Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project Funded by the European Union Page [71] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project Funded by the European Union Page [72] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Annex 6: Technical outputs Annex 6 a) Draft Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project Funded by the European Union Page [77] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project Funded by the European Union Page [78] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

FISHERIES MASTER PLAN FOR MAURITIUS – DRAFT

1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The preparation of this Master Plan, which is designed to guide the further development of the seafood sector in Mauritius for the next decade, would not have been possible without the generous contribution of time from a large number of people in both the private and public sectors in Mauritius, from NGOs and from external organisations.

In particular, Mr. D. Mauree, the Director of Fisheries and the co-ordinator for the Master Plan project also took the time away from his very busy schedule to provide direction and advice. Also, Mr. P. Neermul, Scientific Officer and the Mauritian project joint co-ordinator for the Master Plan project was invaluable in arranging meetings and other logistical support and other officers of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues greatly assisted in the project by making time to meet and discuss the various issues. Without them the Master Plan as a realistic planning document would not have been possible.

Gary Morgan

Port Louis May 2011

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2. LIST OF ACRONYMS ACRONYM NAME

Albion FRC Albion Fisheries Research Centre CA Competent Authority CBO Community Based Organization DG SANCO European Commission Food and Veterinary Office of the Directorate-General of Health and Consumers Affairs EC European Commission EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FIT Fisheries Investment Trust FiTEC Fisheries Training & Extension Centre FMPM Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius ICBD International Convention on Biological Diversity IFAD International Fund for Agriculture Development IOTC Indian Ocean Tuna Commission IPOA International Plan of Action IUU fishing Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing MOI Mauritius Oceanographic Institute MRC Mauritius Research Council MSC Marine Stewardship Council MIP European Commission Multi-annual Indicative Program MFR Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues NGO Non-Government Organization RRA Rodrigues Regional Assembly SIDPR Strategic Integrated development Plan for Rodrigues SIOFA Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement SWIOFC South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission UNCLOS United nations Convention on the Law of the Sea WB World Bank WTO World Trade Organization

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3. BACKGROUND Mauritius has a long history and experience in articulating its fisheries policy through strategic development and master plans, with such plans dating back more than 25 years. The first of these strategic development plans, the Fisheries Development Plan, was prepared in 1985 with the focus of the plan being to advise the Government of Mauritius on the potential for establishing a National Fisheries Corporation. This early report noted that “....although Mauritius is surrounded by an enormous EEZ, it does not necessarily follow that it has abundant resources that can be caught cheaply and sold profitably.” Even at this time, there was concern about the sustainability of in-shore demersal resources fished by artisanal fishermen, with the preferred alternative being development of the capacity to fish pelagic fish off-shore with the use of new fishing gear and the introduction of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).

In 1998, a Ten Year Development Plan for the Fisheries Sector was prepared by the Ministry of Fisheries with the assistance of a team of FAO/UNDP experts and this plan remains the basis of the Ministry’s policy. The objective of the plan was to develop a strategy for the whole sector with special regard to institutional and legal aspects, economic and marketing issues, the artisanal and industrial fisheries, fish processing, aquaculture, coastal zone management, research requirements, training, education, fisheries protection and monitoring and surveillance. The report concludes that there “… is limited potential for further development in marine capture fisheries or aquaculture. Emphasis must be placed on management of resources, protection of the marine environment and maximizing returns for existing fisheries through value addition”.

In 2006, with assistance from the EU’s Fisheries Partnership Agreement Framework, FISH/2003/022, a draft fisheries sector policy, covering the years 2007-2012, was developed 5 that was more comprehensive in nature and integrated economic, social and environmental priorities. This policy was designed to move away from ad hoc and reactive policy development towards a more proactive development of a hierarchical policy structure based on the definition of a primary and secondary objectives, goals, results and actions. It was also designed to address the lack of a mechanism for consistent stakeholder involvement in policy development.

However, this fisheries sector policy was not formally adopted and only some of the Goals and Results identified in the fisheries sector policy have therefore been achieved (see Annex 1) although many of these remain valid.

4. SCOPE OF THE FISHERIES MASTERPLAN The Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius covers a 10 year strategic planning horizon (2011-2020) and includes a 5-year Action Plan of specific activities that need to be undertaken to support the Master Plan

5 European Union/MegaPesca (July 2006); Strengthening of Mauritian Fisheries Policy with the Aim of Establishing a Draft Fisheries Sector Policy. Fisheries Partnership Agreement Framework FISH/2003/02 Mauritius: Fisheries Sector Policy

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strategy and objectives. The Master Plan does not confine itself to the narrow definition of ‘fisheries’ but, in line with global trends of integrated management, addresses the issues of the broader seafood sector, including the entire value chain from production (both capture fisheries and aquaculture) to distribution and processing through to marketing issues.

In addition, and consistent with the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD), the Master Plan also focuses on broader ecosystem and marine environmental impacts of production, social issues (including food security) and economic performance.

The Master Plan covers both Mauritius and Rodrigues6 although, in many cases different strategies are identified for the two islands in response to the different opportunities and issues that exist for them.

Importantly, the Master Plan also addresses the current issues impacting on the management and development of the seafood sector. In particular the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues to fulfil its mandate and to focus and deliver on the strategic objectives of the Master Plan is addressed, given the constraints imposed as a result of being part of the Public Sector.

5. THE IMPORTANCE & POTENTIAL OF THE SEAFOOD SECTOR IN MAURITIUS & RODRIGUES

a) Importance of the fisheries sector The fisheries sector, while contributing just 1.3% of Mauritius’s GDP in 20107, is an important sector for Mauritius from both a trade and social viewpoint. It is also important for its interaction with the MUR40 billion per annum tourist industry of Mauritius and Rodrigues. In Rodrigues, the sector contributes an even greater share to the Island’s economy and is the Island’s largest employer8. While total local production is small at about 9,000t per annum, Mauritius’s fish processing and export sector dominates seafood activities. . These activities are concentrated in the Seafood Hub in Port Louis9 and, in 2009 the businesses that comprise the Seafood Hub had a turnover of approximately $283 million. In the same vein, Mauritius Port services amount to an annual turnover $ 250 million. The total turnover of the fisheries sector is around $600 million

6 And supports the existing Strategic Integrated Development Plan for Rodrigues (SIDPR) which was prepared in 2006 7 At official exchange rates 8 SIDPR (2006) 9 Mauritius Board of Investment (May 2010); Redefining Mauritius as a regional seafood hub: Seafood sector Action Plan 2010-2012

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b) Resources and trade importance Preferential access for tuna into the EU has been very important to the development of tuna canneries in Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles. In aggregate terms, the ACP share of world production of canned tuna grew from 5% to 12% between 1976 and 2003.10 The major losers from this shift in market share were Southeast Asian producers. For example, it was estimated that the volume of canned tuna imported into the EU from Thailand declined by 46% between 1994 and 2000.11 The Lomé/ Cotonou preference was a success in that it provided a competitive advantage for the industrial development of foreign firms, allowing them to develop and increase their EU market share despite the existence of low cost competition, primarily from Southeast Asia.

However, this preference has been considered unfair by WTO structures. The process of erosion of ACP margins of preference is inevitable. It is expected that during the negotiations which are taking place at the WTO under the Doha Development Agenda, the pressure will be for the EU to reduce Most Favoured Nation tariffs even further. It is vital that Mauritius as an ACP fish exporting country, adapts to the new global context, and improves its competitiveness.

The Mauritian seafood industry needs to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade on international market access issues.

In an effort to address tariff erosion, Mauritius tuna processors have been instrumental in forming the recently formed African Tuna Producers Association (ATPA), comprising 6 countries, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Madagascar, Kenya, Ghana and the Ivory Coast, and 8 processors. This is to try and ensure the EU hears their African voice. They have been concerned about the debate not only about WTO- compatible Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU, but also Fisheries Trade Agreements, and discussions by the EU with ASEAN countries.

Mauritian processors key concern is to maintain market access to the European Union. Global sourcing presents rules of origin implications in terms of getting access to the EU. They say it is better to work co- operatively with their current EU distant water fleet suppliers and by cementing that relationship, ensure continued market access to the EU.

Mauritian tuna processors have also spearheaded coordination of the newly formed Indian Ocean Tuna Operators Association, forming a link between the European fleet owners, and the Indian Ocean tuna processors.

10 Oceanic Development 2005: 114. 11 Xuto 2005.

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Restructure of the industry to further develop secondary processing In studies undertaken by the FAO, as well as independently by the Glitnir Bank, it has been estimated that the majority of benefits generated throughout the value chain are captured by the retail/wholesale/secondary processing sector of the industry. The same applies for products originating from developing countries and developed countries fisheries.

Given the Mauritius Government’s objective of increasing its contribution to GDP in the coming decade by at least 50%, greater value chain efficiencies and value addition will help broaden the country’s economic base, resulting in the ability to reduce fishing pressure on over-fished fisheries, generate more income from fisheries that are not tapped to their optimum capacity, and further develop the Seafood Hub.

Peak Mauritian seafood export production from a tonnage perspective was 49,245 tonnes in 2006, dropping to 46,846 tonnes in 2009. Overall export value has increased but the challenge will be to continue to be able to source necessary tonnages of fish to meet processing requirements. In the future this points to the need to gradually restructure the seafood industry to further develop secondary processing. This has happened in the Mauritius sugar industry where they moved away from exporting raw sugar to exporting processed products, including rum.

Requirement for Accompanying Measures In the short term the seafood sector needs assistance while making this transition to value added products higher up the value chain. Government needs to lobby internationally for appropriate investment to support the development of its fisheries sector. Appropriate accompanying measures need to be put in place to mitigate any adverse effect which might result from decisions of WTO and EU alliance with other countries.

c) Food security context Mauritius has a small population of approximately 1.28 million (as at December 2010 – source, Mauritius Central Statistics Office) of which 37,000 live on Rodrigues Island. Average population growth rate is low at 0.4% per annum resulting in an aging population. However, fish consumption in Mauritius is high at 23Kg per capita per annum (and is higher in Rodrigues) and this results in an annual domestic market requirement of approximately 29,400t.

This market demand significantly exceeds Mauritius’s average domestic production over the past 5 years of approximately 9,000t (see Annex 2), resulting in Mauritius being a net importer of its domestic fish requirements. In order to supply the domestic market with reasonably priced fish, Mauritius has in place both export controls of certain locally produced high value fish and import controls. Price controls are also in place for locally produced fish.

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With the population growing slowly, domestic demand for fish is also likely to grow slowly to around 30,600t by 2020 (assuming per capita consumption remains at 23 Kg), about 1000t more than 2010 levels. However, it is very likely that, with increasing prosperity, particularly on the island of Mauritius, per capita fish consumption will reduce and total domestic demand will also decline.

However, in summary, it is extremely unlikely that domestic production can be increased to fully meet this domestic fish demand (see below), even with better management and development of under- exploited resources. Therefore, Mauritius is likely to remain a net importer of its domestic fish requirements.

d) Social Context Apart from providing a substantial proportion of the income to communities in coastal areas (see above), the organization of fishing at the community level provides an important focus for promoting social cohesion in Mauritius and, particularly Rodrigues. Artisanal fishers, who mainly fish in the lagoon areas of Mauritius and Rodrigues, are among the poorest sector of the Mauritian economy with average earnings from fishing being around MUR2,760 per month 12 . This income is supplemented by Government payments in the form of a Bad Weather Allowance, which is designed to compensate fishers when they are unable to fish as well as a number of other benefits (assistance with children’s education, medical care etc) that are provided through the Fishermen’s Welfare Fund. These supplementary allowances add a further MUR1447 per month on average to a fisher’s gross income for a total of approximately MUR4200 ($US140) per month.

This average per capita income of inshore, artisanal fishermen is therefore significantly less than the average for Mauritius as a whole of $US7804 per annum in 201013 or $US650 per month.

Artisanal inshore fishers also tend to be poorly educated and comprise a significant number of the elderly, particularly in Mauritius. 14.5% of fishers in Mauritius were 60 years old or over in 2006, compared with 8.5% in Rodrigues. With regards education, 88.9% of fishers in Mauritius were educated to primary school or below in 2006 whereas in Rodrigues it was 96.6%14.

Their reliance on income from fishing activities is high with 86.5% of fishers in Mauritius having no other occupation while in Rodrigues, 53.3% have no other occupation. This difference is a reflection of the greater diversity of income in Rodrigues as a result of most fishers being small rural land-holders with other primary producer income such as from chickens, livestock etc.

12 IFAD, 2006 13 Source, International Monetary Fund, May 2011 14 IFAD, 2006 and SIDPR, 2006

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The absolute and relative poverty levels of the approximately 3700 fishers in Mauritius and Rodrigues, and their significant reliance on fishing for an income is therefore an important element in planning for the development of the sector and has been taken into account in the preparation of this Master Plan.

e) Potential of the Mauritian seafood sector As an island state in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius enjoys an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.9 million km2,15. With such a vast maritime zone, Mauritius has the potential to become a significant player in the world seafood industry. However, despite the large EEZ, and as noted as long ago as 198516, “....although Mauritius is surrounded by an enormous EEZ, it does not necessarily follow that it has abundant resources that can be caught cheaply and sold profitably”.

The inshore fish resources of Mauritius and Rodrigues are not abundant and many are considered to be heavily exploited. The lagoon fisheries of both islands produce only about $4 million Gross Value of Product (GVP) each year with near zero net contribution to GDP17 because of the open access nature of the fishery. The off-lagoon fishery, which is based mainly on Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and which Mauritius has been attempting to develop to take pressure off the lagoon fisheries currently produces about $0.75 million GVP per annum.

The Banks fisheries, which exploit mainly demersal species on the banks of the Mascarene plateau, produce about $10.6 million GVP per annum while the aquaculture sector contributes a further $2 million.

At about 9,000t, total domestic fisheries production is therefore small in comparison with the size of the overall Mauritian Seafood Sector (Annex 2) with the sector being dominated by tuna processing for export with raw material being sourced from within and outside Mauritius’s EEZ. These activities are concentrated in the Seafood Hub in Port Louis18 and, in 2009 the businesses that comprise the Seafood Hub had a turnover of approximately $283 million.

The opportunities for further growth and development of the seafood sector in Mauritius in the future therefore appear to lie mainly with further development of the Seafood Hub activities and not with any

15 Plus a recent large addition to its continental shelf. Mauritius’s EEZ is the 20th largest in the world, and larger than the EEZ’s of China, Spain or Argentina 16 Mauritius Fisheries Development Plan, 1985 17 The seafood sector’s estimated contribution to GDP in 2010 was approximately $280 million or about 1.9% of GDP 18 Mauritius Board of Investment (May 2010); Redefining Mauritius as a regional seafood hub: Seafood sector Action Plan 2010-2012

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significant increases in domestic production19, although the potential for some increase in domestic production is possible. Such increase in domestic production, which generally supports local consumption, will most likely come from:

• Better management of existing lagoon, off-lagoon and Banks fisheries • Probably limited opportunities for exploitation of currently under-exploited species • Selected opportunities for further small scale aquaculture production in both Mauritius and Rodrigues

Annex 2 provides a more detailed analysis of these opportunities

By contrast, Seafood Hub activities have significant potential for growth and development, particularly considering that available infrastructure is generally sufficient to support such further growth. Mauritius has modern logistics facilities including state-of-the-art cold rooms and processing units as well as fishing quays and other port related services. The country handles some 113,000 tonnes of the fish of the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) with establishments such as Princes Tuna (Mauritius), Thon des Mascareignes, Mer des Mascareignes and Pelagic Process being fully involved in tuna processing activities for export to the EU markets. Over the last four years, export of fish and fish products has increased by an average of 26% in terms of value and 12% in terms of quantity. The value added from local fishing manufacturing and wholesale activities is USD 50 million while that from Tuna (processing) is estimated around USD 70 million. Annex 3 provides further details of Seafood Hub activities and the competitive advantage that Mauritius has and can build on.

Mauritius also had long standing trade relationships with several economic partners, including the EU (negotiations are still underway for conclusion of a new Fisheries Partnership Agreement), US, Japan and the countries in the region. Under specific trade agreements, the country benefits from preferential market access for its originating seafood products. Mauritius has also secured preferential access to significant markets of several hundred million consumers including with the EU, through the Economic Partnership Agreement; with the US under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act; with Eastern and with Southern Africa, through the COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) and SADC (Southern African Development Community).

Mauritius also has fishing agreements with the EU and the Federation of Japan Tuna Fisheries Cooperative Associations, under which the EU and Japanese vessels are licensed to fish in its EEZ. Mauritius also has a bilateral agreement which allows Mauritian-flagged fishing vessels to fish in the

19 This view is consistent with the view expressed in the 1998 Ten Year Fisheries Development Plan which stated that there “… is limited potential for further development in marine capture fisheries or aquaculture. Emphasis must be placed on management of resources, protection of the marine environment and maximizing returns for existing fisheries through value addition”.

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Seychelles waters. Similar agreements with Madagascar and Mozambique are currently being negotiated.

In summary, significant future growth of the seafood sector in Mauritius is possible. However, that future growth will inevitably come from secondary processing activities rather than increases in domestic production and will be focused on further development of Seafood hub-like activities but with contributions from development of under-exploited resources (Banks fishery) and aquaculture development. In addition, better management of domestic production will result in sustainable and healthy fish stocks and will bring major social benefits through more profitable fisheries, less environmental impacts and reduced impacts on the major tourism industry.

6. PRINCIPLES The principles upon which this Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius is based, and which recognises the potential of Mauritius’s Seafood Sector over the next decade and the global and regional environment in which it will be operating are:

1. The FMPM encapsulates and supports the principles and values of ‘Sustainable Mauritius’ and ‘Ile Vert’ for Rodrigues. Among the implications of this are (a) that management of domestic fisheries is based on the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD) which requires that broader marine biodiversity conservation issues are considered in the management of fisheries, together with social and economic issues (b) that domestic fish stocks are managed for long-term sustainability, and (c) that Mauritius actively supports and encourages initiatives to ensure sustainable fishing practices and the elimination of Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing in its trading and fishing partners and regional neighbours. 2. The FMPM is development focussed. This development focus is not incompatible with the principle of ‘Sustainable Mauritius’ but rather ensures that the emphasis is on economic benefits that are long term and sustainable, rather than short term, opportunistic benefits. A development focus together with a sustainability focus also addresses changing consumer preferences in Mauritius’s key markets for seafood from sustainable resources. The implication of this is that Government and the private sector need to work in partnership to develop the relationships, strategy, public policy environment and infrastructure to capture long term benefits. For the small scale fishing sector, this includes the premise that social and poverty issues within the Mauritian fisheries sector can most effectively be addressed by developing profitable, as well as sustainable fisheries. At the present time, several of Mauritian fisheries, particularly the lagoon fisheries, are neither. However, maintaining a ‘safety-net’ for the most vulnerable in the transition to the necessary new management arrangements is necessary.

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3. That where private benefits accrue through the use and exploitation of Mauritius’s public fisheries resources, the private sector should share in the costs of management, research and other services. The fisheries resources of Mauritius belong to the state for the benefit of all Mauritians. Where the exploitation or use of those resources generates a personal or group private benefit, it is reasonable and equitable that the costs of achieving sustainable resources (therefore underpinning and providing long term security for the private benefit) should be shared between the Public Sector and those generating that private benefit. This is best achieved under a co-management arrangement (see below) 4. That fisheries management arrangements, which are currently based on a ‘command-and – control’ model, should evolve towards a more participatory, co-management arrangement in which all key stakeholders have input into fisheries management decisions. The implications of this are that structural reforms (such as establishing broad-based, inclusive co-management or Consultative Committees) and legislative reforms will be needed to capture the benefits that co-management approaches bring. 5. That services such as administration, licensing, research, monitoring, control and surveillance that support the FMPM should be clearly focussed on the objectives of the FMPM and be delivered in a manner that is transparent, accountable and cost effective. The implications of this principle are that (a) service providers respond to the requirements identified in the FMPM and fisheries management plans (b) that collaboration rather than competition between service providers (e.g. the various research agencies in Mauritius) should be encouraged and (c) the cost of delivering the services should either be reasonable or, where appropriate, be open to competition through mechanisms such as restricted tendering.

7. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Building on the five principles of the FMPM, a number of key strategic objectives of the Master Plan for Mauritius have been developed. These are:

a. Implement management to achieve sustainable domestic fish resources in accordance with ESD principles and including, where appropriate, ecosystem based fisheries management b. Support private sector growth at all stages of the value chain, including fish production, value adding and in supporting industries c. Ensure safe, adequate, good quality seafood for domestic consumption d. Reduce the medium-long term risk exposure of Mauritius’s seafood export sector e. Transition to a more participatory, co-management approach to fisheries management and development that (a) involves all key stakeholders (b) recognises the private sector

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benefits that accrue from exploitation of Mauritian fisheries resources in funding services to support management f. Support Mauritius’s international obligations in fisheries and marine resource management

8. CROSS CUTTING ISSUES Cross-cutting issues have been incorporated into the Master Plan’s implementation in a number of ways, most commonly through basing the Master Plan on the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development and also by incorporating a co-management approach as a fundamental principle of the way in which actions are implemented.

For example, social issues are addressed through the ESD principles where management plans for individual fisheries will incorporate a social (as well as resource, environmental and economic) element that ranks equally in importance with other management objectives. The key social issue of the extensive welfare payments and allowances provided to artisanal fishers, especially the Bad Weather Allowance and closed season allowance, is also addressed as a separate action item because of its importance, not only on fisher’s welfare but also on fish stocks. The Bad Weather Allowance, because it is linked to the requirement of fishing activity, results in both (a) over-exploited resources and (b) significant resources of the Fisheries Protection Service being diverted to administration of the BWA and away from fisheries law enforcement duties. De-coupling of the Bad Weather Allowance from the requirement to fish would therefore have a number of immediate and long term benefits, including (a) reduced fishing pressure on inshore fisheries (b) availability of Fisheries Protection Officers to undertake fisheries law enforcement, thereby improving fisheries management and (c) a move away from a welfare-dependent fishing sector to a development-focused sector.

Environmental issues are addressed in two ways – first as part of the grounding of the Master Plan in the principles of ESD. This will result in fisheries management plans requiring, by necessity, management to achieve sustainable fish resources, measures to reduce impact on non-target species and a reduction or elimination of habitat destruction.

Fisheries Management Plans are also the mechanism for addressing changes in the marine environment or marine fish resources as a result of climate change. The management plans, based on ESD, will be flexible to take environmental changes into account and will include specific ‘trigger points’ where alternative management action is automatically triggered if climate change (or other factors) result in unanticipated changes to fish stocks. The management process, through management plans, therefore provides the mechanism for fisheries to adapt to climate change rather than responding after the fact.

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It is also recognised that the Fisheries Master Plan cannot sit in isolation from other sector strategies and development plans but needs to be integrated with them. The process for doing this has been incorporated into the Master Plan by emphasising co-management as a major principle underlying the Master Plan. An Interim Technical Report, prepared as part of this project, highlighted the ineffectiveness of some inter-agency co-ordination and collaboration and therefore, by adopting the principles of co-management, it is expected that such co-ordination and collaboration will improve.

Integration of the Master Plan with regional planning and development initiatives has also been considered, including the activities and strategies of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) and particularly the forthcoming EuropeAid project on Technical Assistance for Implementation of a Regional Fisheries Strategy for the Eastern and Southern Africa and Indian Ocean (ESA-IO) region.20 However, since this latter program has not yet commenced, it is likely and is recommended that the direction of the Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius be taken into account in the implementation of the regional fisheries strategy.

9. DELIVERING THE MASTER PLAN The six strategic objectives that have been identified, if implemented, have the ability to guide the future growth and development of the seafood sector in Mauritius in the next decade. However, as noted above, the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues and other stakeholders will need to be considered and upgraded where appropriate and necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the Master Plan. In addition, the Interim Technical Report on Institutional Analysis, prepared as part of the work in developing this Master Plan highlighted the need for institutional capacity building and, particularly, for improvements in inter-agency collaboration and co-ordination.

The strategy recommended for minimising the risk of the lack of institutional capacity impacting negatively on the Master Plan implementation is therefore:

• To recognise the current capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues and other institutions by not suggesting over-ambitious programs and actions as part of the Master Plan • Recommending that the responsibility for driving each strategic objective be given to a clearly identified senior person, who may not necessarily come from the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues nor, indeed from Government. In the spirit of co-management, it is conceivable that responsibility for addressing some of the strategic objectives could be given to a key stakeholder from the private sector. However, the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues, as part

20 EuropeAid/129534/D/SER/MULTI

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of its mandate, should retain overall responsibility for co-ordination and delivery of the Master Plan, and • Incorporating institutional support activities as part of the Master Plan

This strategy for implementation has resulted in a practical, realistic Master Plan that is not over ambitious but recognises the capacity for addressing seafood sector management issues in Mauritius. The following tables present the key actions that are required to address the six strategic objectives.

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Table 1: Action Plan (2011-2015) and logical Framework for Addressing the Strategic Objectives of the Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Strategic Objective Actions Required Indicators Verification 1. Implement a. Develop policy options for phasing out the bad a. A policy options paper has been a. A policy options paper is available management to weather allowance and separating the payment from prepared for consideration by and action has been taken and a achieve sustainable the requirement for fishing activity (see Annex 4). Government. programme for phasing out of the domestic fish This project, the details of which are included in b. Five draft management and BWA has been implemented resources in Section 6(b), will be kept in abeyance pending development plans have been b. Five management plans are available accordance with ESD decision by the government on the IFAD-MARS prepared for the lagoon fishery and are being used to guide fisheries principles and report on bad weather allowance (Mauritius), the lagoon fishery management arrangements for each including, where b. In collaboration with stakeholders, prepare 5-year (Rodrigues), the FAD fishery fishery appropriate, management and development plans for each major (Mauritius), the FAD fishery c. A document on eco-labelling ecosystem based fishery to include resource allocation between users (Rodrigues) and the Banks fishery opportunities is available for fisheries management c. Investigate eco-labelling opportunities (e.g. MSC) for consideration by industry selected industries and fisheries c. A report on eco-labelling d. A review of the economics and d. Review of the economics and environmental impacts opportunities has been prepared environmental impacts of net of the Mauritius and Rodrigues lagoon net fisheries d. A Review report has been fisheries is available and has been as a pre-cursor to their possible phasing out completed used as background for a policy assessment of management options 2. Support private sector a. Prepare plans for an international tender for the a. Tenders have been prepared, bids a. The successful tenderer can be growth at all stages of operations of the new fish auction market, using a have been received and selection identified and the Fish Auction the value chain, Public Private Partnership approach of the successful tenderer made market is operating successfully including fish b. Develop a comprehensive aquaculture development b. A documented aquaculture policy under private management production, value and management policy that builds on the has been prepared that includes a b. (i) An aquaculture management and adding and in Aquaculture Master Plan and that includes: review of land, water and development policy document is supporting industries i. Support small scale aquaculture electricity charges, a plan of available and is being used to guide development by rationalising land, water action for regional aquaculture Government activities related to and electricity charges for new enterprises support facilities through a aquaculture development (ii) ii. Develop small scale seaweed and sea Regional Aquaculture Suppliers seaweed and sea cucumber farming cucumber aquaculture in Rodrigues and Network and options for are a permanent productive Mauritius developing seaweed and sea component of Rodrigues’s seafood iii. Provide research leadership in identifying cucumber farming in Rodrigues production (iii) a data dissemination

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and assessing options and undertaking c. Conditions for exploratory fishing centre for regional aquaculture feasibility studies for appropriate inshore licenses have been developed support services has been aquaculture development in Mauritius and and the availability of finance to established in Mauritius and is Rodrigues and for exploitation and the fishing industry has improved. operational development of new fisheries c. A document is available on the iv. Develop a regional plan for aquaculture conditions of exploratory fishing support facilities development (e.g. fish licenses, there has been in increase health laboratories, feed supply etc) in the percentage of successful c. Increase the capacity of national vessels to operate in applications for finance for new Mauritian and other waters, including developing fishing vessels and the catch by conditions for ‘exploratory fishing licenses’ national. Mauritian-flagged vessels show an increasing trend 3. Ensure safe, a. Undertake an economic and social assessment of the a. Assessment group established a. A report on the economic and social adequate, good impacts of the current regulation of fish imports and and a report completed assessment of the policy on fish quality seafood for exports and adjust policy as needed b. Plan has been prepared, imports and exports is available domestic b. Develop a plan for identifying, providing and endorsed by Government and b. Ice machines have been established consumption operating key infrastructure (particularly ice implemented in key fishing areas in Mauritius and machines) to facilitate better handling of domestic Rodrigues and ice is being used on a fish supplies regular basis by fishermen 4. Reduce the medium- a. Assess the options and actions needed for diversifying a. Report on the options has been a. A report on the options for long term risk markets for exported product prepared in collaboration with diversifying markets is available and exposure of b. Assess the impacts and transition measures required private sector exporters is being used to initiate further Mauritius’s seafood as a result of planned EU tariff arrangements b. Impacts have been assessed a studies of potential new markets export sector c. Prepare a plan for a semi-autonomous Competent report prepared and there is a decreasing trend for Authority that has operational flexibility but is c. Report has been prepared and Mauritius’s seafood exports to be responsible to Government for performance considered by the Government reliant on a single market d. Undertake a feasibility study for securing additional d. Feasibility study completed in b. A report on impacts of tariff supply of fish from recognised sustainable resources collaboration with private sector arrangements is available and has (e.g. Maldives) for processing in Mauritius processors been used to inform discussions between the EU and Mauritius on appropriate transition measures c. A report is available for the establishment of a semi- autonomous Competent Authority

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d. A feasibility study is available and private sector processors are sourcing additional, reliable supplies of fish from sustainable resources for processing in Mauritius 5. Transition to a more a. Establish mechanisms (e.g. Consultative Committees) a. Ministry of Fisheries and a. Co-management structures in place participatory, co- appropriate to Mauritius and Rodrigues for Rodrigues has established the and operating efficiently and management and co- implementing co-management legal basis and operational transparently funding approach to b. Review the Management Policy of Recreational and requirements for co- b. A policy review document is fisheries management Sports Fisheries in Mauritius and Rodrigues including management committees available and Government has and development licensing of recreational and sports fishers b. Policy has been reviewed and endorsed the recommendations and c. In collaboration with other Ministries, examine the recommendations made to the Ministry of Fisheries and feasibility and methodology for all users of Government Rodrigues has implemented a Mauritius’s marine resources to contribute to c. Feasibility study has been licensing scheme for recreational sustainable fisheries and lagoon management and undertaken, recommendations and sports fishers conservation made and considered by c. A feasibility study is available and d. Establish a “Sustainable Fisheries Development Government Government has considered the Fund”, funded by users of Mauritius’s marine d. A “Sustainable Fisheries recommendations for collection of resources, including merging the functions of the Development Fund” has been levies from all users of marine Fisheries Welfare Fund and the Fishermen’s established with appropriate resources Investment Trust (see Annex 5) governance procedures, staff and d. A Fund is in existence, is operational funding guidelines and and is supporting research, procedures in place. development and social objectives in accordance with its charter 6. Support Mauritius’s a. Assessment of the obligations of Mauritius in relation a. Assessment has been made in a. An assessment document is international to its membership in International Marine collaboration with the private available and has been used to obligations and Organizations, including how to involve the private sector and a report prepared define Mauritius’s activities in relations in fisheries sector in international and regional issues so that b. Review has been completed and international marine organisations and marine resource private sector development plans are aligned with recommendations made to in accordance with long term management Government policy. Government strategic objectives b. A review of licensing fees and conditions for foreign c. Assessment has been completed b. A review document is available and vessels fishing in the EEZ of Mauritius and Rodrigues and recommendations made to Government has responded to the to determine whether they remain appropriate, fair the Ministry of Fisheries and review’s recommendations and and equitable Rodrigues licence fee structure has been

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c. Undertake an assessment of the structure and costs modified as necessary for Mauritius to host SIOFA. This project to be kept in c. An assessment document is abeyance until the ratification of SIOFA by a fourth available and has been used to party, thereby bringing the Agreement into effect inform Government’s consideration of Mauritius hosting SIOFA 7. Institutional support a. Analysis and review of the structure, activities, a. In collaboration with the Human a. A review document is available and issues for delivering facilities and skills requirements of the Ministry of Resources Development Council actions have been taken by the the Master Plan Fisheries and Rodrigues (HRDC), the Interim Technical Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues Report on Institutional analysis to address recommended changes to has been reviewed and the organisational structure of the recommendations incorporated Ministry and HR development and into a comprehensive review of recruitment strategy has been the structure of the Ministry, implemented, including for including HR development Rodrigues requirements

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10. FUNDING, RESOURCE ALLOCATION, SUPPORT SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT THE MASTERPLAN

a) Funding the Master Plan The Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues does not have the funds from Government appropriations to support the necessary reforms outlined in this Master Plan to enable it to move towards sustainable fisheries and to support further private sector development. In fact, there is, overall, inadequate operational and capital funding for Government stakeholders21, particularly the various divisions of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues, where a large proportion of recurrent funding is committed to salaries and salary-related costs. As a result, operational and capital funds are often currently sourced from externally funded projects.

This situation is likely to continue in the near term and therefore the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues will continue to be dependent on external donor project funds and budget support to carry out the identified actions in this Master Plan.

A summary of these external funding requirements, over the 5-year operational planning period of the Master Plan is shown below:

Strategic Objective External project funding (MUR) over 5 years 1. Implement management to achieve sustainable domestic fish resources in accordance 2.8 million with ESD principles and including, where appropriate, ecosystem based fisheries management 2. Support private sector growth at all stages of the value chain, including fish production, 16.0 million value adding and in supporting industries 3. Ensure safe, adequate, good quality seafood for domestic consumption 1.8 million 4. Reduce the medium-long term risk exposure of Mauritius’s seafood export sector 14.0 million 5. Transition to a more participatory, co-management, co-funding approach to fisheries 11.25 million management and development 6. Support Mauritius’s international obligations in fisheries and marine resource 5.7 million management 7. Institutional support issues for delivering the Master Plan 12.3 million TOTAL MUR 63.85 million22

Mapping the funding requirements against the Government’s PBB protocols indicates that a reallocation of funds is needed to support the Master Plan with a greater requirement for funding the major

21 For example, the Ministry of Fisheries current budget for 2010/11, which is based on a project-based budgeting approach, allocates approximately 85% of Government funds to salaries, salary on-costs and allowances. 22 This figure is the sum of the costs of projects, the details of which are provided in Section 12

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development opportunities (i.e. Strategic Objective 2: supporting private sector growth) and a lesser requirement for supporting those areas where growth opportunities are less, although management issues are still socially important.

b) Reducing reliance on external funds – the “Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund”

Despite this near term need for continued external donor funding, the Master Plan contains reforms that will enable the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues to move towards a reduction in its reliance on external donor funding for its activities in the medium term. The main vehicle for this is the establishment of a “Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund” (The Fund) that is based on the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and therefore is designed to fund research, development and social activities that support these principles. This would include taking over responsibility for the Fisheries Welfare Fund activities and also the Bad Weather Allowance, which, under another activity will be restructured so that it is phased out without impacting the most vulnerable of the fishing communities in Mauritius and Rodrigues.

Consistent with one of the key principles of the Master Plan – that where private benefits are derived from the exploitation or use of public marine resources, then the beneficiaries should share in the cost of achieving sustainable resources, addressing social issues created by re-allocation of resources and protecting the marine environment – The Fund will be designed to receive funds from all users of the country’s marine resources, including recreational and commercial fishers, tourism operators, fish processors and exporters etc.

Details of the concept of The Fund are included in Annex 5 while details of the actions required to establish The Fund are elaborated in Project 5(d).

c) Support services As well as policy and management changes, there are a number of specialist services that are required to support the actions identified in implementing the Master Plan (see Table 1). The most important of these supporting services are research and fisheries protection.

If these services are to support the objectives of the Master Plan, then their activities must be aligned with the six strategic objectives of the Master Plan shown in Table 1. Therefore, as part of the resource requirements identified for each action of Table 1, research services and Fisheries protection Services needs have been identified.

Fisheries and aquaculture research services are provided by a number of institutions in Mauritius, including the Albion Fisheries research Centre, the Mauritius Research Council, Mauritius Oceanographic Institute and Universities.

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Advantage should be taken of the different skills and expertise that reside in these institutions by allowing each institution to undertake the work identified in each action item of Table 1, in accordance with their skills. Such an approach will encourage not only a collaborative (rather than a competitive) approach to research service provision but will also maximise the utilisation of these skills. As a result, project (action) descriptions include an indication of the most appropriate institute to undertake the project.

With regards the Fisheries protection Services, a large part of the FPS’s available resources are currently taken up with the administration of the Bad Weather Allowance. Therefore, it is critical that this issue be addressed as a matter of priority so that these resources can be freed to concentrate on the services to support the Master Plan. This prioritisation is included below as part of the prioritisation of Actions.

11. PRIORITISATION & SCHEDULING OF ACTIONS A number of the identified actions need to be taken immediately because they are critical issues (e.g. streamlining Government procedures) or they are driven by other, related development (e.g. completion of the fish auction market). In addition, some projects (e.g. the development of fisheries management plans) are already part of funded commitments under other projects although, in these cases, additional components are recommended to add value to the planned projects. The scheduling of these projects have been included as that of the entire project and not just the additional component.

A schedule for undertaking the projects, taking into account these priorities and which includes the project duration, is as follows:

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OBJECTIVE: PROJECT: YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 1. Sustainable marine resources 1(a) Phase out bad Weather Allowance 1(b) Fisheries management plans 1(c) Options for eco-labelling 1(d) Review of lagoon net fisheries 2. Support private sector growth 2(a) operation of auction market 2(b) Aquaculture development and management policy 2(c) Increasing national fleet capacity 3. Secure domestic supply 3(a) Examine import and export deregulation 3(b) Supply and operation of infrastructure (ice machines) 4. Reduce risk exposure for exports 4(a). Assess options for diversifying markets 4(b) Assess tariff impacts and transition measures 4(c) Prepare plan for Competent Authority 4(d) Assessment of additional fish supplies for processing 5. Transition to Co-management 5(a) mechanisms for co-management 5(b) Recreational fishing license scheme 5(c) Levy on marine users to support sustainable fisheries 5(d) Establish a "Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund" 6. Support international obligations 6 (a) Support for effective international engagement 6(b) Review of foreign fishing licensing 6(c) Feasibility study for hosting SWIOFA 7. Institutional support a. Review of structure, function, facilities and skills of Ministry

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12. MONITORING AND EVALUATION Monitoring And evaluation of the progress towards achieving the strategic objectives of the Master Plan are a critical component in its implementation.

Such monitoring and evaluation should therefore be done regularly at both the Strategic level (i.e. a strategic evaluation against the broad strategic objectives and including an evaluation of impacts and sustainability) and at the project level (an operational and financial evaluation). The logical framework and implementation plans will be used as practical tools which directly support effective management, monitoring and review.

At the strategic level, the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues is responsible for undertaking such review and evaluation, preferably each year and existing institutions in Mauritius already carry out independent audits.

At the project level, the implementing organization for each project will keep track of how the program is progressing in terms of expenditures, resource use, implementation of activities, delivery of results and the management of risks.

This should be achieved through monitoring these aspects through the systematic and continuous collection, analysis and use of management information to support effective decision-making. It is essential that a robust project monitoring system be put in place for each project to particularly monitor technical performance against key, pre-determined milestones, using these milestones, if necessary, to trigger release of further funding tranches,

Audit of externally funded actions will be the subject of normal audit procedures of the funding agency and will most likely include audit both at the financial level (to provide assurance on the legality and regularity of program income and expenditure) as well as at performance level (to assess efficiency, economy and effectiveness).

It is also recommended that monitoring of the progress of the Master Plan as a whole be undertaken by the establishment of a permanent monitoring committee by the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues (preferably including independent members) that would meet regularly and monitor the progress of both the various projects that are undertaken and the level of achievement of the defined strategic objectives of the FMPM.

