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Value chain assessment of the artisanal fisheries: Mauritius

Year of publication 2012

Pages 84 p.

Author Sweenarain, S.

Publisher FAO/IOC ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Series number SF/2012/8

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) This study was commissioned by the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues of Mauritius and executed by the Implementation of Regional Fisheries Strategies for the ESA-OI under the aegis of the Indian Ocean Commission funded by the European Union. Its principal objective is to carry out a value chain analysis of the artisanal fisheries sub-sector in Mauritius to assess the economic performance of its production functions and marketing channels. Based on the findings, recommendations are made to enha nce overall efficiencies in the artisanal fisheries while taking into account the social and ecological implications. Actually the artisanal fisheries are the main suppliers of fresh fish to the local markets with an annual production of 830 metric tonnes. As of 2010 there were 1,620 registered fishers, 1,605 fishing boats and 400 active fishmongers in the sub-sector. The targeted fish stocks have attained their MSY. The CPFD is at 6.4 kg over the past 3 years. The MOFR provides a plethora of in centives to divert fishing efforts from the lagoon to off-lagoon deep-sea FAD and demersal fisheries in order to relieve fishing pressure in the lagoon. There are 60 Fish Landing Stations (FLS) around Mauritius that serve as operational base to the coastal fishing fleet. They are mandated for unloading of fish, data collection and primary sale of fish. In the early 70’s they were conceived to provide basic facilities for cleaning, sorting and marketing of fish. Actually most of them have outlive d their purposes and are out of use. The decline of the Local Fishing Community (LFS) has had a negative impact on the development and management of the coastal fisheries and the organisation of the LFC. Efforts are being made by the Ministry to rehabilitate the FLS network around the island in consultation with the LFC. A major concern for the artisanal fisheries is the absence of a food safety and quality standard along the supply chain, from capture to consumption. Preservation of fish on boa rd is rudimentary or non-existent. Flake Ice is not available around the island particularly at the FLS. Traditional boats are not equipped with fish holds and ice is simply not used.

Language English

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