk on the margins of his visit to Rodrigues and remitted an award to the sole female Fisheries Protection Officer in Rodrigues.
Other equipment was handed over by the Minister during his visit to Mourouk, as follows: 100 Life Jackets and other equipment for fishers were offered to Rodriguan Fishers at Port Sud-Est; Bailer’s kit and ice box to anglers; and a set of binoculars, torches, measuring tape and canvas frame ‘La Pêche Miraculeuse’ were handed over the Fisheries Protection Service at Port Sud-Est Fisheries Post.
Besides, the Minister visited the South East Marine Park Area, where the MOI presented the development of three new projects, including coral culture, community-based pearl oyster culture and algae culture.
Press conference
During a press conference on the final day of his visit, Minister Maudhoo said he had the opportunity to visit key fishing sites, fishers and other people involved in the industry. He indicated that various equipment, including life jackets, GPS and ice boxes, were remitted to fishers to facilitate their activities.
Besides, Maudhoo underlined the need for fishers to understand the importance of the regulations and laws elaborated by the Government regarding fishing activities and urged them to abide by them.
The Minister also reiterated the Government’s recognition of the contribution of farmers and fishermen, who play an important role in strengthening food security.
He pointed out that all Rodriguans who engage in fishing activities can obtain their Fishermen Registration Cards following a training dispensed by the Commission of Fisheries.
Furthermore, the Minister announced that an Expression of Interest to invite all those cooperatives in Rodrigues interested in engaging in semi-industrial fishing will be launched soon.