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13. DETAILS OF PROJECTS

Project 1(a): Development of Policy Options for Phasing out the Bad Weather Allowance23,24

Project Name: Development of Policy Options for Phasing out the Bad Weather Allowance, including a Socio-economic Analysis and Review of other Selected Ministry Fisheries Policies in Mauritius and Rodrigues

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Code Sub-Programme 48702: Fisheries Development and Management - Fisheries Research 22130: Studies and Services

• To provide policy options and recommendations for phasing out the Bad Weather Allowance and other social payments where Objectives and purpose: those payments contribute to the over-exploitation of fisheries resources. • To make recommendations for providing social support payments to impacted fishers that are not related to a requirement

23 Annex 4 provides further guidance on the issue and principles that would support possible solutions 24 This project to be kept in abeyance pending the Government’s decision on the IFAD/MAS report on bad weather allowance

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for fishing activity

Target groups, location and Targeted groups are: duration: • Staff in the Ministry of Fisheries a and Rodrigues • Those in the respective fisheries sectors that will be affected by the policy decision results. Location of the project • Port Louis and Rodrigues Duration of the project is suggested to be over 12 months. This project should not start until the decision of the government on the IFAD/MAS report on bad weather allowance is made. This is reflected in the Master Plan scheduling (see Section 10)

Complementarities with other This work is not being addressed by other programs or activities although the IFAD MARS project is planning to addresses the issue from initiatives a poverty alleviation viewpoint. It is recommended that this and the IFAD MARS project activities be combined, provided the timing is appropriate.

Expected results and indicative These are: activities • Formulation of well-informed policy through the execution of appropriate socio- and bio-economic analyses, modelling and risk analyses. • Enhancing co-management arrangements between fishers and the Government • Improved policy formulation and implementation • Training of Ministry staff in methods of quantitative policy analysis, risk assessment and risk management

Resources and cost requirements One key Planning Division staff plus 2 months external assistance. Estimated cost MUR600,000 for external assistance

Proposed financing plan Funded through direct budget support to Ministry of Finance

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Project 1(c): Investigate eco-labelling opportunities for selected fisheries

Project Name: Investigate eco-labelling opportunities (e.g. MSC) for selected fisheries

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 751: Policy and strategy for fisheries and Rodrigues Code

Consumers are increasingly seeking fish that is third-party certified and carries an eco-label as being from sustainable resources and this has recognised by the Mauritian tuna processing industry. The most common, and the most widely recognised, of these is the Marine Stewardship Council certification – supermarkets in Britain, Germany, Australia, Holland the USA now insist on MSC certification before Description & Rationale for the they will stock either fresh or frozen product. The certification also allows complete traceability. Project In accordance with the ‘Sustainable Mauritius’ brand, it is in the interests of both the tuna processing industry and also, perhaps, appropriate fisheries of Mauritius and Rodrigues to consider third party certification as a way of securing and maintaining premium markets. The tuna canning industry are the immediate potential candidate and, in the future, the off-lagoon FAD fishery in Mauritius and Rodrigues and the Banks fisheries could be considered.

• To undertake an internal appraisal, in collaboration with industry and Albion FRC staff, of the options, potential benefits and feasibility of third party certification of the tuna processing industry and for future fisheries certification through the MSC Objectives and purpose: process and to identify which fisheries might qualify • To commission a pre-assessment appraisal for those selected industries and fisheries identified as part of the appraisal phase

Pre-requisites: Nil although it would improve the chances significantly of a successful re-assessment if management plans were in place for the selected fisheries.

Target groups, location and Targeted groups are domestic processing industries and private sector fishers and fisheries who are planning to, or do export their fish, duration: either in fresh processed form. Location of the project: Port Louis and Rodrigues Duration of the project is suggested to be 3 months. The suggested start date of the project should, for the tuna canning industry be as soon as possible and for selected fisheries, should be after fisheries management plans are prepared and fisheries are being managed according to those management plans – probably 2014.

Complementarities with other This work is not being addressed by other programs or activities although it is consistent with a number of other projects and initiatives initiatives that are addressing sustainable fish stocks.

Expected results and indicative • Identification of potential candidate industries and fisheries, either now or in the future, for eco-labelling certification activities • Pre-assessment appraisals for those industries and selected fisheries which would provide the basis for a commercial decision

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from the fishery whether or not to undertake a full assessment

Resources and cost requirements 1 man months of eco-labelling expert to work with the tuna processing industry and the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues plus costs of MSC pre-assessment Estimated cost MUR600,000, being MUR250,000 for external expert and MUR350,000 for MSC pre-assessment

Proposed financing plan External project funding

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 1(d): Review of the economics and environmental impacts of the lagoon net fisheries

Project Name: Review of the economics and environmental impacts of the Mauritius and Rodrigues lagoon net fisheries as a pre-cursor to their possible phasing out

Government of Mauritius Budget Code Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Development

Harvesting of fish in lagoons by large nets has been a long standing practice in Mauritius and Rodrigues. It has also long been suspected that this method has a detrimental effect on, not only on the benthic fauna of the lagoons but also though by-catch of non-commercial species of fish, i.e. small fish or non-saleable species although there is little data to verify this. This problem is now gaining considerable attention as the value of the lagoon is being increasingly recognized as being in their intrinsic biodiversity Description & Rationale for the Project value. The increasing growth of (far more valuable) tourism, which is concentrated on littoral areas of Mauritius, is leading to further focus on this type of fishing and unfavourable conclusions as the environmental effects of large net lagoon fishing risk endangering this source of economic benefits to Mauritius. It is believed, but not verified, that net fishermen are not directly involved in the tourism sector so any changes or abolition of the net fishery will in effect be a transfer of economic benefit from one set of the workforce/population to another. What is needed is an analysis of the economic consequences of such a change.

• To prepare a review document that identifies the quantitative and qualitative consequences of banning the large net Objectives and purpose: fishery in the lagoons of Mauritius and Rodrigues and • To identify policy options, as part of the document, for changing the nature of this fishery (i.e. modifying, abolishing, etc.)

Pre-requisites: Executing this project may require field studies to determine the environmental impacts of the fishery, the nature of catch discards, the nature of non-commercialized catch and the nature of the commercialized catch. It will require analysis of relevant licensing and workforce data and records of closed season payments and the other income/employment characteristics of those involved in this fishery.

Target groups, location and duration: The target groups are the Minister of Fisheries and Rodrigues and his managers and net fishers in both Mauritius and Rodrigues. The location of the project will be both Mauritius and Rodrigues. Duration of the project is suggested to be approximately 12 months. The project could start as soon as the concept has been accepted and resources are available.

Complementarities with other As part of management planning being anticipated as part of the IFAD MARS programme, this issue may be examined as part of initiatives lagoon fisheries management plans. However, data needs to be collected and analysed on impacts and policy options so that it can inform the fisheries management planning process.

Expected results and indicative • An accurate identification of the nature of the fishery (catch, discards, environmental impacts, employment, etc.) activities • An review of the consequences of closing the fishery

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• An evaluation of the options for closing the fishery

Resources and cost requirements Two external experts (1 month each) will be required to (a) assess impacts and (b) to assist in the development of policy options. Total external funding required is estimated as MUR800,000, being MUR600,000 for external expertise and MUR 200,000 for internal travel and other costs

Proposed financing plan Funded by external donor assistance, perhaps through direct budget support of Ministry of Finance

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 2(b): Development of a comprehensive aquaculture development and management policy that builds on the Aquaculture Master Plan

Project Name: Development of a comprehensive aquaculture development and management policy that builds on the Aquaculture Master Plan

Budget Code Programme 751: Policy and strategy for Fisheries and Rodrigues

The private sector does not necessarily have the capacity or specialist knowledge to investigate and undertake feasibility studies for new aquaculture and fishing opportunities. Therefore, a critical Government function in assisting private sector growth is to undertake this work and make the results known to the private sector for possible commercialisation. Although Mauritius has prepared an Aquaculture Master Plan, the plan does not provide the detailed policy guidance for the private sector to have security for long term investment in the sector and, in addition, does not elaborate on the role of Government in supporting aquaculture development. This Description & Rationale for the project is therefore designed to prepare such a detailed policy statement and will include policies to: Project i. Support small scale aquaculture development by rationalising land, water and electricity charges for new enterprises ii. Develop small scale seaweed and sea cucumber aquaculture in Rodrigues and Mauritius iii. Provide research leadership in identifying and assessing options and undertaking feasibility studies for appropriate inshore aquaculture development in Mauritius and Rodrigues and for exploitation and development of new fisheries iv. Develop a regional plan for aquaculture support facilities development (e.g. fish health laboratories, feed supply etc)

The objectives of the project are: • To examine land, water and electricity charges to ensure that the aquaculture sector is being treated equitably in comparison with other agro-enterprises and to make policy changes as necessary • To develop small scale seaweed and sea cucumber aquaculture in Rodrigues and Mauritius. This activity is already scheduled and funded as part of the IFAD MARS programme. In addition, the Mauritius Research Council (MRC) has commenced work on these initiatives including the development of primary processing opportunities for seaweed. Such aquaculture development is also included within the Strategic Integrated Development Plan for Rodrigues. • To establish a mechanism for the allocation of research responsibilities between the various major Research Institutions in Objectives and purpose: Mauritius to better support private sector growth in fisheries and aquaculture. Such an allocation will benefit competitive tendering opportunities (for example, through the proposed Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund) by enabling restricted tendering, will better focus research programs and will also reduce overall research costs • To establish a mechanism by which research results of possible commercial opportunities are made available in a consistent way to the private sector • To work with regional partners to establish a commercial Regional Aquaculture Suppliers Network (RASN) that brings together suppliers of aquaculture support services across the region. • To support the RASN during the period of the Master Plan by hosting the regional information dissemination centre of the

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RASN which would connect aquaculture service requirements in the region with service providers. It is envisaged that funding for the RASN information dissemination centre would be shared between the regional partners.

Pre-requisites: Nil

Target groups, location and Private sector aquaculture operators and investors, Mauritius Research Institutions. Development of the policy could be done in 12 duration: months although ongoing extension work would continue for the duration of the Master Plan. Location of the project would be both in Rodrigues and Mauritius

Complementarities with other This work impacts all aquaculture development, both present and future in Mauritius and Rodrigues. initiatives

Expected results and indicative • A comprehensive aquaculture policy statement that provides the environment for private sector investment in the activities aquaculture sector in Mauritius and Rodrigues • Development of small scale seaweed and sea cucumber aquaculture in Rodrigues • Increased private sector investment in the aquaculture sector in Mauritius, including secondary processing • Identification of regional services suppliers to the aquaculture industry such as fish health services, feed suppliers, seed suppliers etc resulting in improved and cheaper support services to aquaculture start up ventures • Better information on the availability of aquaculture support services disseminated to aquaculture operators both regularly and by request • The establishment of a Regional Aquaculture Suppliers Network (RASN) that links together suppliers of aquaculture support services across the region with aquaculture producers in Mauritius and Rodrigues. • Clear identification of research responsibilities, focussed on private sector development and supported by identified funding streams • Agreed mechanism for communicating research results to the private sector (e.g. Publications, workshops etc) To achieve these results, it is anticipated that the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues would co-ordinate discussions between the all parties including the Mauritius Board of Investment to address the objectives

Resources and cost requirements Specialist external expertise would be needed in a number of areas in the development of this policy, including aquaculture feasibility assessment, aquaculture research and aquaculture policy development. An estimated budget for this work is MUR10 million over 12 months which would include external experts (4 man months, MUR 1.2 million), internal travel (MUR 800,000) and the initial set-up costs of the RASN (estimated 8 million), which would move to self-funding in the longer term

Proposed financing plan Funded by external donor assistance

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 2(d): Increase the capacity of national vessels to operate in Mauritian and other waters

Project Name: Increase the capacity of national vessels to operate in Mauritian and other waters including developing conditions for ‘exploratory fishing licenses’

Government of Mauritius Budget Code Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management

A key to Mauritius maximizing the economic benefit from the harvest of fishery resources found within its waters is the development of national catching capacity. This requires two basic elements; firstly, domestic investment in the national fleet and secondly, the training of personnel to skipper and crew the ships. Given the risks inherent in new investment in fish catching, the Government of Mauritius must aim to create the conditions which reduce the effective risk to potential private investors, as well as the resource on which their interest is based. A number of actions would facilitate this, including the design of a new credit line Description & Rationale for the Project which provides favorable loan conditions for investors (repayment period, grace period, interest rate, maximum loan), while ensuring sustainable management of national fish resources with fishing possibilities increased through the conclusion of fishing agreements with neighboring countries. National long line fleets have been developed in the region (e.g. Reunion) although this cannot be taken as an example of the potential for similar development in Mauritius. However, it indicative of what may be achieved with adequate Government support. This project will therefore address the various constraints that exist to developing a national fleet capacity for fishing in the EEZ of Mauritius.

• To identify and remove barriers to increasing the capacity of national vessels to take fish resources within Mauritius’s EEZ. This will include, but will not be limited to: 1. Availability of credit on reasonable terms for vessel purchase & construction Objectives and purpose: 2. Provision of training, including training in long line techniques 3. Revision of policies and regulations governing the purchase of second hand vessels • To undertake a feasibility study on the development of a national long line tuna fishery in Mauritius. • To develop the conditions for ‘exploratory fishing licenses’ to give preferential access to resources for pioneers

Pre-requisites: Inter-agency committee of Board of Investment, Ministry of Fisheries, Port Authority, FiTEC and FIT established

Target groups, location and duration: Potential investors in offshore fishing ventures. Location would be Port Louis and the expected duration 6 months

Complements other initiatives? None.

Expected results and indicative • Identification and solving impediments to the development of a national offshore fishing fleet leading to greater national activities investment in fishing businesses • Increased supplies of fish being landed in Port Louis, thereby benefiting established fish processors

Project Funded by the European Union Page [110] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Resources and cost requirements This work would require inter-agency collaboration, co-ordinated by the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues, as well as external specialists on fleet development, credit provision, and external expertise to undertake a feasibility study for developing a long line fleet capacity. Total external costs are estimated at MUR7 million over the 6 months life of the project

Proposed financing plan Funded by external donor assistance

Project Funded by the European Union Page [111] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 3(a): An assessment of the current regulation of fish imports and exports

Project Name: Undertake an economic and social assessment of the impacts of the current regulation of fish imports and exports and adjust policy as needed

Government of Mauritius Budget Code Programme 751: Policy and strategy for Fisheries and Rodrigues

Mauritius has a social policy of protecting domestic fishermen’s livelihoods by providing them with first right to sell on the domestic market, as well as securing for Mauritian consumers, supplies of local species which must be sold on the domestic market, the intention being that this fish be available at prices which the average Mauritian can afford Certain locally caught species must be sold on the Mauritian market, while for others there is the flexibility to export these species. For certain species the local market is monitored, and only when it is obvious that local catches will not meet local market requirements, are importers free to import competing species. Currently there is criticism from different quarters that this policy restricts both local fishermen and fishing companies, as well as importers from maximising efficiencies and profits. E.g. one local fishing company which sells onto the local market as well as exports, said that for some of the species it caught, which had no export restrictions, it was currently finding it difficult to effectively find international markets for these species. While for other species which it was required to sell on the local market, there was profitable opportunities to export these species. The end result is that currently it is only exporting 20% of its catch. Description & Rationale for the Project Likewise importers are restricted by import quotas designed to protect the market for certain local species. Only when Government judges that local catches will not meet domestic demand are these quotas lifted. Because of the bureaucratic process necessary to implement this system, there are inevitable delays in lifting import restrictions, resulting in importers missing out on opportunities available if the market was deregulated, or at least less regulated. There are also complaints that too many forms need to be filled in, and within necessary requirements of seafood safety, this needs to be streamlined to save time and money. All imported fish being further processed in Mauritius in an EU approved processing facility, for food safety reasons must be inspected by the Seafood Competent Authority as this fish is likely to be re-exported to the EU. However, fish not imported by an EU approved facility, is checked by the Ministry of Health. Some fish importers, as well as the Competent Authority, are requesting that all seafood safety inspections of import as well as export of seafood products be undertaken by the Competent Authority to ensure effective standardised inspections of seafood.

• To undertake a study of the import export regulations, in collaboration with industry (both local fishers/processing facilities as well as importers), to assess whether the market should be deregulated, or at least partially freed up to allow Objectives and purpose: more efficient and cost effective operation of the market, both domestic and export. • To undertake a study to assess whether inspections of imported seafood should be undertaken by the Seafood Competent Authority, or if inspections are to be continued by the Ministry of Health, capacity building requirements to

Project Funded by the European Union Page [112] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

ensure efficient inspections, as well as ensuring the seafood safety of Mauritian consumers.

Pre-requisites: The success of this project will require (a) the commitment of Ministries involved in applying the import/export regulations to support the evaluation, including the Competent Authority and Ministry of Health and (b), the support and good will of the respective elements of the seafood import/export industry and fishermen’s groups who will be affected by policy decisions.

Target groups, location and duration: Targeted groups are: • Fishers and fish processing operators in the domestic market, Government policy makers, and Competent Authority and Ministry of Health seafood safety inspectors. Location of the project • Port Louis and Rodrigues. Duration of the project is suggested to be over 12 months to ensure smooth running of the market. The start date of the project should be as soon as possible.

Complementarities with other The seafood safety element of this work is currently being lifted to a higher level by the Seafood Competent Authority working to initiatives EU seafood safety procedures.

Expected results and indicative • Less regulated and more cost efficient operations of local fishers / processing facilities as well as importers selling into the activities local market, as well as exporting. • From a seafood safety perspective, safer seafood being sold to local consumers.

Resources and cost requirements External expertise in trade policy and fish health, together with personnel time of Government officials, and the Competent Authority and Ministry of Health on seafood safety. Estimated external costs MUR1 million being 1 month each for the time of 2 experts

Proposed financing plan Funded by external donor assistance, perhaps through direct budget support of Ministry of Finance.

Project Funded by the European Union Page [113] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 3(b): Plan for identifying, providing and operating key infrastructure, such as ice machines

Project Name: Develop a plan for identifying, providing and operating key infrastructure (particularly ice machines) to facilitate better handling of domestic fish supplies

Government of Mauritius Budget Code Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management

Supplies of fish onto the domestic market from the artisanal lagoon fishery in particular are not stored on ice. Ice is a very good coolant of fish, stopping spoilage of fish once onboard the fishing vessel and successfully extending the shelf life of the product once ashore. This particularly when the freshly caught fish are placed in an ice slurry mixed with seawater (which is below zero degrees Celsius) to draw the temperature of the fish down, before then being stored in flake ice which covers the whole surface area of the fish, and protects the fish from bruising due to poor handling. Badly handled fish means that the product will not have a long shelf life once ashore, and this immediately devalues the price of the product. Conversely, fish is well recognised as a healthy product to eat, and fresh, well handled fish delivered into a good marketing network, fetches premium prices for fishermen, particularly as Mauritian incomes are increasing, and overseas tourists are willing Description & Rationale for the Project to pay for well handled fresh fish. Properly handled fish also promotes the “Sustainable Mauritius” brand as tourists take the message home of the locally caught fresh fish they consumed. Fishermen need access to ice close to their vessel landing points, as well as access to fuel for their vessel engines in particular. A problem is that currently there are a considerable number of landing points, and it would be too expensive to provide all of them with necessary ice and fuelling infrastructure. The logistics of how best to deal with this needs to be carefully looked at, preferably viably operated by the private sector as this will be economically sustainable longer term. It must also be designed in such a way that the cold chain from the vessel to final consumer is not broken, and distribution structures such as refrigerated trucks and storage cold rooms are in place.

• To develop a plan for identifying, providing and operating key infrastructure (particularly ice machines) to facilitate better Objectives and purpose: handling of domestic fish supplies, through a careful study involving all stakeholders, both within the Ministry of Fisheries, industry, end buyers and potential infrastructure and logistics providers.

Pre-requisites: The success of this project will require buy in by all stakeholders, particularly fishermen who until now have not used ice for preserving fish

Target groups, location and duration: Targeted groups are: • Private sector fishers in domestic fisheries who are selling their fish into the domestic market, as well as all associated stakeholders. Location of the project • Port Louis and Rodrigues

Project Funded by the European Union Page [114] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Duration of the project is suggested to be 6 months, to allow exploration of all logistical challenges and potential solutions within a private sector run environment..

