Aquaculture Projects worth MUR 1,7 Billion in Mauritius

Mauritius Aquaculture on the Boost

Investing in the aquaculture sector in Mauritius has been proved challenging and increasingly profitable during the past few years. The Potential for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in Mauritius has well been debated and several projects by private firms and individuals have been established. 

Opportunities in Aquaculture Development

Till date, the aquaculture sector in Mauritius is attracting promoters from around the world, mostly from China, South Africa and Madagascar. Last October 18, 2016, the Ferme Marine de Mahebourg (FMM), the pioneer in the development of large-scale commercial marine aquaculture in Mauritius signed 3 new concession agreements pertaining to the development of marine aquaculture. Click HERE to read more about this agreement. It is indeed encouraging to note that upon signing this agreement, FMM is expecting to create 250 additional jobs in the near future and doubling its fish production from currently 700 tonnes (per annum) to 1500 tonnes (per annum)

Signature of concession agreement of MUR 1,7 Billion
Photo Credit: Defi Plus

Shortcomings in Aquaculture Development

These deals will certainly pave the way for increased employability in Mauritius - developing big aquaculture farms and small-scale farms will give employment opportunities to smaller fishermen as well. However, few issues that trigger me which I consider as shortcomings of signing these big agreements with influential partners are:

> Youth Unemployment - the local universities including the University of Mauritius offers ocean related courses and every year hundred of graduates enter the unemployment market. I belong to the last cohort of aquaculture graduate from the University of Mauritius (2013), with only 3 out of 20 students having been able to grab an opportunity to have their (direct/indirect) hands-on experience in the aquaculture sector through private or parastatal bodies in Mauritius. This might not be a concern for the companies which are already making profits, but the issue of unemployment in the aquaculture sector is yet debated to be solved.

> Local Food Insecurity - Many local companies aim at exporting their products and services while on the other side Mauritius is a net food importer and many people do not have easy access and availability to good fish. The profit making is understood, but to me it is no logic.

> Lack of support to small-scale aquaculture - Support is mostly provided to large and well-established aquaculture farms. Small-scale aquaculture farmers either face governmental pressure to implement their projects or emerging or aspiring aquaculture farmers face lack/ improper financial/ technical support so that their project become a reality.

Much still needs to be done so that the island can prosper in aquaculture...