The following key players collectively contribute to the robustness and sustainability of Mauritius’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, each playing a pivotal role in its growth and regulation. Their interactions ensure that the sector remains economically viable while also prioritizing environmental and social responsibilities.
Government Ministries and Agencies
Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries: Oversees the regulation and development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Fisheries Protection Service (FPS): Manages the enforcement of fishing regulations and marine conservation efforts.
Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI): Conducts research and development activities related to marine sciences, supporting sustainable fisheries management.
Fisheries Training and Extension Centre: The Fisheries Training and Extension Centre (FiTEC) situated at Pointe aux Sables was set up through a grant from the Government of Japan to provide additional facilities for the development of off lagoon fishing and training of fishermen.
Competent Authority Seafood: The Competent Authority Seafood is a public body under the aegis of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries and is responsible for the verification and certification of fish and fish products for export primarily to Member States of the European Union (EU) as well as to non-EU countries.
Commercial Enterprises
Aquaculture Farms: These include both small-scale and commercial farms engaging in the cultivation of marine and freshwater species.
Fish Processing Companies: These facilities handle the processing of fish for local consumption and export, adhering to international standards to maintain market competitiveness.
Cooperatives and Associations
Fishermen's Cooperatives: These groups represent the interests of local fishermen, providing support and advocacy for sustainable practices and economic assistance.
Albion Fisheries Research Centre
The Albion Fisheries Research Centre (AFRC) was constructed, with the assistance of the Government of Japan under a Grant Aid Project in three phases between 1981, 1987 and 1995, to cope with the increasing number of projects being implemented, and has been operational since June 1982 to date.
The AFRC has a total floor area of 3400 m2 comprising administrative/research/laboratories/hatchery blocks and outdoor rearing facilities of about 18 000 m2 including a set of out-door ponds. A Fisheries Monitoring Centre has been set up at AFRC to track movement of fishing vessels in the EEZ of Mauritius through a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). The VMS is linked to two other workstations located at the National Coast Guard Headquarters in Port Louis and at the Maritime Air Squadron in Plaisance.
The AFRC is the Technical arm of the Ministry and various projects and services are implemented through the following Divisions/Units:
(i) Aquaculture Division ;
(ii) Marine Resources Division;
(iii) Marine Conservation Division ;
(iv) Marine Science Division ; and
(v) Laboratories DivisionResearch and Educational Institutions
University of Mauritius: Offers programs and conducts research related to marine biology, environmental science, and related fields that support the development of the sector.
Mauritius Research and Innovation Council: Funds and supports research projects aimed at innovating and improving practices within fisheries and aquaculture.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Environmental and Marine Conservation NGOs: These organizations work on projects and advocacy related to the sustainability of marine resources and the protection of marine biodiversity.
Financial Institutions
Development Banks and Investment Firms: Provide financing and investment for aquaculture projects and infrastructure development, essential for sector growth.