Complementarities with other The Auction Market has the potential to be part of the process, as well as fish buyers who are already supplying ice to fishermen. initiatives

Expected results and indicative • A strategy developed for implementing key infrastructure requirements (particularly ice machines) to facilitate better activities handling of domestic fish supplies. • Liaison undertaken with all stakeholders to develop a cost effective and commercially sustainable solution.

Resources and cost requirements External expertise in facilities planning for the seafood sector (2 months) together with personnel time of Government officials who work in close association with local fishermen, and the Competent Authority and Ministry of Health on seafood safety issues. Estimated external costs MUR800,000.

Proposed financing plan Funded through direct budget support of Ministry of Finance, but with the intention of sourcing private sector and potentially donor funding to put the necessary infrastructure in place through a follow-up implementation project.

Project Funded by the European Union Page [115] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 4(a): Assessing the options and actions needed for diversifying markets for exported product

Project Name: Assess the options and actions needed for diversifying markets for exported product

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Code

Currently Mauritius export products are mostly dependent on the European Union market. The key concern is preference erosion. Mauritius as an ACP state, having provisionally signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU, maintains duty free preferential access into the EU. However, ASEAN countries are lobbying the EU to reduce the tariffs they have to pay to access the EU market, this preferential erosion threatening the competitiveness of Mauritian products into the EU market, particularly for tuna exports in the medium to long term. Mauritius therefore needs to assess the options and actions needed to diversify markets for exported product, so as to reduce market risk exposure. Potential options include but are not limited to: Concerned Ministries are involved in market access negotiations into a range of markets, including the EU. Industry needs to be actively involved in facilitating the Ministry, to gain maximum advantage. There is also the need to facilitate export promotion. The type of functions that fall under export promotion would include collection and dissemination of information, market research and analysis, promotional activities, and advice to the Government on matters of seafood marketing. The Ministries and the seafood industry need to be more strategically connected to facilitate Mauritian companies’ ability to target new markets and where identified, develop value added products in a manner that creates long-term momentum. Market penetration can Description & Rationale for the be expanded through attracting new customers: Project o visits to new companies in current markets, as well as those in new markets in different countries, to promote products; o attending seafood shows and establishing contacts; o promoting products by advertising in international magazines; o promoting products through association with the “Sustainable Mauritius” brand. There is also the ongoing need to explore eco-labeling options. Other potential options include boosting the resources of the Mauritian Exporters Association (MEXA), or through another marketing body, developing an information base which combined with experience and expertise would form a national knowledge base on the various links and elements in the value chain, from production through to consumer. This information would need to be packaged to meet its client’s needs whether industry, civil society or Government. The information in the knowledge base would include all aspects of the value chain, but it should be focused on market-related information and applications. The knowledge base is built in various ways and the design and content of the knowledge base would be determined by the needs of the clients. The focus would be to make commercial and industrial information on marketing and trade more easily accessible and user

Project Funded by the European Union Page [116] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

friendly. Information from a wide range of sources, including publications, participation in professional meetings, market reports, other organizations, and through primary data collection (i.e. studies undertaken by staff or hired consultants) would be collected and compiled. Studies and analyses would principally be used to fill gaps in knowledge at a national level or where information available is not substantive enough or not specific enough. Information would need to be stored and made accessible via filing systems/library, including a computerized database. Information collected and stored as well as being made available on request, would likely also be distributed through regular information bulletins, market reports and studies, as well as through a web page. Information could also be disseminated through seminars, conferences and training workshops for the industry. Detailed “market research and market analysis” is needed to guide Mauritian producers and exporters about market trends and opportunities. Through Mauritian representation abroad (diplomatic missions) there is also the opportunity to obtain special information on demand, and analyze this information with regard to relevance to the Mauritian industry, as well as organize special promotions and campaigns. Potentially trade staff at important embassies could also be recruited from the Mauritian fisheries and aquaculture industries.

• To undertake an assessment of options and actions needed for diversifying markets for Mauritius’s exported seafood products Objectives and purpose: to reduce market risk exposure due to overdependence on one market.

Pre-requisites: Buy in by key industry and Government stakeholders.

Target groups, location and Targeted groups are: duration: • Fisheries and seafood operators, particularly those involved in the Seafood Hub, as well as associated organisations such as MEXA, and Government Ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues. Location of the project • Port Louis and Rodrigues Duration of the assessment project is suggested to be 3 months. The suggested start date of the project should ideally be in the next 6 months, as the recommendations of the project will then need to be implemented by a follow-on project.

Complementarities with other INFOSA regional SADC marketing organisation based in Namibia, linked to INFOFISH and FAO Globefish and Eurofish market intelligence initiatives reporting organisations.

Expected results and indicative • Local stakeholder and international advice on strategic requirements needed to achieve diversification of export markets. activities • A platform developed to initiate a pathway to achieve required outcomes.

Resources and cost requirements 3 man months of external expertise for the initial assessment of options and actions needed for diversifying markets for exported

Project Funded by the European Union Page [117] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

product, also involving input from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues, the seafood industry and MEXA, co-ordinated through a local or international consultant. Estimated external costs MUR6 million being MUR1.2 million for external expertise, MUR3.6 million for international travel and MUR1.2 million operational costs

Proposed financing plan Funding through direct budget support of the Ministry of Finance, and donor funding for the initial study, with external project funding for follow-on implementation.

Project Funded by the European Union Page [118] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 4(b): Assessment of the impacts and transition measures required as a result of planned EU tariff arrangements

Project Name: Assessment of the impacts and transition measures required as a result of planned EU tariff arrangements.

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Code

Strategic development of the tuna sector in Mauritius, as well as its links regionally is central to the overall success of Mauritius’ fisheries sector strategy. Given its high dependence on the EU market, and the serious implications on its ability to remain competitive due to tariff preference erosion within the framework of the NAMA-WTO framework, key stakeholders need to address this jointly.

The process of erosion of ACP margins of preference is inevitable. It is expected that during the negotiations which are taking place at the WTO under the Doha Development Agenda, the pressure will be for the EU to reduce Most Favoured Nation tariffs even further. It is Description & Rationale for the vital that Mauritius as an ACP fish exporting country, adapts to the new global context, and improves its competitiveness. Project

Mauritius, through development support, needs to strategically look towards encouraging further investment in the seafood sector to improve technology transfer and reduce costs of production for fish landings, transport, and processing infrastructure, and improve the capacity of its fish processing and export sector to comply with international standards of sanitation, development of value added products (particularly in the area of secondary processing), exploration of new products and markets, and improvement in profit share in the overall value chain.

• To undertake a study to assess what is required for the Mauritian seafood industry to effectively adapt to a more liberalised international trade environment due to erosion of current tariff advantages. • To assess to what extent the Mauritius seafood industry will need to restructure to remain internationally competitive, Objectives and purpose: through shifting for example towards producing more value added products in the seafood value chain, such as secondary processed products. • To assess accompanying measures required to mitigate any adverse effect on the export

Pre-requisites: Buy in by Mauritius’ larger seafood processing / exporting companies and Government Ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, as well as the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues in particular, to strategically work together on this.

Target groups, location and Targeted groups are: duration: • Mauritius larger seafood processing / exporting sector companies; relevant Government Ministries; Mauritius Ports Authority; strategic regional players where applicable. Location of the project

Project Funded by the European Union Page [119] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

• Port Louis. Duration of the project is suggested to be 6 months. The suggested start date of the project should be within the next six months.

Complementarities with other Large regional donor projects where they relate to trade and improving overall competitiveness in the fisheries sector, and past initiatives initiatives such as the restructuring of the Mauritius sugar industry so that it remained internationally competitive.

Expected results and indicative Completion of a study that assesses the impacts and transition measures required as a result of planned EU tariff arrangements, activities including an assessment of the seafood value chain, to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the Mauritius seafood industry, with ongoing work by the Seafood Hub, applicable Government Ministries and other relevant stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes based on the study.

Resources and cost requirements 6 man months utilising international consultants with relevant seafood processing / exporting, and market access expertise that will enable a thorough analysis of the seafood value chain to improve overall competitiveness. Estimated external costs MUR 4.0 million being the cost of international expertise (MUR2.4 million), internal and international travel (MUR800,000), and MUR800,000 operational costs.

Proposed financing plan External donor (EU) project funding.

Project Funded by the European Union Page [120] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 4(c): Structure and role of the Competent Authority

Project Name: Prepare a plan for a semi-autonomous Competent Authority that has operational flexibility but is responsible to Government for performance.

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Code

The Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the EU have in the past few years threatened to de-list the Mauritius Competent Authority (CA) after every annual FVO inspection. The last inspection was much better. However, industry is still nervous because if the FVO fail the inspection and Mauritius is delisted, its seafood exports to the EU stop overnight.

The EU has indicated it prefers an organizational structure of an independent, autonomous CA, similar to the CA in Madagascar. There must not be any political interference. The Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues prefers a Competent Authority that reports to Government, working closely with itself, and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In Iceland the CA comes under the Ministry of Fisheries and works well, while for example in the UK, the CA is an independent Description & Rationale for the organisation, which also works well. Project The important point is that whoever the Competent Authority reports to in Mauritius must fully understand the EU food safety regulations so that decisions can be made swiftly and effectively. The main problem is bureaucracy. When dealing with the EU seafood safety regulations, speed is of the essence. And in the case of food poisoning, this can be a matter of life and death, so one can’t wait while the bureaucracy decides what to do.

Currently in Mauritius, many of the Competent Authority staff are contracted from the VET services in agriculture, free to leave at the end of their contracts. Industry would prefer that they be permanently employed by the Seafood Competent Authority. They also want the Competent Authority to have its own decision making Board with good EU seafood safety expertise, as well as its own budget so it can hire necessary staff, and effectively administer its resource requirements, so it continues to pass any EU inspections.

• To prepare a plan for a semi-autonomous Competent Authority that has operational flexibility, so it can effectively meet all Objectives and purpose: requirements of the EU, but still be responsible to Government for performance.

Pre-requisites: None, as industry, Government and the EU are fully aware of the current scenario linked to the Mauritius Seafood Competent Authority.

Target groups, location and Targeted groups are: duration: • The Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, the

Project Funded by the European Union Page [121] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Seafood Competent Authority, the seafood exporting sector (particularly those larger companies within the Seafood Hub), the Mauritius Exporters Association (MEXA) as it relates to seafood, and the EU Food and Veterinary Office and the local EU Delegation in Mauritius. Location of the project • Port Louis. Duration of the project is suggested to be 2 months, and should ideally occur as soon as possible as the CA is currently trying to finalise requirement responsibilities to the EU FVO.

Complementarities with other The project can be informed by the success of other Competent Authorities in the region and internationally such as how the initiatives Madagascar Competent Authority was set up and also how the Competent Authority in Iceland, where it comes under the Ministry of Fisheries, operates.

Expected results and indicative By preparing a plan for a semi-autonomous Competent Authority that has operational flexibility but is responsible to Government for activities performance, achieve an effective compromise between the requests of industry and apparently the EU who want a CA that is fully autonomous, and those of the Mauritian Government who want the CA still to report to Government.

Resources and cost requirements Internal assistance from relevant Government departments and industry, with external expertise from an international seafood safety consultant that has knowledge on EU Competent Authority requirements. Estimated external costs MUR2 million being 2 months external expertise (MUR1.2 million), regional travel to examine other CAs (MUR600,000) and MUR200,000 operational costs

Proposed financing plan Funding through direct budget support of the Ministry of Finance, with funding for an external consultant through international donor funding.

Project Funded by the European Union Page [122] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 4(d): Securing additional supplies of fish for processing in Mauritius

Project Name: Undertake a feasibility study for securing additional supply of fish from recognised sustainable resources (e.g. Maldives) for processing in Mauritius

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Code

Consumers are increasingly seeking fish that is third-party certified as being from sustainable resources. The most common, and the most widely recognised, of these is the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification – supermarkets in Britain, Germany, Australia, Holland, and the USA as examples, now insist on MSC certification before they will stock either fresh or frozen product. The certification also allows complete traceability.

Pole and line caught tuna fisheries such as in the Maldives have been recognised as sustainable by the MSC, so on first appearance seem a good product source for tuna processors in Mauritius wanting to sell into MSC dominated markets. However, Mauritian processors have complained that this fish has histamine seafood safety issues, due to bad handling of the fish by the fishermen. For this reason the Mauritian processors prefer to continue to source their product from EU distant water fleet purse seiners, who, from a seafood safety perspective, properly look after their fish once caught. There has also been environmental criticism that bulk catches of baitfish Description & Rationale for the required for pole and line tuna fishing go against ecosystem approaches to fisheries management. Project The problem with purse seine caught tuna is that organisations such as the MSC regard the by-catch of other juvenile species of tuna caught along with the target species as unsustainable in the long term.

The challenge then is to find other sustainably certified tuna sources of supply, and in the case of the Maldives, ensure that the tuna is also safe to eat.

Some Mauritian processors are also working on developing an independent eco-label for tuna caught in the Indian Ocean (mainly by purse seiners), that would meet the FAO guidelines on eco-labelling. Criticism is that this eco-label would not carry the MSC label, which has large market influence with consumers in UK supermarkets for example.

• To undertake a feasibility study for securing additional supply of tuna fish from recognised sustainable resources (e.g. Maldives) for processing in Mauritius, highlighting current problems such as histamine issues, and propose solutions. Objectives and purpose: • To identify other MSC certified tuna supply sources. • To assess the Mauritian processors proposal of developing an independent eco-label so that Indian Ocean purse seine caught

Project Funded by the European Union Page [123] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

tuna can be accepted as a sustainable tuna supply source, and provide guidelines on the best way forward.

Pre-requisites: Buy in by the major Mauritian tuna processors.

Target groups, location and Targeted groups are: duration: • MSC representatives promoting supplies of sustainably caught tuna, the Mauritian seafood sector that have been sourcing from the Maldives and are also trying to develop their own eco-label as a way to sustainably source purse seine caught tuna in the eyes of the consumer, Maldives companies to assess their current seafood safety handling of tuna, and other MSC certified potential supply sources. Location of the project • Port Louis. Duration of the project is suggested to be 2 months. The suggested start date of the project should be within the next six months, following the completion of the report for the Mauritian processors of an independent eco-label, currently being undertaken by an FAO consultant.

Complementarities with other Tuna fisheries internationally that have achieved MSC certification. initiatives

Expected results and indicative A feasibility study for securing additional supply of fish from recognised sustainable resources (e.g. Maldives) for processing in activities Mauritius, and also an assessment what other sustainable tuna supply source opportunities there are, both now and in the future.

Resources and cost requirements 2 months utilising an international consultant with relevant eco-labelling expertise. Estimated cost MUR2 million, being MUR800,000 for external expertise and MUR1.2 million for international and regional travel to targeted potential suppliers (including operational costs)

Proposed financing plan External project funding.

Project Funded by the European Union Page [124] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 5(a): Establish mechanisms appropriate to Mauritius and Rodrigues for implementing co-management

Project Name: Establish mechanisms (e.g. Consultative Committees) appropriate to Mauritius and Rodrigues for implementing co-management

Government of Mauritius Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Budget Code

Co-management, whereby industry and Government work together and share joint responsibility for managing and development of fisheries in Mauritius is an essential mechanism for putting other reforms in place as part of this Master Plan. Although there is the provision within the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act (2007), to establish ‘consultative committees’, the protocols, responsibilities of each co-management partner, powers, structure of any co-management committees etc have not been defined. As a result, ‘co- management’ remains a vague concept for most stakeholders, including Government, in Mauritius. This project is therefore designed to address the legislative, strategic and operational details of how co-management would operate in the Mauritian fisheries sector. While lessons can be learned from other’s experiences with co-management, the way in which co-management Description & Rationale for the will operate effectively in Mauritius will be unique to Mauritius since it needs to take into account the cultural setting, norms of Project Government and industry engagement. As such, the most appropriate form of co-management may be different between Mauritius and Rodrigues Islands. Mauritius already has experience of forms of ‘co-management’ through the activities of the joint private sector/Government Seafood Hub and the Fisheries Investment Trust. These can serve as useful models for extending the concept and the methodology more broadly within the Mauritian Seafood sector. However, an important gap is that there is no forum for working with the large recreational and sports fishing community and it is intended that these groups would be included as part of developing appropriate co-management arrangements with Government

• To develop the structure for co-management in Mauritius that is appropriate to the Mauritian and Rodriguan cultural setting and norms. This structure will address both co-management arrangements with commercial and recreational fishers as well as with the processing, exporting, importing and other private sector stakeholders Objectives and purpose: • To develop the strategies by which co-management will operate in Mauritius and Rodrigues, with particular attention to (a) the relative responsibilities of each co-management partner (b) definition of the powers of each partner (c) how dispute resolution processes will operate (d) funding • To investigate and modify, if needed, the legislative basis for co-management to provide the legal basis for its operation.

Pre-requisites: Nil

Target groups, location and Target groups will be all Government and private sector stakeholders in the Seafood sector in Mauritius, including the recreational sector. duration: Duration of the project: Suggested to be over 12 months. As the project proceeds, the requirements for, and benefits of, a continuing mentoring program should be evaluated. The start date of the project should be as soon as possible.

Project Funded by the European Union Page [125] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Complementarities with other This work is not being addressed by other donor-funded projects although some aspects of the co-management concept are being initiatives considered as part of other programmes such as EAFNansen, SWIOFP, UNDP/GEF-Government of Mauritius.

Expected results and indicative Expected results are: activities • A clear strategy, policy and operational procedures for fisheries co-management in Mauritius to include all stakeholders as appropriate. • Legislative amendments to provide the necessary legal basis for co-management including defining the respective powers and responsibilities of the co-management partners • Implementation of co-management processes that are appropriate to Mauritius and Rodrigues • Improved policy formulation and implementation • Training of co-management partners in governance issues, responsibilities and achieving effectiveness within a co-management framework

Resources and cost External specialist assistance in fisheries co-management implementation is essential in assisting Ministry staff to analyse alternatives and, requirements most importantly, in working with co-management partners to provide guidance and on-going training. Total estimated external costs are MUR3.0 million over the 12 months duration of the project being for external expertise on long term (10 months) assignment to the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues

Proposed financing plan Funding through direct budget support of the Ministry of Finance or through donor-funded project finance

Project Funded by the European Union Page [126] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 5(b): Review of Management Policy of Recreational and Sports Fisheries in Mauritius and Rodrigues and Licensing

Project Name: Review of the Management Policy of Recreational and Sports Fisheries in Mauritius and Rodrigues including licensing of recreational and sports fishers

Government of Mauritius Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Budget Code

Recreational fishing, mainly angling from the beach, but also reportedly using various illegal methods such as spear-gun fishing is popular in Mauritius with reported numbers of those participating in this fishery being between 22 000 and 32 000 participants. Some surveys have been undertaken of the extent of this activity but no formal information is documented. Even casual observation of recreational fishing activity indicates that it has a significant effect upon fishery resources of the lagoons, the marine area under most threat. The MFR recognizes that without effectively managed this activity attempts to sustain and enhance the traditional small-scale lagoon and off-reef fishery will be futile. In addition, recreational fishing exploits a publically-owned resource that incurs publically incurred management costs. Thus there exist policy issues as to whether recreational fishermen should contribute to these costs, e.g. though imposition of a licence fee and if so, what fee would be appropriate and how should it best be administered. Description & Rationale for the Sport fishing has similar characteristics but usually is undertaken by different people. This fishery may be defined as being undertaken Project from boats operated by others than those who actually do the fishing, often tourists who wish to undertake big game fishing, though this is not always the case. Charter boat operators take their clients offshore often fishing around the fish aggregating devices that have been installed by the MFR with the object of providing alternate fishing opportunities for lagoon fishermen so as to reduce fishing pressure in the inshore areas. Such operators may travel up to 25 nm from the coast. It is reported that some catch by the charter vessels enters commercial channels and so competes in the market with the sale of the catch of the small-scale sector. At times the relation between these two sectors is reported to be one of conflict. As with recreational fishing from beaches, sport or charter boat fishing exploits a public resource for which management costs are incurred by the MFR and the Ministry is faced with the requirement to formulate an appropriate policy.

The objectives of the project are to: • Undertake a survey of recreational and sport fishing in Mauritius and Rodrigues to document the scale and impact of this fishery • Formulate policies for managing these fisheries including identification of licensing options and related compliance initiatives and Objectives and purpose: potential enforcement methods and costs • Provide management recommendations to the MFR • Provide assistance with the implementation of these licensing programmes.

