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Fish Consumption Survey - Mauritius

GCP/RAF/466/EC SmartFish Project

Year of publication 2013

Pages 85 p.

Publisher FAO/IOC ;

Product type Book (series)

Series title SmartFish-FAO Report

Series number SF-FAO/2013/30

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Very little is known about the habits of fish consumers in Mauritius. In this context and with assistance from the EU through the IOC FAO/SmartFish programme, a fish consumption survey was conducted to provide an insight into the habits of Mauritian fish consumers. This involved interviewing one thousand respondents in 21 localities around Mauritius. The enumerators worked in teams of two and interviewed consumers at various sites around the island. Respondents were from both rural1 and urban ar eas. The results give an excellent snapshot of fish consumption habits in Mauritius. Analysis of the results shows a per capita consumption of fresh and frozen fish of 23.1 kg/year and per capita consumption of other fishery products of 16.8 kg/year. Hence, Mauritians consume some 40 kg of fish and other fishery products annually. It has to be noted that non-consumers/vegetarians were excluded from these calculations. The official figures from Statistics Mauritius indicate a per capita consumpti on of 21 kg/year in 2011, similar to FAO statistics. The study shows that culinary habits with regards to fish have changed very little over the years with Mauritians preferring fish curries both in rural and urban areas. Fresh fish is preferred though frozen fish is also consumed. People in Mauritius prefer to eat whole fresh fish; however this is slowly changing towards ready cleaned and packed frozen products. The study revealed that 88 percent of respondents preferred local fish rather than imported fish and one of the reasons given for those preferring imported fish (12 percent of the respondents) is a perceived better quality (42.1 percent). One of the main reasons for not buying and consuming fish or other fishery products is associated to religious beliefs (e.g. many Hindus do not consume fish or meat). Many respondents were quite knowledgeable with regards to fish quality, though quite a number of people interviewed failed to give correct responses. However, there appears to b e a general lack of awareness amongst the general public as to the existence of Omega 3 & 6 in fish. Sixty-two percent of respondents are also keen to try new products such as fish sausages. People from the rural coastal areas are greater consumers of the Cordonnier (rabbit fish or Siganus sutor), probably due to the better availability of the fish in those areas. Interestingly, it was also noted that perceptions and some oral traditions are still predominant within the society e.g. hallucinatio ns caused from eating the Cordonnier. These need to be addressed through awareness campaigns, if Cordonnier aquaculture is to be promoted.

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