Projects: Fisheries and Aquaculture

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Culture of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Freshwater prawn broodstock was introduced in 1972 from Hawaii. Since 2002, the hatchery at the Albion Fisheries Research Centre (AFRC) undertakes the production of juveniles to supply the medium and small-scale farmers around the island. Fresh water prawn juveniles are available from December to April at the Albion Fisheries Research Centre and are sold on a unit basis.

Culture of berri rouge (Oreochromis sp.)

The red tilapia hybrid was introduced from Malaysia in 1990. Reproduction occurs naturally in the ponds and the fingerlings obtained are supplied to fish farmers on a unit cost basis.

Marine Ranching

Marine ranching is a process whereby seeds of desired species of marine animals are produced, reared and released in the sea to enhance the natural population for their eventual capture at marketable size by the local fishers. Environmental degradation and overfishing have caused several of the world fisheries to decline.  In order to meet the shortfall, marine ranching has been used in several countries to sustain continued production from the marine environment. The Ministry has embarked on a marine ranching programme, since 1997, whereby fish species are being produced at the Albion Fisheries Research Centre for release at selected sites in the lagoon to increase the stock potential. Species targeted for marine ranching are mud crab (Scylla serrata), Silver Seabream (Rhabdosargus sarba), Sea urchin (Tripneustes gratilla), Sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) and Marine shrimp (Penaeus monodon). 

Live feed production

Pure strains of phytoplankton namely Nannochloropsis sp., Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Chaetoceros gracilis are maintained under controlled laboratory conditions all year round. Their mass cultures are undertaken in outdoor tanks as and when required. Zooplankton namely, Brachionus plicatilis, is also maintained under controlled conditions and mass culture is undertaken for sea bream culture.  Additional information may also be accessed on  Aquaculture Division.

NEREUS Project

This space-based maritime surveillance system, a collaboration between the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) and the Surrey Space Centre, addresses IUU fishing using satellite data and machine learning. The project aims to quantify illegal fishing activities within Mauritius' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and marine protected areas (MPAs), assisting the government in prosecuting offenders and contributing to the restoration of marine life.

Mauritius ECOFISH Project

This project, implemented by the UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries, and Shipping, aims to support sustainable artisanal fishing. The project includes the installation of modern Fish Aggregating Devices, training for young people and women in post-harvest processing, and upgrading fish landing stations. It also seeks to shift fishing efforts from lagoon areas to the high seas to relieve pressure on over-exploited lagoons.

SmartFish Project

Managed by the Indian Ocean Commission and co-implemented by the FAO, this initiative promotes sustainable aquaculture through cage culture. The project focuses on training fishers in cage culture at Poste de Flacq and Quatre Soeurs to diversify income sources for artisanal fishers, encouraging them to become fish farmers. The AFRC (Albion Fisheries Research Centre) provides fish juveniles and technical assistance.

Fishermen Investment Trust (FIT) Cage Culture Initiative

This initiative under the SmartFish Project focuses on small-scale fish farming, particularly cage culture at sea, to reduce pressure on traditional fishing grounds. It aims to create alternative income streams for fishers by helping them transition to aquaculture