Project Funded by the European Union Page [127] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Target groups, location and The Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues and the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure duration: Recreational and sports fishermen and respective organizations in Mauritius and Rodrigues. Location of the project: Mauritius and Rodrigues Duration of the project: Suggested to be over 12 months. As the project proceeds, the requirements for, and benefits of, a continuing mentoring program should be evaluated. The start date of the project should be as soon as possible.

Complementarities with other This work is not being addressed by other donor-funded projects. initiatives

Expected results and indicative These are: activities • Formulation of well-informed policy through the execution of appropriate socio- and bio-economic analyses, modelling and risk analyses. • Development of constructive interaction with relevant stakeholders • Improved policy formulation and implementation • Training of Ministry staff in survey methods for recreational and sports fisheries, methods of quantitative policy analysis, risk assessment and risk management • Implementation of the respective licensing programmes.

Resources and cost Resources will be needed for (a) training of Ministry staff in the relevant methods of analyses (subject to their availability, (b) expert requirements assistance to undertake the required analyses and (c), implementation of the programme. Total estimated external costs are MUR6.8 million being MUR1.2 million for 3 months short term external expertise, MUR2.4 million for 8 month long term assignment to the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues to assist with implementation, MUR1.8 million for training Ministry staff and MUR1.4 million operational costs

Proposed financing plan External donor project funding

Project Funded by the European Union Page [128] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 5(c): Feasibility and process for all users of Mauritius’s marine resources to contribute to sustainable fisheries and lagoon management and conservation

Project Name: In collaboration with other Ministries, examine the feasibility and process for all users of Mauritius’s marine resources to contribute to sustainable fisheries and lagoon management and conservation

Government of Mauritius Programme 751: Policy and Strategy for Fisheries and Rodrigues Budget Code

As one of the key principles of the Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius, any private benefits that accrue as a result of the exploitation or use of the publicly-owned marine environment or its resources should not be free of charge but, rather, those who gain from those private benefits should contribute to the costs of maintaining the marine environment and the sustainability of its resources. There are number of groups that currently derive private benefits free of charge, including the tourism sector and the recreational fishing sector. The recreational fishing sector has been addressed in a separate project (Project 5b) while this project addresses the important tourism industry. Almost the entire vitally important tourist sector is based around the attractions of Mauritius’s littoral area. All but a few of the tourist complexes are integrated into the coastal environment and tourist operators offer a wide range of activities that are focused on beach and lagoon use. These include sailing, scuba diving, paragliding, sea-bottom walking, water skiing and sports fishing. The existence of marine parks (at Balaclava and Blue Bay) provide further opportunities for eco-minded tourists to enjoy Mauritius’s and Rodrigue’s marine lagoon Description & Rationale for the ecosystems and planned marine protected areas will expand these opportunities. The marine lagoons and immediate offshore areas are Project also important for fishing and at least some of the catch supports the tourist-orientated coastal restaurant businesses. The Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues has a number of programmes to manage these national resources of which the most important are: • The Marine Conservation Division whose mandate is the long-term protection and conservation of marine bio-diversity and ecosystems for sustainable use and to maximize economic and social benefits derived from the coastal zone • The Marine Science Division whose mandate is to carry out research on the marine environment for the protection, management and conservation of its resources for the benefit of fishers, tourists and the general public and • The Fisheries Research Division, whose mandate is to improve knowledge on fish stocks and non-consumptive resources, disseminate information and knowledge on fisheries and provide advice for fisheries management. Consistent with a policy of assigning management costs most closely to the beneficiaries, the requirement has been identified to determine how the tourist sector could directly contribute to funding marine lagoon area ecosystem management costs. This should be done through an appropriate policy analysis.

• To undertake a policy analysis of options for funding of coastal marine ecosystem management (including marine parks, marine Objectives and purpose: protected areas and related research) through some form of levy on the main user group, the tourist sector as well as other users.

Project Funded by the European Union Page [129] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Pre-requisites: Commitment of the Ministry to the initiative; constructive interaction with the Tourist sector at both government and private sector levels.

Target groups, location and The Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues, Ministry of Tourism and Leisure and tourist operators. duration: Location of the project: Mauritius and Rodrigues Duration of the project: Suggested to be over 12 months. The start date of the project could be as soon as possible.

Complementarities with other This work is not being addressed by other donor-funded projects. initiatives

Expected results and indicative • Identification and evaluation of feasible options for funding management of marine ecosystem management in the Mauritian activities littoral zone. • Recommendations as to how a selected levee scheme could be implemented. • Implementation of any accepted programme method.

Resources and cost Resources will be needed for (a) an appropriately qualified consultant and national assistance to undertake the required analyses and (c), requirements once accepted, planning of the implementation of the programme. Estimated external costs are MUR1.1 million being for 2.5 man months of external expertise plus MUR100,000 operational costs

Proposed financing plan Funding through direct budget support of the Ministry of Finance or through donor-funded project finance

Project Funded by the European Union Page [130] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 5(d): Establish a “Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund”, funded by users of Mauritius’s marine resources

Project Name: Establish a “Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund”, funded by users of Mauritius’s marine resources

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 751: Policy and Strategy for Fisheries and Rodrigues Code

In accordance with one of the guiding principles of this Master Plan that users of Mauritius’s marine resource should contribute to their conservation, management and sustainability, it is proposed to establish a dedicated fund, based on the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development, to achieve sustainable marine resources. Separate projects under this Master Plan already address some of the users and potential contributors to the fund, such as those to introduce a recreational fishing licence and a levy on tourist use of the marine resources of Mauritius and Rodrigues. There would be other contributors to the proposed fund (see below). Experience from many countries however has shown that, unless these fees can be justified by providing clear benefits to those who are paying the fees, they will be resisted. The establishment of a Sustainable Fisheries development Fund will provide the vehicle for the demonstration of the clear link between fees and benefits to the sectors that are paying the fees. This project is designed, therefore, to establish the fund and to develop its strategy and operational plan for funding research, development and social interventions that directly benefits the users of the marine resources. It is anticipated the Fund would operate by calling for research and development proposals directly related to the objective of sustaining and improving marine resources and their habitats in the lagoon areas of both Mauritius and Rodrigues. Contributors to the fund, tentatively called the ‘Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund”, would be all sectors who use the marine Description & Rationale for the resources for private benefit and would include: Project • Commercial fishers • Recreational fishers • Fisheries Investment Trust • Tourism and sports fishing industry • Fish processers and exporters • Operators of facilities and services in MPAs • Developers of the coastal zone Expenditure from the fund would address the three pillars of Ecological Sustainable Development and would include: • Research on Mauritius coastal marine environment and its resources • Development of facilities (e.g. mooring points, undersea ‘walks’ etc) to support marine-based industries • Social payments to displaced or disadvantaged fishers & others in poverty. These would, in part, be delivered through the existing Fishermen’s Welfare Fund Annex 5 provides further details of the concept, together with an indication of potential funding flows

Project Funded by the European Union Page [131] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

• To establish a Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, based on the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development Objectives and purpose: • To prepare its constitution which will define the Fund’s structure, objectives and Governance principles • To prepare a strategic plan for the Fund’s operations and to provide guidelines for its operational plan

Pre-requisites: Nil although the Fund would not become operational until licence fee mechanisms are in place and fees are being collected.

Target groups, location and Targeted groups are recreational fishers, conservation NGOs, research institutions and tourist operators in both Mauritius and duration: Rodrigues who would both contribute to and be able to apply for funds to undertake research and development related to the objectives of the Fund. The project would be located in Port Louis but would operational in both Mauritius and Rodrigues. Duration of the project is expected to be 3 months with the Fund, once established, being self-funding (see Annex 5).

Complementarities with other This work is closely related to Strategic Objective 5 of the Master Plan and, in particular, actions 5(b) and 5(c) which provide for the initiatives collection of fees that will contribute to the fund.

Expected results and indicative • The structure, function and governance of the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund would be defined, together with its activities strategic plan and guidelines for its first operational plan

Resources and cost requirements The work would be undertaken by senior representatives of the Ministries of Fisheries & Rodrigues, Finance and Tourism, assisted by an independent Chairman with governance/accounting experience although with limited or no external assistance. 6 man months of Government staff time, 1 man month of independent chairman and 2 weeks of external specialist support. Estimated cost MUR350,000 which would be for initial training/mentoring of Chairman by external consultant

Proposed financing plan Funded by GoM funds with technical assistance, if needed, through external project funding

Project Funded by the European Union Page [132] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 6(a): Assessment of the Obligations of Mauritius in Relation to its Membership in International Marine Organizations

Project Name: Assessment of the Obligations of Mauritius in Relation to its Membership in International Marine Organizations, including how to involve the private sector in international and regional issues so that private sector development plans are aligned with Government policy

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Code

The Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues, on behalf of the Government of Mauritius has a range of responsibilities to support the activities of a number of marine international organizations whose conventions have national ratification. These include the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the Committee on Fisheries of the Department of Fisheries and the Global Environmental Facility of the World Bank. Mauritius has ratified the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) and once this Agreement comes into effect, this will also require active support from the Ministry of Fisheries. Mauritius also has formal observer status with CCAMLR as a non-contracting party and important Port State. Mauritius is also a signatory to the Convention of Biodiversity (CBD), which has an active programme relating to marine protected areas and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which usually occur in, or adjacent to, the littoral environment. Description & Rationale for the The Ministry of Fisheries also participates in the GEF/UNDP Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem Project (ASCLME) and Project the Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Project (SWIOFP). Mauritius is a former member of the International Whaling Commission (IWO). Participation in these programmes, whose geographical areas of activities usually surround Mauritius, results in a significant work load on a small department and thus it is essential that the Ministry’s participation in the business of these organizations has clear objectives and a well articulated strategy. To ensure this a review is proposed of:

• The strategic interests of Mauritius in relation to the respective marine organizations in which it is involved and • Preparation of appropriate programmes of interaction/participation in each of these organizations by the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues.

To prepare an assessment that: • Determines and documents the strategic interests of Mauritius in relation to the mandates of the respective international Objectives and purpose: organizations to which Mauritius is a party • Develops plans to achieve these interests though the respective international organizations.

Pre-requisites: The Ministry support for the project objectives.

Target groups, location and • The Minister of Fisheries and Rodrigues and senior management in the fisheries department duration: • The Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Project Funded by the European Union Page [133] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

• The Cabinet. Location of the project • Port Louis

Duration of the project is suggested to be over 2 months: the project could start as soon as possible.

Complementarities with other This work is not being addressed by other donor-funded projects. initiatives

Expected results and indicative • A full determination of the strategic interests of Mauritius in relation to the international marine agencies to which it is a party activities and • Documentation of programmes of interaction to achieve the strategic objectives and goals.

Resources and cost requirements Limited external expertise (3 weeks) would be required to assist the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues in assessing Mauritius’s strategic interests in fisheries and marine organisations and in preparing plans for effective levels of engagement. Total external funds requirement (being MUR300,000 for external expertise, MUR1.9 million for initial support for Mauritian attendance and participation and MUR500,000 operational costs), is estimated at MUR2.7 million.

Proposed financing plan Funding through direct budget support of the Ministry of Finance or through donor-funded project finance

Project Funded by the European Union Page [134] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 6(b): Review of Licensing Fees and Conditions for Foreign Vessels Fishing in the EEZ of Mauritius and Rodrigues

Project Name: Review of Licensing Fees and Conditions for Foreign Vessels Fishing in the EEZ of Mauritius and Rodrigues

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Code:

The Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues licenses a number of vessels from different flag states to fish in the Mauritian EEZ. Of the 10 vessels authorized to fish in the Banks’ fishery, three have foreign registrations though they have Mauritian beneficial ownership. Licences are issued to foreign fishing vessels from the EU and also under fishing agreements with the Seychelles and the Federation of Japan Tuna Fisheries Co-operative Associations: 49 licences were issued to tuna fishing vessels and extensions were granted to 9 vessels. The number of licences issued by gear type is as follows.

Purse seine licences Longline licences Seychelles 19 6 FJTFCA - 24

Description & Rationale for the While the production of the domestic (locally owned and operated) industrialised tuna fishing in Mauritius is negligible, the Commission Project de l'Océan Indien MCS project has estimated that the benefits accruing to Mauritius from foreign fishing from earnings for services25 and, to a lesser extent, licences, amount to €200-250 million annually. However, crude comparisons of licence fees received by Mauritius, in comparison with other regional countries appear to indicate that Mauritius charges significantly less than other countries for access to its EEZ although catches and other access agreements may account for this. However, the issue of appropriate licence fees and conditions has not been reviewed for some time and there is a view that the Ministry of Fisheries needs to develop policies that better reflect the importance of this activity.

An issue of concern is whether current licence fees sufficiently reflect the value of the fisheries that are prosecuted by the foreign- flagged vessel involved in the fishery. An analysis is required to determine optimal licensing fees for foreign-flag vessels in the different fisheries sectors together with an implementation strategy and process.

The objectives of the project are to: Objectives and purpose: • Undertake a review of the levels of licence fees including a comparison with such fees paid in similar fisheries in other management jurisdictions, taking into account other non-monetary access arrangements

25 Port dues and expenditure, fuel and supplies, repairs, stevedoring, fish processing and canning

Project Funded by the European Union Page [135] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

• Review the monitoring and control of all foreign-flag fishing in the Mauritian EEZ to identify potential areas of concern and develop appropriate responses. • Identify any deficiencies in the institutional capacity of the respective divisional departments to address these concerns and develop programme to address these requirements.

Pre-requisites: The success of this project will require the commitment of the national authorities, the support of the respective elements of the industry and fishermen’s groups and provision of required support to the respective divisions of the Ministry that participate.

Target groups, location and Relevant decision makers in the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues. duration: Location of the project: Port Louis and Rodrigues Duration of the project: suggested to be over 12 months. The project could start as soon as possible.

Complementarities with other This work is not being addressed by other Government of Mauritius or donor-funded projects initiatives

Expected results and indicative • The creation of licensing policies that are fair and equitable and in line with international norms activities • Identification and implementation of activities that satisfy the requirements determined by the Agreement for Port State controls

Resources and cost requirements External expertise is essential for (a) analyses of existing practices, (b) development of new policy and (c) institutional strengthening. Estimated external costs are MUR1.0 million being 2 man months of external expertise (MUR800,000) and MUR200,000 operational costs and internal travel

Proposed financing plan Funding through direct budget support of the Ministry of Finance or through donor-funded project finance

Project Funded by the European Union Page [136] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 6(c): Undertake a feasibility study for Mauritius to host SIOFA26

Project Name: Feasibility for hosting SIOFA: Assistance to the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues to Provide the Secretariat for the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement

Government of Mauritius Budget Code Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management

In 2010 the Government of Mauritius ratified the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA). The Agreement still requires one further qualified ratification before it can enter in to force: this is expected to happen in 2011 with ratification by the Australian Government. Given the evident geographical location of Mauritius and the desire of the Mauritius Government to play a more prominent role in regional fisheries affairs, the Mauritian Government is prepared to host the Secretariat for the future Fisheries Agreement. Description & Rationale for the Project To do so will require the Mauritius Government to make such an offer at the inaugural meeting of SIOFA and to convey this intention to ratifying governments in the lead up to this meeting. To make their offer realistic will require that: • The costs of providing the Secretariat are reasonably identified • A suitable location and premises in Mauritius are identified • An operating budget is prepared and • The role of the Mauritius Government is documented.

The objectives of the project are to: • Determine the feasibility, resource requirements and funding of the future SIOFA (staff and budget) Objectives and purpose: • Identify a location for the Secretariat and budget requirements • Prepare a hosting proposal.

Pre-requisites: The success of this project will require the Ministry to confirm its intention to seek the Secretariat of SIOFA.

Target groups, location and duration: Target groups are the Minister of Fisheries and Rodrigues, senior management of the Ministry, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs & Cabinet. Location of the project: Port Louis, Duration of the project is estimated to be 2 months: the project should only start after ratification of SIOFA by the required fourth party

Complementarities with other This work is not being addressed by other donor-funded projects.

26 This project to be kept in abeyance until the ratification of SIOFA by the required fourth party to bring it into effect. This is reflected in the Master Plan scheduling (see Section 10)

Project Funded by the European Union Page [137] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius initiatives

Expected results and indicative • A full determination of the budgetary and organization implications of hosting the Secretariat of SIOFA activities • Identification of an appropriate location.

Resources and cost requirements External expertise required to undertake feasibility study. Total external costs estimated at MUR 2.0 million being MUR800,000 for external expertise, MUR900,000 for initial set up and MUR300,000 operational costs

Proposed financing plan Funding through direct budget support of the Ministry of Finance or through donor-funded project finance

Project Funded by the European Union Page [138] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 7(a) : Analysis of the structure, activities, facilities and skills requirements of the Ministry of Fisheries

Project Name: Analysis and review of the structure, activities, facilities and skills requirements of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues

Government of Mauritius Budget Code Programme 751: Policy and Strategy for Fisheries and Rodrigues Programme 311: Rodrigues Development (MUR6 million for infrastructure support for additional staff)

The activities of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues cover a wide range of fundamentally different activities including those of (a) fishermen’s welfare, (b) managing financial support to different fishery sectors, especially that of the small scale sector; (c) general policy development; (d) fishing licensing and licensing policies; (e) control of import and export of fish products; (f) control of fishing vessel movement in Port Louis (several aspects) and in the Mauritian EEZ; (g) undertaking of marine scientific research; (h) monitoring of the quality of fish habitat in the coastal area; (i) responding to international obligations through a range of fisheries agreements and (j), managing fishing effort and setting of allowable catches and levels of fishing effort. These services are provided to a wide range of clients and require a correspondingly large range of skills and activities on the part of the Ministry. For a small department in a small country successfully satisfying these requirements is difficult. It is common practice in many countries to undertake periodic reviews of the nature of services that a ministry of fisheries is providing, how efficiently and effectively these services are being provided, if there are other more desirable ways of providing such services and whether the nature and extent of services that are provided should be changed. Such a review has no implications for the policies of the Ministry; rather it is an analysis that contributes to determining how best to deliver on the Ministry’s policies whatever they may be. Such an analysis requires careful consideration of the allocation of resources (fiscal and human) to the respective activities of the Ministry (its business lines) and respective clients. As such it Description & Rationale for the Project should identify the actual costs of administering the programmes for which the Ministry has the mandate to deliver. Another now critical issue is the funding of management activities. It is timely to review the costs and provision of management services and more directly tying the provision of services with recovery of such costs from those they benefit. An important activity of such a review is identifying the existing skill base of those employed in the Ministry for comparison with that which is required given the existing and changing demands on the Ministry in the way of services that must provided or will be required in the future. Based on this the training and skill-upgrading needs of the Ministry can be determined. Such review would also reflect on the nature of skills that are required given future hiring of employees. While the existing operational structure of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues appears to be, in the main, appropriate given the usual demands of a fisheries department, there are several areas that require examination. These are: • The need for a dedicated section dealing with all aspects of data, databases and data reporting (this would probably be part of an existing service) with its own budget and staff • The need to review the role and responsibility of the Fisheries Protection Service and thus whether activities undertaken by the FPS would be better placed elsewhere • The role of the Research and Conservation departments and how to best deliver on the requirements of these two

Project Funded by the European Union Page [139] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

activities, and • The provision of appropriate and sufficient numbers of staff in Rodrigues, particularly those related to research and data collection

The objectives of the project are to: • Undertake a review of the identify of clients of the department and their needs and evaluate how well these needs are being satisfied • Review funding arrangements and the appropriateness of tying costs to beneficiaries Objectives and purpose: • Review the structure of the Ministry with particular regard to (a) the requirements to satisfy statistics and related information demands; (b) the structure and operations of the Fisheries Protection Service and (c), the respective role of Research Conservation in the Ministry (d) the provision of services to Rodrigues. • Identify the skills base and current and future requirements for the Ministry and prepare a human resources skills development and recruitment strategy. This should address the issue of rotation of technical staff

Pre-requisites: The success of this project will require (a) the commitment of the Ministry to support of the initiative and provision of required data (to the extent that it is possible) and (b), the support and good will of the respective elements of the industry and fishermen’s groups who will be affected by policy decisions. Ideally there should be full participation in this work of all relevant Ministry directors though a formal review committee that could be supported and/or directed by an appropriate expert. It is noted that implementation of reviews as proposed here are often severely constrained by domestic civil service hiring and firing regulations and the need for cabinet approval of staffing changes, especially if there is to be a reduction in staff size.

Target groups, location and duration: Target groups are the Minister and senior managers in the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues. The location of the project is Port Louis and Rodrigues and the duration is an estimated 12 months. The project could start as soon as possible.

Complementarities with other initiatives This work is not being addressed by other donor-funded projects

Expected results and indicative activities • A documented review of Ministry clients, client needs and services provided with an assessment of how effectively and efficiently such services are provided • Identification of options for other means of servicing clients and funding such services • Identification of facilities and infrastructure shortfalls and development of a plan to upgrade these • A documented review of the existing skills base in the Ministry, the future needs and how this may be achieved • An analysis of Ministry structure with particular attention to the provision of statistical information and related reports, the Fisheries Protection Service, Research and Conservation and the servicing of the needs of Rodrigues • The end result should be a Ministry with much enhanced capacity and a clear client-focus to deliver effectively on fisheries management and planning in Mauritius

Project Funded by the European Union Page [140] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Resources and cost requirements This is a major and critical review upon which the success in delivering the Master Plan will depend. External HR consultant resources and experts in fisheries organisational requirements and facilities management and strategy will be needed for (a) training of Ministry staff in the relevant methods of analyses and (b) undertaking the required analyses. The estimated external funds required over the 12 month duration of the project is MUR12.3 million which includes approximately MUR 6.0 million infrastructure support for upgrading facilities and support for Rodrigues, MUR3.2 million for 8 man months external expertise, MUR2.5 million for training and MUR600,00 internal travel and operational costs

Proposed financing plan Funding through direct budget support of the Ministry of Finance or through donor-funded project finance

Project Funded by the European Union Page [141] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

a) Other projects: This list of other projects reflect projects that either already been funded and agreed or are of a nature that they are part of normal Government processes and therefore, no separate project document has been prepared.

The exception is the addition to project 1(b) (Preparation of 5-year management plans for each major fishery) where an additional component, at additional cost is recommended.

Action item/project Comments Costs and Funding Project 1(b). In collaboration with stakeholders, Already scheduled as part of the IFAD MARS programme. Costs already budgeted for in PBB as part of IFAD MARS prepare 5-year management and development plans However, this is a key project that will underpin program – see additional recommended component for each major fishery to include resource allocation sustainable management of domestic fisheries. It is below between users therefore essential that (a) external expertise have practical experience in preparing and implementing management plans in a co-management environment and (b) research staff at the Albion FRC are involved at an early stage in preparing stock assessments of the major species, using existing data, as the basis of the management plans. It is recommended that an additional component be added to this IFAD project related to co-management arrangements to implement the fisheries management plan for the octopus fishery in Rodrigues using Territorial User Rights. Details of such an additional project component are provided below. Project 2(b): Prepare plans for an international While this is a critical project for (a) the efficient Funded by GoM tender for the operations of the new fish auction operation of the fish auction market and (b) for market, using a Public Private Partnership approach recovering some of the infrastructure investment costs, it is a normal function of Government processes. Therefore, no detailed project description has been prepared

Project Funded by the European Union Page [142] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Project 1(b) – Five-year Fisheries Management and development Plans – Additional Component

Project Name: Programme to Implement Octopus Fishery TURFs (Territorial User Rights in Fisheries) in Selected Communities in Rodrigues

Government of Mauritius Budget Programme 487: Fisheries Development and Management Code

This project is designed to determine the feasibility of introducing the use of Territorial User Rights in the lagoon community-centred fisheries for octopus in Rodrigues. The project will (a) determine the legal requirements to ensure community control over octopus in traditionally fished areas; (b) assist in developing the management protocols in close association with respective community groups; (c) develop biologically-based harvesting models and procedures; (d) identify the needs to be provided by the Fisheries Protection Service to ensure compliance with the conservation and management protocols of the programme and undertake enforcement efforts to support community-determined conservation goals; (e) monitor the results of the programme so as to provide a basis for expanding the programme to other areas and possibly other species and (f) to the greatest extent possible transfer responsibility for the execution of the programmes to those mostly closely involved in the fishery and the community. The rational for the project derives from (a) current growth and recruitment overfishing of the lagoon octopus resource and associated habitat destruction by trampling during harvesting; (b) the need to enhance incomes of those involved in the fishery; (c) the strong Description & Rationale for the markets for the product and the potential to add value to the product should quantities of the project be increased; the (d), the Project possibility for effective control of the fishery given an appropriate degree of local-area support.. As part of this work training will be given to local managers in customary fisheries management, data collecting, analysis requirements and reporting requirements. The project will provide for development of sampling programs to enable estimation of biological parameters used in stock assessment and the provision of harvesting advice The project, through training and capacity building, will ensure the sustained development of the institutional capacity of this program. The program will include: • Review of fishery, survey and research information. • An assessment of the status of the octopus stocks prior to commencement of the programme • Developing and institutionalize annual stock assessment, lead by, or with significant involvement of, local communities • Develop programs to obtain biological and fishing effort information required for stock assessment purposes, • Train young scientists by national and expatriate experts in data collection and analysis, catch sampling and stock assessment

The main objectives of this project are: • Enhance incomes of octopus fishers in the lagoons of Rodrigues through introduction of new management protocols Objectives and purpose: • Ensure local participants have the training, motivation, resources and support to sustain the programme • To document the activities and results of the programme • To develop and institutionalize a resource management system

Project Funded by the European Union Page [143] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

• To train local managers in data collection, analysis, sampling and stock assessment.

Pre-requisites: The success of this project requires (a) the commitment of the national authorities; (b) the genuine support and participation of the respective Rodrigues community groups; availability of a moderate amount of project funding. The budget and financial management arrangements should be in place prior to the commencement of the project.

Target groups, location and Targeted groups are: duration: • Octopus fishers harvesting the lagoons around Rodrigues • Possibly one community worker • One resource management ideally based in Rodrigues, otherwise in Mauritius. Location of the project • Rodrigues: starting with the community of located at Rivière Banane Duration of the project is suggested to be 36 months. The level of activities in the last year should be reduced in accordance with progress achieved in the first two years. As the project proceeds, the requirements for, and benefits of, a continuing mentoring program should be evaluated. The start date of the project should be as soon as the new budgeting and financial management arrangements are in place.

Complementarities with other This work is/is not being addressed by other donor-funded projects initiatives

Expected results and indicative The expected results are: activities • An increase in the amounts of octopus catches from the lagoons of Rodrigues • An increase in value adding potential through control over when harvesting can occur • Enhanced co-management and thus reduction in resource management costs • Programs for collecting and analyzing biological and fishing effort information required for stock assessment • Trained local-areas staff in octopus fishery management, data collation, analysis, catch sampling and stock assessment

Resources and cost requirements MUR800, 000 of external support. Resources of an octopus stock assessment biologist, local community worker and training of a local fishery officer in relevant management activities. Minor capital items would be needed to support the project, including at sampling equipment for collection of fish-related measurements.

Proposed financing plan External donor funding

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius ANNEXES:

ANNEX 1: Goals and expected results under the 2007-2012 Fisheries Sector Policy (FSP)

a) Overall Objective of the FSP The overall objective of the FSP was:

To maximize the sustainable benefit to the Mauritian economy through the harvesting, processing, sale and consumption of wild and cultured fish and shellfish, in the context of private sector activity, coherence with other economic sectors, protection of disadvantaged social groups and due care of the environment.

b) Goals and expected Results of the FSP In support of the overall objective of the FSP, the following 12 defined goal with associated expected results were developed. Activities were also identified for each result area.

Goal Expected Results Goal 1: To have a clear 1.1 An annual research strategy has been planned in consultation understanding of resource with the Fisheries Management Service and implemented within the status and potential in context of a medium term research plan Mauritian waters 1.2 National research projects have been integrated with regional programmes. 1.3 Research results have been published in International Journals. 1.4 National fishery scientists are qualified in all aspects of resource assessment Goal 2: To manage fish 2.1 Fishery Management Plans are prepared and implemented for the resources in Mauritian waters major fisheries on a sustainable basis, based on 2.2 Fish resources on St Brandon, Agalega and associated banks are the best available scientific and through fisheries entitlements to technical advice, to the long Fishermen term benefit of the Mauritian 2.3 By 2012, artisanal lagoon fisheries are managed effectively with people catching capacity in line with resource availability. 2.4 Management of the fishery for tuna and associated species fully reflects the regional management approach as defined by IOTC Goal 3: To ensure that 3.1 Air, sea and coastal MSC operations are carried out on a

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Mauritius has the combined programmed basis capacity to effectively and 3.2 The VMS system is fully operative. efficiently monitor and control 3.3 An observer programme on foreign fishing vessels has been fisheries operations in defined and implemented. Mauritian waters

3.4 The issue of licenses to foreign fishing vessels is within the mark of national and international fishery management policies and measures. Goal 4: To increase the capacity 4.1 The catch of tuna and associated species by domestic vessels of national vessels to catch fish landing into Mauritius triples between 2006 and 2010. resources in Mauritian having due regard for the 4.2 There are sufficient trained national crew for vessels based in balance between fleet capacity Mauritius. and resource potential 4.3 By 2012, domestic landings from non-tuna fisheries reflect resource availability Goal 5: To provide competitive 5.1 More foreign vessels are using facilities in Port Louis. and efficient on-shore facilities 5.2 There is modern quay space for the semi-industrial fishing boats. in Mauritius 5.3 Landings by the artisanal fleet have been rationalized into a reduced number of landing places. 5.4 Equipment is available for handling of catches (inc. artisanal) in compliance with international health standards Goal 6: To provide Mauritian 6.1 An auction for the sale of the by-catch of foreign vessels has been consumers with good quality established. fish and fish products at an 6.2 Increased production from inshore FAD fisheries as artisanal affordable price fishers relocated from the lagoon areas. 6.3 Identification of opportunities for aquaculture to supply fish to the domestic market as well as the hotel trade Goal 7: To maintain and 7.1 Processing activity in Mauritius has diversified from preparation of develop value added processing canned tuna and loins. based in Mauritius. 7.2 Supply of raw material to the export processing has increased at no cost to domestic supply. 7.3 Mauritian maintains favourable conditions of access to major markets. 7.4 There is an adequate pool of skilled labour in Mauritius. Goal 8: To ensure that 8.1 Mauritian exports of fish and fish products have met the required Mauritian fishery products are standards of main clients of the quality, health and safety 8.2 A quality control programme has been adopted standards required in key export markets Goal 9: To develop aquaculture 9.1 A Master Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture has been defined and activity in Mauritius to diversify implemented the raw material supply base 9.2 Incentives are provided for small scale farmers to embark on

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius from Mauritius fisheries aquaculture projects for both domestic (inc hotel) 9.3 Cage culture of fish in the lagoon and shallow banks areas. consumption and export 9.4 Species available for aquaculture in Mauritius have been diversified. 9.5 Barachois are used for small scale fish farming and integrated into tourism initiatives Goal 10: To ensure that 10.1 All fishery and aquaculture development projects include EIA developments in the fishery and 10.2 By 2010, 2 further Marine Parks allowing for cooperative use by aquaculture sectors are a variety of stakeholders have been designated and established undertaken on an environmentally sustainable basis Goal 11: Mauritius to maximise 11.1 Mauritius fishery development strategy supported by regionally the support of bi-lateral and and internationally recognised multi-lateral agencies for the scientific and technical assistance implementation of its fishery 11.2 Mauritius complies with adopted IOTC and CCAMLR resolutions, development strategy and demonstrate this compliance in a summary table to be reviewed each year 11.3 Mauritius has confirmed bilateral fishing agreements with other Indian Ocean countries. Goal 12: To ensure the 12.1 The Fisheries Administration, in cooperation with other public Mauritian Government and sector bodies, has the skills required to effectively manage the Private Sector can efficiently Mauritian fisheries sector in an efficient and cost effective implement the defined strategy manner 12.2 Staffing levels reflect national priorities for the design and implementation of fishery policy by the public sector. 12.3 The Fisheries Division is fully computerized and networked. 12.4 A comprehensive training programme has been designed and implemented. 12.5 Stakeholders have been consulted on a regular basis on policy design and implementation 12.6 Facilities available to the Fisheries Division and associated Agencies are well equipped and maintained and suitable for purpose

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ANNEX 2: The Commercial and Recreational Fisheries in Mauritius: Background Information

1. REVIEW OF DOMESTIC RESOURCE POTENTIAL a. Methods The fishery resources potential of Mauritius is best considered by reference to the respective fishery sectors. These are:

i. The offshore banks resources of the southern range of the Mascarene Ridge ii. The Tuna and other large pelagic fishes, both scombroids and non-scombroids iii. The deepwater and slope fisheries iv. The lagoon and off-reef fisheries of Mauritius and Rodrigues v. The fishery resources associated with the FADs

b. THE OFFSHORE BANKS RESOURCES OF THE SOUTHERN RANGE OF THE MASCARENE RIDGE27 Ideally, independent estimates of the productivity would be available for each of the constituent banks of the Mascarene Ridge:

• Albatros Bank • St Brandon Bank • Sudan Bank • Nazareth Bank, • Saya de Malha • Hawkins Bank • East Bank and this should be a management objective. Estimates of the maximum sustainable yield of the Lethrinid fisheries on the northerly banks were originally derived in the 1980s using (equilibrium- based?) surplus production models. These model estimates have not proven to be significantly in error but at the same time serious concerns must exist that the assumptions present in these models have been satisfied. Recent attempts at non-equilibrium surplus production modelling estimates were abandoned as being too uncertain.

The most important part of the frozen fish supply to the local market comes from the shallow water of Saya de Malha and Nazareth banks. These banks are located 1050 and 650 km respectively north of

27 Material for this section has been drawn from many, mostly ‘grey literature’ sources including: 1. Soondron S. , Venkatasami A. and Ramkissoon S. Undated. Estimation of the Maximum Sustainable Yield, MSY, for the Demersal Fish Stocks on Saya De Malha and Nazareth Banks.

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Mauritius. These shallow water banks are areas with sandy and shell bottoms. The fishing period extends from September to July. The gear used is the handline operated from dories.

If total reported landings of emperors are used as a proxy for banks fishery performance over the last decade, the catches have been trending downward over the last 15 years (see following chart) but with some sign of recovery since around 2006.

7.000 Total Reported Landings of Emperors

6.000

5.000

4.000

3.000 Tonnes 2.000

1.000

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

An assessment of the fish stocks on the two banks was carried out using the Surplus Production Model. Catch and effort data for the period 1995 to 2003 were used to estimate the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). The MSY obtained for the Saya de Malha and Nazareth Bank were 2350 and 1800 tonnes respectively. In 2003, the total catch from the two banks amounted to 2822 tonnes; the level of fishing efforts was below FMSY, the effort required to achieve MSY. The paper also discusses the different management strategies in place for the fishery and the way forward.

Total catch, effort and catch per fisherman-day for the period 1995 to 2003 is shown in below.

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Catch (t), Effort (fisherman days) and CPUE (kg/day) of banks fishing vessels

Nazareth Bank Saya de Malha YEAR EFFORT CATCH CPUE EFFORT CATCH CPUE 1995 23 847 1 609 67 44 163 2 682 61 1996 23 850 1 253 53 39 504 2 283 58 1997 26 005 1 720 66 25 042 1 798 72 1998 13 337 1 086 81 27 059 2 054 76 1998 13 337 1 086 81 27 059 2 054 76 1999 14 712 1 121 76 30 073 2 107 70 2000 11 938 1 080 90 26 988 2 099 78 2001 13 773 1 366 99 10 340 1 283 124 2002 9 837 918 93 25 083 2 090 83 2003 6 426 468 73 29 371 2 364 80 2004 2005 7 675 578 75.2 12 663 1 028 81.2 2006 9 627 777 80.7 23 233 1 645 70.8 2007 5 262 506 96.2 19 473 1 481 76.1 2008 8 405 722 85.9 12 759 966 75.7 2009 3 367 237 70.4 22 625 1 835 81.1 Source: AFRC Annual Reports (2000-2003)

Several estimates of the MSY for the two banks have been made using historical data available since 1977 shown following.

Estimate of MSY for Saya de Malha and Nazareth banks

Sources Saya de Malha Nazareth (tonnes) (tonnes) Sanders (1989) (1977 to 1986 2 600 1 300 data) Mees (1992) (1977 to 1992 2 500 2 000 data) 20010 Catch 741 737 Difference to Mees (1992) 1 759 1 263

More recent estimates are provided by Soondron, Venkatasami and Ramkissoon (Undated) with data collected between 1995 and 2003. These workers obtained estimates of 2350 t and 1800 t for the Saya de Malha and Nazareth banks respectively. The fishing effort needed to achieve MSY were 36 163 and 35 856 fishermen-days for the two corresponding banks.

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Catches in the bank fishery have fluctuated over the period 1995 to 2003 with the different levels of fishing effort. The total catch has decreased from 4 291 tonnes in 1995 to 2 169 tonnes in 2009. Fishing effort has decreased from 44 163 to 25 992 fisherman-days for the same period. However catch rates in terms of catch per fisherman-day, (CPFD) have increased during that same period on both banks. CPFD on Saya de Malha bank rose from 61 kg in 1995 to 81 kg in 2009, with a peak of 124 kg in 2001. On Nazareth bank, CPFD increased from 67 kg to 70.4 kg with a peak of 99 kg in 2001.

Reported landings for these two banks in 2010 were 1478 t (741 and 737 t) respectively. It is reported that fishing effort continues to decline for operational reasons (difficulty of crewing, relation of operating costs to revenues, and there is concern that total catches may be as little as 1500 t for the upcoming fishing season. It is the view of the mission that further surplus production analysis will not provide substantially more information and that emphasis must now turn to length/age-based methods of analysis with harvesting recommendations based on recommended FMSY and yield-per-recruit analyses.

The FIT has an allocated quota of 400 t on Nazareth Bank which it has as yet not be in a position to harvest.

In any event it appears evident that this resource has become under-fished for various reasons that are not clearly documented and possibly at least an additional 2000 t of catch is available on an annual and sustainable basis. This possibility seriously prompts the question as to what are the policy reasons why this possible production is not being harnessed – notwithstanding the long standing claims that the ‘government is doing insufficient to “help” the industry’. Policies questions to be addressed must include:

• Is the fishery making profits? • If yes, are they being re-invested in the fishery and if not why not? • Are there any other government policies, regulations or procedures that prevent the industry for deriving the maximum potential from the fishery • Is the product being sold for the maximum value that it can achieve (I.e. maximum value is being added and if not why?

St Brandon Fishery The FIT has a allocated quota of 600 t on this bank which it has yet been in a position to harvest. Data for the St. Brandon inshore fishery is somewhat difficult to interpret as to any future unrealized potential. Production is moving to the chilled (and presumably a higher-value) product – a welcome development. If this trend is continued, it is to be welcome though no comment on what extra production can be achieved is possible. A variety of species are taken.

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St. Brandon inshore fishery production (t)

Trips Frozen Chilled Salted Frozen Frozen Total fish fish fish octopus lobster 2005 49 171.0 132.6 35.4 4.6 0.0 343.6 2006 29 116.8 59.2 45.2 2.1 1.1 224.5 2007 14 98.4 21.9 16.4 3.6 0.0 140.2 2008 33 313.0 90.9 41.2 6.1 2.8 454.1 2009 64 4.5 337.0 45.8 1.8 0.8 389.9 With the information available it is not possible for the mission to be unequivocal about the potential to increase landings from St Bandon.

c. The Tuna and Large Pelagic Scombroid Fishes The lack of stock assessment data relating to highly migratory pelagics resources about Mauritius (and the difficulty of interpreting it) make conclusions about the potential tuna resources speculative. It is believed that the potential for Mauritius may be from creating the policy conditions that would encourage an expansion of the domestic industry at the expense of the currently offshore–flagged fleet which Mauritius licenses to fish in its EEZ.

While catches of tuna accorded to Mauritius have ranged from 1228 t (2001) to 2007 t (2006), commenting on the potential for increasing landings is greatly complicated by the highly migratory nature of these stocks and the fact they are exploited by a wide range of countries. In 2009 7779 t of tuna were transhipped by licensed loingliners including 246 t caught by one Mauritian vessel. Based on the logbooks that were provided the catch from the Mauritian EEZ based on the returns amounted to 5254 tonnes of fish. Bycatch from this fleet must be sold to Mauritian companies at a pre-agreed price and the mission were given accounts on several occasions that should these sales be liberalized the vessel operators would have an incentive to increase the quantity and the quality of their bycatch landings.

The extent that this fishery may be patriated in the future can only be speculated, but the possibility must exist: the challenge is to implement the policies that would make this happen. The following plot shows how the species composition of tuna landings in Mauritius have changed over the last decade: notable is the increase in albacore landings and the near disappearance of skipjack.

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2000 1800 1600 Yellowfin 1400 Tuna-like fishes 1200 Swordfish 1000 Skipjack tonnes 800 Marlins,sailfishes,etc. 600 Black marlin 400 Bigeye 200 Albacore 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 .

d. The Slope and Deepwater Fisheries Landings of deepwater began in 2008 (285 t and 627 t in 2009) after a successful acoustic survey located deepwater snapper resources. How productive these resources will be remains uncertain as does the possibility of other still-to-be-discovered stocks. Notably, the last survey (R.V. Dr. Fridtjoff Nansen) was unsuccessful and caution will be needed to ensure the potential of these stocks is not dissipated through overfishing. Deepwater stocks have also been taken on the slopes of the Chagos Archipelago – a potential here must exist even if its size remains unknown.

e. The Lagoon & Off-Reef Fishery28 Mauritius The last three of these sectors will have some dependence of their fishery resources though the extent of this dependence is at present unknown, i.e. fish taken about FADs at other times may be caught by fishermen in the off-reef fishery.

These fisheries must be viewed in the context that exploitation of the lagoon and near-shore areas has been continuing for over 200 years. Many top predator groups will have disappeared and other will have been severely depleted. Other faunal changes must be expected as a consequence of land-use practices on sedimentation, and more recently, pesticide/herbicide use and other pollutants. To these can be added physical damage from increasing tourist use – anchoring of boats, physical trampling from walking, etc. On top of these is continuing fishing effort, widely assume to be excessive, though analytical support of this assumption would be welcome.

28 Annual Report – 2009.

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To the extent that these affects can be reversed and the lagoon recover ecological functionality long lost, coupled with effective regulation of fishing effort, then fishing potential should increase. Many highly uncertain assumptions are involved in predictions of lagoon productivity to the extent that predictions about potential future catches, given these changes, such predictions are unusefully speculative. Further, pressure to zone areas as non-take marine parks because of the economic benefits to tourism probably mean that even with lagoon ecosystem recovery, these areas will not be available to fisheries.

Consideration of this fishery sheds some light on its current performance and implications for at least short-term performance though this is complicated by the variety of fishing gears that are used to which it must be noted that there is a strong wish among many to close the large net fisehry. In 2009, fish production was estimated at 820 t (496 t from the lagoons and 324 t from off-lagoon). Compared to 2008, this was an increase of 20.2% but mainly resulted from an increase in catch from the large-net fishery. The average catch per fisherman-day of was 6.4kg and was 14.3% higher than that in 2008. Over the last 5 years (2005 – 2009) catches and catch-per-unit-effort have been variable but over all, the lagoons show a 9% reduction in catch but a 47% decline in effort for the same period! For the off- lagoon fishery, the 5-year decline in landings is 19.4% but effort declined 30.9%! Fisheries theory predicts that in cases of overfishing, which all assume to be the case, then reducing effort should result in an increase in total catch. However, there are so many uncertainties as to the underlying causes of these declines that again only speculation is possible at the potential increase in landings that may be possible from a reduction in fishing effort. This is not to say that this policy should not be pursued as a matter of faith!

Rodrigues It was reported to the mission that the lagoon fisheries are heavily exploited. One of the notable resources – octopus – continue to decline in reported landings, which has been attributed to excessive fishing mortality resulting in smaller sizes at harvest and degradation of habitat by excessive walking through the lagoons. Realising the potential for increased landings from the lagoons about Rodrigues will require reducing fishing effort and more effective enforcement of conservation regulations. This will probably only be possible through co-management efforts with local communities. The decline of total landings for octopus (Mauritius and Rodrigues) gives an indication of the potential for harvest recovery given implementation of effective management.

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Reported Landings of Octopuses (t) 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

f. The FAD Fisheries FADs are usually set about 5 nm offshore but some are as much as 8 nm offshore. They are located close to the continental shelf break (to 3000 m). The FADs are grouped into north, east and west regions and have been installed at 23 sites. Because of FAD loss caused there usually are around 15 – 20 active FADs.

Catch and Effort Data 370 fishermen are registered to have fishing access to FADs but it is believed that more than 400 fishermen were actively fishing the FADs. Sports fishing boats are also reported to exploit the fish attracted to these devices.

The following chart shows the annual variation in catch and effort for 2009. Note that the catch estimates are only partial as the catch by charter and sports fishermen is unknown. The trend lines imply a highly seasonal variation in both catch and effort with monthly catch varying by a factor of 13.2 from low to high and effort by a factor of 4.8 likewise. Peak catch was in December and low in July: peak effort was in March and December and low in July. Figure 2 shows the monthly trend in CPUE (kg/day) for 2009. There are clearly two seasons, a high catch period from October to March and a low winter period from April to September. Effort varies throughout the year in response to catch rates as shown below.

Monthly Variation in Catch and Effort – FAD fishery

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70000 FAD Catch & Effort 2009 1600 60000 1400 1200 50000 Catch 1000 40000 Effort-Days 800 30000

Catch (kg) 600 20000

400 days) (fishing Effort 10000 200 0 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

FADs do not enhance fish productivity; rather, they concentrate existing fish resources so as to enhance catch rates. At some point (i.e. some number of FADs), which is unknown at present, there would be no increase in total catch from increasing the number of FADs. Before that point is reached, if fishing effort was to keep increasing, catch rates would decline and fishing around FADs may become uneconomic. The data in the plot directly above shows that estimated landings by registered fishermen has been stable: this makes conclusions as to whether adding further FADs will increase landings problematic.

350 Estimated Landings 300 (tonnes) 250

200

150

100

0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Optimal management of the FAD fishery will require data on total capture by FAD disaggregated by species and knowledge of the fishing effort of the respective gear components – registered commercial

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fishermen, charter boat operators and sports/recreational fishermen. Such daily information may reveal if there is any interception of fish by FADs during the seasonal movement of the different species and thus what the consequences of deploying additional FADs would have on existing fisheries.

g. Other Possibilities There is general consensus that few unexploited resources exist for which Mauritius could develop new fisheries. One possible exception is that of deepwater shrimp. The Mission notes that the possibility of deepwater shrimp fisheries is discussed in almost all Southern Indian Ocean countries. It is impossible to comment on how realistic this possibility might be. It is suggested that the Ministry maintain an open mind on this and encourage companies to explore this possibility. Doing so may require that a concession is made to the company to recognize their risks in undertaking exploratory fishing. This might take the form of preferential future access should a commercial fishery be established.

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ANNEX 3: Mauritius’s competitive advantage, regional context and Seafood Hub activities

a) Map showing Mauritian Exclusive Economic Zone and position within the Western Indian Ocean Region

b) Regional assessment of trade and fishing activities Trade The bulk of seafood exported from the Indian Ocean Region is tuna, which is primarily exported to the European Union. Mauritius is the largest seafood exporter in the Indian Ocean Region, in 2008 exporting 49,731 metic tonnes (MT) of product, valued at US$214.987 million according to FAO Fishstat. Tunas prepared or preserved, mainly canned tuna or cooked loins amounted to 47,222 MT, worth US$207.869 million. While export tonnage was down on the peak of 52,852 MT of 2006, value was up, which can be attributed both to the general increased value of seafood and to increased value added processing. Remaining exports comprised fishmeal and oil, as well as a mix of other products in small volumes. Most of the tuna processed in Mauritius is imported from the European Union distant water purse seine fishing fleet catching primarily in the Seychelles EEZ. Mauritius currently has one tuna cannery, processing 220 MT per day, amounting to 55,000 metric tonnes per year, and one loining plant currently utilizing 210 MT per day, around 53,000 MT per year, with the potential to process up to 250 MT per day.

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In 2009 Princes Tuna Mauritius imported 48,429 tonnes of raw frozen tuna from European vessels for processing. Of this 32,511 tonnes of canned tuna was exported to European countries and 983 tonnes was put on sale on the local market.

Export and local sale of canned tuna by Mauritius

Product / Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Local Export Local Export Local Export Local Export Local Export Canned tuna 1 142 31 674 1 278 34 463 1 131 32 575 935 32 977 983 32 511 Pet food 195 2 394 201 4 470 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 1 236 33 625 1 479 38 933 1 131 32 575 935 32 977 983 32 511 Source: Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Production and Security Annual Report 2009. Fisheries Division.

Thon des Mascareignes, primarily engaged in the production of tuna loins for export, imported 56,723 tonnes of raw frozen tuna in 2009. A total of 48 881 tonnes of tuna loins, chunks and flakes were produced, and primarily exported to Spain, Italy, France, Greece , Portugal, Belgium, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA.

Mer des Mascareignes, in a joint venture with the French company SAPMER (who own 3 ninety metre purse seine vessels, differentiated themselves by freezing fish down to -40 degrees Celsius, to get sashimi grade fish). The purse seiners offload 5,000-6,000 tonnes annually in Mauritius, Mer des Mascareignes processing the fish in a frozen state into 3,000 tonnes of final product. The loins are sold into the Japanese market (60-70%) and the steaks (30%) to the EU, mainly France and Spain, with smaller amounts to others in EU markets.

Exports of chilled fish to Reunion Island were made by two companies Anriffa Co., and Vieille Fishing Co., who exported a total of 22 644kg. The species exported were ‘vieille rouge’ (Epinephelus fasciatus), ‘croissant queue blanc’ (Variola albimarginata), ‘vieille maman rouge’ (Cephalopolis sonnerati), ‘vivano’ (Pristipomoides zonatus) and ‘cabot’ (Epinephelus multinotatus). Pelagic Process Ltd., targeting longline caught swordfish, has been exporting chilled swordfish on a consignment basis to France, Italy and Germany.

Live ornamental marine fish is also being exported by three companies to USA, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, France, Japan, Singapore, Africa and Spain. A total of 2 753 units were exported in 2009.

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153,131 tonnes of seafood products were imported by Mauritius in 2008, as reported by FAO Fishstat, much of which being tuna for further processing and re-export. This tonnage was just short of the peak import figures of 153,602 tonnes in 2006. Mauritius also has a large tourist population as well as a strong middle class, resulting in it being the number one seafood importer by value in Southern Africa. This amounted to US$306.052 million in 2008.

Per capita consumption of fish (kg) in Mauritius

Year Quantity 2005 18.8 2006 19.9 2007 18.3 2008 21.5 2009 21.1 2010 23.0 Source: Central Statistics Office

In 2009 the Mauritius Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Production and Security reported imports of fish and fish products for direct consumption amounting to 11,258 tonnes, representing about 11.5% of the total imports for the year. Fish comprised 79.7% of imports for direct consumption in frozen, chilled, canned, dried and smoked form; crustaceans comprised 10.7% of imports consisting of prawns, shrimps, crabs and lobsters; cephalopods 9%, made up of octopi, squids and cuttlefish; and shellfish 0.6% comprising mussels, oysters, clams and scallops.

Mauritius seafood imports for direct consumption were mainly from India, Thailand, South Africa, Morocco, Indonesia, Madagascar, Chile, Malaysia, China, Singapore and Vietnam. Imports of canned fish were mainly from Morocco and Chile. Dried bombay-duck and dried prawn were imported primarily from India.

Frozen fish imports were 7,630 tonnes in 2009, similar to the 2005 figures of 7,276 tonnes. Fish commonly imported were ‘capitaine’, ‘cateau’, ‘vacoas’, ‘vieille’, catfish, marlin, sailfish and tuna. By- catch from tuna longliners, purchased by the Agricultural Marketing Board and sold to fishermen cooperatives, amounted to 370 tonnes and comprised non-targeted tuna species, oil fish, sailfish, moonfish, marlin, becune, angelfish, shark and ‘dorade’. Fish products mainly in the form of fish fingers, fish cakes and fish balls amounted to around 846 tonnes.

Canned fish imports amounted to 3,314 tonnes in 2009, up from 2,624 tonnes in 2005, comprising mainly pilchards, mackerel, sardines, and some tuna.

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High value chilled fish imports into Mauritius are on the increase, amounting to 181 tonnes in 2009, up from 120 tonnes in 2005. These were mainly from the Seychelles, India and France. A total of 50 tonnes of fish was imported from Seychelles, mostly comprising ‘capitaine’, ‘sacréchien’, ‘vacoas’ and ‘bourgeois’. ‘Bourgeois’ fish was imported for sale to hotels only. The main imports from India amounting to 5 tonnes were lobsters, prawns and crab meat. The imports from France amounting to 121 tonnes consisted of 19 tonnes of salmon, 1 tonne of processed shrimp, 248kg of tarama, 6 tonnes of oysters, mussels and ‘noix St. Jacques’, 360kg of fish egg in the form of ‘oeuf de lompe’, ‘oeuf de cabillaud’ and salmon eggs. The other species were trout, turbot, sardine, ‘dorade’, ‘bar’, rollmops (herring), sole, ‘encre de seiche’, anchovy, ‘miettes de crabe’, mackerel and ‘morue’.

Dried fish product imports amounted to 203 tonnes in 2009, down from 257 tonnes in 2005. These were imported mainly from Asian countries, comprising mainly Bombay-duck and prawns. Imports of smoked fish products amounted to 12 tonnes in 2009 comprising mainly herring, trout, salmon, haddock and mackerel, from France, Denmark, Singapore and the United Kingdom for the supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.

776 tonnes of frozen barracouta was imported from New Zealand and Namibia for the production of salted snoek, by two Mauritius companies in 2009. Local sales amounted to 543 tonnes, while 102 tonnes was exported.

The Seychelles has a large tuna canning factory, recently purchased by a Thailand tuna canning company, which processes an average of 350 tonnes of tuna a day, amounting to 90,000 MT per year. Canned tuna production accounts for over 80% of total production whilst cooked tuna loins account for about 7%. Fishmeal and fish oil are important by-products. Other exports include fresh or chilled fish, and frozen shrimps and prawns; as well as processed products comprising smoked fish, dried sea cucumbers, shark-fins and salted fish, all of which accounted for a minimal percentage of total production.

Madagascar and Kenya each have tuna canning factories capable of processing 30,000-40,000 MT of tuna per year. Madagascar also has significant exports of frozen shrimps and prawns, both from aquaculture and wild fishery capture. Other exports include frozen crabs, live, fresh or chilled octopus, fresh or chilled fish, and molluscs including sea urchins and sea cucumbers. In the case of frozen crab, because of Mauritius’s sophisticated logistics capabilities, the crab is also exported to Mauritius where it is processed, before onward sale to markets.

Fishing activities Mauritius, claiming an EEZ of 1.9 million km2, is adjacent to and within some of the rich fishing grounds in the Indian Ocean. These comprise tuna and billfish (primarily swordfish) that migrate around the

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entire West Indian Ocean (WIO) and the demersal (ground-living fish) that inhabit the shallow banks of the Mascareignes Plateau lying to the north-west of Mauritius.

The key fish resources landed in Port Louis and/or utilised by the domestic processing industries include: • Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) found in more tropical waters to the west of the Seychelles, as well as in the Mozambique Channel. This species forms an important component of the Princes Tuna, Thon des Mascareignes, and Mer des Mascareignes operations. • Bigeye Tuna (Thunnus obesus) is concentrated offshore from Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania and around the Seychelles. This species also forms an important component of the Port Louis-based tuna processing operations. • Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is found north of Mauritius, around the Seychelles and towards the coast of the African continent. Most EU customers now want more and more skipjack based canned products, so it is sought after by Princes Tuna Mauritius. • Albacore Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) is a temperate tuna, and while caught in much lower volumes than the tropical tunas, is more favourable to the domestic fishing effort of Mauritius, caught almost exclusively by drifting longlines. Since the opening of Thon des Mascareignes, albacore landed into Mauritius is processed primarily into loins for USA canning factories in Puerto Rico and California. • Swordfish (Xiphius gladius) is widely distributed in the Indian Ocean range. • Demersal Fish off the Mascareigne Plateau shallow banks, primarily for Lethrinids (emperor fish or in Mauritius, capitaine), fished at depths of 15-50 m.

Fishing fleets in the Indian Ocean, as they relate to Mauritius are:

• Longliners: o There is a small longline fleet in Mauritius operating under the Mauritian flag, which are targeting swordfish, and other large pelagic fish, both inside and outside the Mauritian EEZ. In 2006 these vessels caught 1,023 tonnes of fish, 58% of which was swordfish. o The European long line fleet in the WIO comprised around 60 longliners reported active in the IOTC Convention Area in 2005, of which half were French and the remainder Spanish or Portuguese. These vessels are mainly in the 9-25 m LOA class, with the remainder 40-60 m. The Reunion-based French fleet consists of small vessels (16-25 metres), but the majority have capacity to fish beyond the French EEZ into Mauritian waters, catching 2000 MT in 2004, of which 910 MT was swordfish and 931 MT was tunas. The Spanish vessels are larger (27-42 metres) catching around 21,000 tonnes of fish in 2004, 78% comprising shark and 17% swordfish. o The Asian fleet of long liners operating in the Indian Ocean vary significantly in size and fishing capacity, as well as onboard freezing and storage capacities, reflecting the evolution over the

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last 20 years of new fishing and preservation techniques in the Indian Ocean, as well as market demand. The Taiwanese fleet is the largest with around 340 vessels in 2000 of which 88 % were over 200 GRT and of which 40 % were between 500 and 1,000 GRT. More recently a number of boats have been replaced with ‘super-freezers’ that are specially equipped for the capture and storage of sashimi-grade tuna. In 2004 the Taiwanese caught around 122,000 MT, mainly bigeye, yellowfin and albacore tuna as well as swordfish. The majority of their catch, mainly albacore is transhipped to the Pacific for canning. The second biggest fleet, the Japanese, is composed of around 120 vessels, mostly of around 190 GRT, catching 38,000 MT in 2004, comprising mostly yellowfin and bigeye tunas. The Japanese fleet targets yellowfin (>50 % of the catch), but also caught over 3,000 tonnes of southern bluefin tuna. The South Korean long line fleet is composed of around 55 longliners of 298 to 525 GRT catch 7,700 MT in 2004. Korea target bigeye, but also have high proportions of yellowfin and albacore, as well as over 100 tonnes of southern bluefin tuna. Indonesia is also a big player, catching around 42,500 tonnes in 2004, comprising mostly yellowfin and albacore, but also around 670 tonnes of southern bluefin.

Because the longline fisheries operate further south and east than the purse seine fisheries, this allows Port Louis to capture both the landings and the vessel maintenance requirements. Taiwanese longliners are a major component of Port Louis fishing related activity. An increasing proportion of their catch is being utilised by Mauritian processors as they penetrate the US albacore market. Because the Japanese longline fleet specialise in low temperate sashimi grade fish, this is of limited interest to Mauritian processors, and is consequently mostly transhipped, mainly at sea, back to Japan. In addition to these main fleets, there are a number of other flagged longliners using Port Louis to tranship fish or to conduct maintenance – few actually land for the local market.

• Purse seiners: o The purse seine fleet in the WIO is made up of European flagged vessels (in 2005 there were 37), primarily Spanish, French and Italian. This fish is sold for tuna canning. o Since then the French company SAPMER has purchased three purse seiners, which are EU flagged that freeze their catch down to minus 40 degrees Celcius (sashimi quality), the product being processed through joint venture partner Mer des Mascareignes in Port Louis. o There were 11 non-EU flagged Seychelles vessels in 2005 targetting tuna for canning.

The catch of the purse seine fleet in the WIO is currently 320,000 – 350,000 MT. Skipjack comprises 45- 50% of the catch, the bulk of the rest being yellowfin, with small amounts of bigeye and albacore.

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• Mauritian artisanal and FAD fisheries: o Within the lagoons and reefs of the main islands (Mauritius and Rodrigues), including the inshore Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs). These are a combination of motorised and unmotorised fishing skiffs based at fishing centres around the coast. In 2009 the Mauritius artisanal fishery caught 820 tonnes, down from 947 tonnes in 2005. The Rodrigues fishery caught 1900 tonnes, up from 1040 tonnes in 2005. The FAD fishery caught 390 tonnes, up from 214 tonnes in 2006, when it first started. All this fish is sold on the domestic market.

• Banks Fisheries comprising: o A semi-industrial fishery with boats fishing the smaller banks around Mauritius, producing chilled demersal fish for local markets. Utilise medium size vessels of 12-18 metres with fish holds averaging 9 tonnes, trips averaging 12 days. In 2009 the catch was 459 tonnes, up from 223 tonnes in 2006. 20 Mauritian vessels were licensed to operate in this fishery during 2009, targeting mainly the shallow-water and deep-water demersal species on the Albatross-Nazareth bank, and on the slopes of the St. Brandon-Nazareth banks. Two boats from Port Mathurin, Rodriques, were engaged in the shallow-water demersal fishery off the East bank of Rodrigues o The frozen banks fishery, targeting the banks within the entire EEZ using mother ships and dories, producing frozen fish for the domestic market. Utilising converted Japanese longliners of around 50 metres overall length, employing 15-18 dories to catch between 20-40 tonnes each voyage. Each ship has around 26 crew members plus 58 fishermen (3 to each dory). These boats fish for between 150 to 180 days per year with 60-70 trips. In 2009 four Mauritian vessels were licensed to operate in the banks fishery for shall-water demersal species on the Nazareth and Saya de Malha banks. The catch on the shallow-water banks was 2685 MT, compared to 3112 tonnes in 2006. Due to difficulty of retaining Mauritian fishermen, a number of the boats re- flagging under Madagascar, although the catch is still landed in Mauritius.

Mauritius Total Annual Production by Different Fisheries.

Sector 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Artisanal fishery Mauritius 947 950 640 682 820 Rodrigues 1 040 1 067 1 067 1 758 1 900 Agalega 30 30 30 30 30 Sports fishery 650 650 650 650 650 Amateur fishery 300 300 300 300 300 Barachois 5 4 2 2 0 Ponds (prawn & fish) 23 20 17 62 57 Marine aquaculture (cage) 367 447 550 181 366 FAD Fishery - 214 164 167 390 Sub-total 3 362 3 682 3 420 3 832 4 513

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Sector 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Offshore demersal fishery Shallow water banks 2 178 3 112 2 848 2 428 2 685 Banks deep water snappers -- 0 0 285 627 St Brandon inshore 414 235 *54 *173 437 Semi-industrial chilled fish 223 311 171 173 459 Tuna fishery 1 402 1 380 803 475 246 Semi-industrial pelagic fish 177 247 184 41 8 Demersal trawlers 2 584 1 112 0 0 0 Sub-total 6 978 6 397 4 060 3 402 4 462 Grand Total 10 340 10 079 7 480 7 234 8 975 *=only chilled and salted Source: Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Production and Security Annual Report 2009. Fisheries Division.

• Licenses issued by Mauritius in 2009 to foreign fishing vessels to fish in its EEZ were made under fishing agreements with the Seychelles and Japan totalling 49 licenses and 9 extensions, as well as 143 licenses to individual foreign fishing vessels of various nationalities as well as 41 extensions. This included 9 vessels from Madagascar and Comoros fishing on the Banks. Licenses issued to foreign fishing vessels under fishing agreements with the Seychelles and the Federation of Japan Tuna Fisheries Co-operative Associations (FJTFCA). Fishing agreement Purse seine licences Longline licences Seychelles 19 6 FJTFCA - 24 Source: Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Production and Security Annual Report 2009. Fisheries Division.

Licenses issued to foreign fishing vessels not falling under fishing agreements. Nationality Longline Purse seine Banks fishing Bottom Longline Sea cucumber (demersal species) Belize 4 - - - - China 2 - - - - Indonesia 3 - - - - Malaysia 10 - - - - Philippines 1 - - - - Oman 2 - - - - Taiwan (Province 67 - - - - of China) France - 15 - - - Mayotte - 5 - - - Spain - 20 - - - Italy - 2 - - - Madagascar - - 5 - - Comoros - - 4 - - Cambodia - - - 1 - Kiribati - - - - 2 Total 89 42 9 1 2 Source: Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Production and Security Annual Report 2009. Fisheries Division.

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License fees from foreign fishing vessels amounted to US$1,388,500.

Licenses issued to foreign vessels by gear type

Year Surface Purse Trawler Banks Bottom Sea Total Longliner seiner (handline) longliner cucumber 2005 175 39 0 3 0 0 217 2006 183 43 2 3 0 0 231 2007 141 59 0 3 0 0 203 2008 81 16 0 3 1 1 102 2009 119 61 0 9 1 2 192 Source: Ministry of Agro Industry, Food Production and Security Annual Report 2009. Fisheries Division.

The resumption of licensing of European Community fishing vessels in 2009 resulted in an increase in foreign licenses over 2008.

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ANNEX 4: Bad Weather Allowance Assessment

The Bad Weather Allowance (BWA) is a payment made to fishermen on days when the Meteorological Service determines that there are weather conditions for which it is deemed that fishing would be unsafe in designated areas. To qualify for the BWA fishermen must possess a Fisherman’s Card and demonstrate that they have fished at least seven days a month by having their card ‘stamped’ by a Fisheries Protection Officer to verify that fishing activity took place.

Consequently, the BWA has become an important income component for many fishermen, representing perhaps 50% (or more) of their income. As such it was apparent to the Mission that the BWA is, in reality, an income supplement. This conclusion is based on the realization that:

• ‘Bad weather’ is intrinsic to fishing in almost every fishery worldwide, yet Mauritius is the only country known to the Mission to make a explicit payment to fishermen for such days. • The number of ‘bad weather days’ is more-or-less constant from year to year. • Everywhere fishermen automatically factor the consequences of bad weather into assessment of the potential revenues of fishing, as it almost certainly is in Mauritius as well • The fish that would have been caught on a ‘bad weather day’ still exist for capture in later, more clement, weather – an important fact given the reported over-fished nature of the stocks targeted by fishermen who receive the BWA.

As an income supplement or subsidy, the BWA in Mauritius illustrates almost all of the negative consequences subsidies as found in primary industries such as agriculture in other countries. It is noted that subsidies are easy to introduce (most people will accept money when it is offered) but once subsidy schemes become extremely it is difficult, if not politically impossible, to reverse or withdraw them. Further, they quickly lose their intended effect as recipients change their behaviour in response to the incentives the subsidies create: instead of being a payment applied in special circumstances subsidies such as the BWA become part of expected normal revenues, so subverting any policy objectives of the subsidy.

. Such subsidies also distort what would otherwise be rational economic behaviour through the creation of perverse incentives, i.e. incentives that encourage the recipients to act contrary to behaviour that other policies attempt to achieve. For example, the BWA will attract new entrants into the already over- fished lagoon fishery, people who otherwise would have entered different economic spheres of activity. Fishermen who would have otherwise have left to enter more productive economic activities, remain in the sector despite the economic irrationally doing so. In such cases the subsidies distort the economy as people’s behaviour responds to the subsidy (BAD) rather that market forces. This is extremely important in the case of fisheries that are overexploited – the case in Mauritius – where the subsidy accentuates the degree of overfishing resulting in lower total catches and lower catch rates that would otherwise be the case.

. The longstanding of the BWA has created a sense of entitlement among the recipients: this was demonstrated by the comments of one recipient who, when asked how his conditions could be

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improved noted that there had been a reduction in the number of bad weather days and so the government should increase the daily rate so as to maintain his income from the BWA.

The BWA, which is linked to inflation, was reported to cost MR60 million a year. In addition to the direct costs of the subsidy to the Treasury there are perhaps more important indirect costs. Administration of the BWA preoccupies the staff of the Fisheries Protection Service, a Ministry department that already has a relatively enormous staff payroll. The administrative demands of the BWA result in little or no time being available for FPS staff to devote to what should be their core activity – enforcement of licensing and conservation regulations (and collection of fisheries data). Rather, they are preoccupied ensuring that fishermen have indeed fished to qualify for the BWA and do not fish when it has been declared a bad weather day, despite that skilled fishermen with seaworthy boats will be able to operate when others are unable to.

The Mission stresses that it does commenting on income supplement payment policies to be part of its mandate. However, it is noted that the income supplement directly relates to overemployment in the fishery and thus results in even greater overfishing than would otherwise be the case with a result that total landings are reduced, additional environmental impacts from fishing occurand catch-per-unit-effort is less than would otherwise be the case. Thus the BWA results in the worst of both worlds!

It is only human that in cases of uncertainty as to whether a fishermen qualifies for the BWA, Fisheries Protection Officers will be subject to pressures to approve payments and the system makes those responsible for its administration vulnerable to such pressures. The BWA also creates additional administration costs in other Ministries such as Finance and Social Security.

The mission recommends decoupling the payment of the BWA from participation in the fishery. Payments could then be modified to achieve any policy direction the Government wished. This would acknowledges the difficulty/ impossibility of abolishing the BWA in single stroke because of the social disruption that would result.

Explicitly converting the BWA in to a formal income supplement would create the opportunity to use the payment to reduce the existing and excessive number of fishermen in the sector. The BWA payment, as an income supplement, could be continued to current recipients irrespective of whether they continue to fish or not. As it is reported that most fishermen have alternate sources of employment and many continue to fish only to receive the BWA, a fee could be imposed to re-enter the fishery. It is expected that many would opt to not pay the fee, simply simply receive the BWA equivalent and abandon the fishery. This would achieve an important MFR objective of reducing the number of fishermen in the lagoon and off-reef fishery.

For those who wished to remain in the fishery, they would pay the fee and it could be deducted from their BWA-equivalence. These fishermen would benefit from the reduced effort in the fishery and, it is presumed, an increase in catch rates. Deciding what the fee should be could be a matter of analysis or even be determined by tender offers from fishermen with a limit set.

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The mission expects that the least active 80% of fishermen probably take only about 20% of the catch: thus there could be a major decrease in the number of fishermen with only a small impact on the reduction in fishing effort. Once this large majority of fishermen are gone from the fishery, other policies controlling participation in the fishery could be considered.

Demographic Situation in the Small-scale Fishery There are 2254 registered artisanal fishermen a major management requirement is to reduce this number: such an action will be socially sensitive. For some in this sector it may be the employer of last resort. The average age of fishermen in this sector is 55.5 years: the median age is 50.2 years. The distribution of their ages is shown below.

90 80 70 60 Number 50 40 30 20 10 0 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90

A moderate number of fishermen (22%) registered in this fishery are above the age when they receive a pension. If these fishermen were to leave the fishery, the median age of those remaining drops to 47 years. Should there then be no further entry of fishermen into the fishery and those who reached the retirement age of 60 years were to leave the fishery, then the decline in fishermen’s numbers into the future would follow the trend shown below.

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1800 Numbers of Card-holders into the Future; no additions 1500 1200 900 600 300 0 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2025 2027 2029 2031 2033 2035 2037 2039 2041 2043 2045 2047

What this plot shows is that even in 10 years, with no further entry into the fishery, fishermen’s numbers would remain high and probably too high, underlining that simply waiting for fishermen to leave to sector is not going to ensure the ‘sustainability’ of this fishery.

It is of relevance to consider how fishermen have entered this fishery. One would expect a steady entry of fishermen with little variation from year-to-year. However, the plot below shows that the number of fishermen being registered is variable with peaks in some years and essentially no licensing in immediately following years.

Number of fishermen registered by year 500 400 300 200 100 0 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010

Another statistic of interest is the age of the artisanal fishermen when they registered. The figure below shows that most fishermen entered the profession between the ages of 20 and 45 years with some both older and younger registrants.

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Number at age when card-holder registered 100

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 Age on Registration

Consultants and Ministry staff need to undertake specific analyses in a number of relevant fields:

• The impact if the BWA on the activities of the Fisheries Protection Service, both implicit explicit costs , • Other payments made to fishermen as compensation of observing conservation regulations that contribute to overfishing • Licensing policies in the lagoon and off-reef fisheries and their effects on achieving conservation objectives and goals

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ANNEX 5: THE ‘FISHERIES SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND’ – CONCEPT AND EXAMPLE OF STRUCTURE & FUNDING

Concept: 1. Based on ESD – incorporates ecological (ie. Sustainable marine resources & environmental protection), economic and social issues 2. Receives funds from all users (i.e. those who receive a private benefit) of marine resources in Mauritius, including: a. Commercial fishers (licence fees) b. Recreational fishers c. Tourism and sports fishing industry d. Fish processers etc as a Corporate Social Responsibility payment e. Developers of coastal land f. Operators in MPAs 3. Disburse funds for: a. Research on Mauritius coastal marine environment and its resources b. Development of facilities (e.g. mooring points, undersea ‘walks’ etc) to support marine- based industries c. Social payments to displaced or disadvantaged fishers & others – combine with Fishermen’s Welfare Fund 4. Estimated receipts: a. Commercial fishers – estimated MUR1 million b. Recreational fishers – MUR4 million (MUR150 per year) c. Tourism and sports fishing industry – MUR110 million (0.25% of gross receipts) d. Processors & exporters – MUR16 million (0.25% of turnover) e. Developers of coastal land – estimated MUR30 million f. Operators in MPAs – estimated MUR2 million

Total MUR163 million

5. Estimated disbursements: a. Administration of the Fund – MUR15 million b. Social payments, being i. Fishermen’s Welfare Fund activities – MUR3.5 million ii. Bad Weather Allowance – MUR60 million c. Research – MUR48 million d. Development of facilities – MUR36.5 million

Plan for phase-out of Bad Weather Allowance would see Social payments decline over time

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Based on Ecological Sustainable Development – 3 Components Note: All amounts are estimates

RESEARCH on DEVELOPMENT – SOCIAL – Support for sustainable marine facilities etc to support disadvantaged groups

resources, marine users through: • Payment of FWF environmental protection & payments • Bad weather rehabilitation allowance payments

MUR48 million MUR36.5 million MUR36.5 million

Fund administration ‘FISHERIES SUSTAINABLE MUR15 million DEVELOPMENT’ FUND Est. MUR163 million

MUR2 million MUR1 million MUR110 million

MUR4 million MUR30 million

Commercial Recreational Tourism sector & Coastal Operators in fishers fishers sports fishermen land MPAs (0.25% receipts) developers

MUR15 million

Fish processors & exporters

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Annex 6 b) Report of stakeholder workshops

As part of the project, four workshops were held, being two stakeholder consultation workshops, one presentation workshop and one validation workshop.

The two stakeholder consultation workshops were conducted on 7th and 8th April 2011 and followed extensive individual consultation by the team of three experts and also two ‘Assizes de la Peche’ meetings (one in Mauritius and one in Rodrigues) that were arranged by the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues to seek broad fishermen input into the planning process. The Team leader and Fisheries Expert attended the Rodrigues Assizes de la Peche .

The first consultation workshop (7th April) was designed as an all-inclusive open forum for all stakeholders where comments and opinions could be made on the broad directions of the Fisheries master Plan for Mauritius. The second consultation workshop on 8th April was targeted at a more focussed group of key industry leaders in a ‘roundtable’ format of discussion, with a moderator chairing and directing each session that focussed on key themes for the seafood sector’s development. Both consultation workshops were held at the Albion Fisheries Research Centre.

The presentation workshop was held on 21st April 2011 in the boardroom of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues in Port Louis and provided an opportunity for the technical team to present its first draft of the Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius to the key public and private sector stakeholders, incorporating the feedback from the consultation workshops and process.

Following additional comment from the presentation workshop, the validation workshop was held in Port Louis on 25th April 2011, again in the boardroom of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues, where the revised draft FDPM was presented and endorsed by the group.

Attendances at all workshops were excellent, demonstrating the intense interest by stakeholders in the FMPM. Attendances were as follows:

Workshop Attendance Comments

Mauritius ‘Assizes de Approx. Arranged as an internal consultation process by the Ministry of la Peche’ 140 Fisheries as a prelude to the project workshops. Team members did not attend

Rodrigues ‘Assizes de Approx. Arranged as an internal consultation process by the Ministry of

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius la Peche’ 170 Fisheries as a prelude to the project workshops. Team leader and fisheries expert attended

First consultation 76 All key stakeholders present although some senior tuna industry workshop, 7th April representatives could not attend because of an IOTC meeting in 2011, Albion Seychelles. However, other representatives attended on their behalf

Second consultation 36 This was conducted as a focussed, ‘roundtable’ discussion. Most workshop, 8th April invited key stakeholders attended although, like the previous 2011, Albion day, some senior tuna industry representatives could not attend because of an IOTC meeting in Seychelles. However, other representatives attended on their behalf

Presentation 30 Invited senior public and private sector representatives workshop, 21st April attended, including the Chief Commissioner for Rodrigues 2011, Port Louis

Validation workshop, 14 Invitees attended 25th April 2011, Port Louis

The agendas for each of the four project workshops that were distributed and the invitees who attended the workshops were as follows:

Consultation Workshop, 7th April 2011

AGENDA

Time: Agenda Item speakers/format

08:30- Welcome & Introduction Hon. Minister for Fisheries & 09:00 Rodrigues Delegation of the European Commission to Mauritius ACP Fish II Manager Leader, Fisheries Master Plan Team 09:00- Structure and purpose of the workshop Dr. Gary Morgan 09:15

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Session (a) Current State of the Fisheries and Seafood Sector of Ross Shotton 1: Mauritius & Rodrigues Rapporteurs from the Assizes 09:15- (b) Reports from the Mauritius and Rodrigues Assizes de la 10:15 Peche 10:15- Morning tea break 10:30 Session The potential of Mauritius’s fisheries and seafood sector: Ross Shotton presenting team’s 2: (a) What is Mauritius’s competitive advantage? initial analysis, followed by open 10:30- (b) Production – capture fisheries and aquaculture forum, structured discussion 11:30 (c) Value adding (d) Seafood Hub (e) Other future opportunities for growth Session Realising the potential: Gary Morgan presenting team’s 3: (a) Summary of where growth will come from initial analysis followed by 11:30- (b) Balancing the development focus with managing fisheries for comments/presentation by 12:15 long term sustainability and profit Ministry of Fisheries (c) Risk assessment, including environmental 12:15- Lunch break 13:00 Session Cross cutting issues: Gary Morgan presenting team’s 4: (a) Social considerations – how to move from a ‘social’ focus to initial analysis followed by open 13:00- a ‘development’ focus forum, structured discussion 13:30 (b) Environmental sustainability and habitat & biodiversity protection (c) Interaction with other development (e.g. Tourism) Session Delivering the Master plan: Gary Morgan presenting the 5: (a) The role of Government, including the role, structure and team’s initial analysis. 13:30– function of the Ministry Ministry of Fisheries presenting 14:30 (d) The role of the private sector how Master plan will be (e) The role of supporting institutions, including donors implemented and used within the (f) What has to change? And how? Ministry (g) Transition issues in moving from the current status Open forum discussion (h) Funding requirements and sources (i) Human resources requirements – skills and numbers 14:30- Afternoon tea break 15:00 Session Services and infrastructure to support the Master plan Ross Shotton presenting team’s 6: (a) Research initial analysis followed by open 15:00 – (b) Monitoring, control and surveillance forum, structured discussion 15:45 (c) Port facilities etc (d) Re-allocating financial resources to support areas of growth Session Concluding remarks and summary Ministry of Fisheries 7: Gary Morgan 15:45- 16:15

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PARTICIPANTS

Name Position/organisation Mr. L. J. Von-Mally Hon. Minister for Fisheries & Rodrigues Mr. D. Mauree Director of Fisheries and Project Coordinator Mr. P. Neermul Scientific officer and Project Coordinator Gary Morgan Team leader Ross Shotton, Fisheries Scientist Fisheries Scientist Dave Russell, Fish Processing/Marketing Specialist Leone Tarabusi Regional Manager for Southern Africa, ACP Fish II Denis Reiss Attaché, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Mauritius The representative of Norway (CDFC) Representative of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly Mr. N. Boodhoo Deputy Director Trade Policy, International Trade Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. S. Nundlall Director – Manufacturing, Agri- Business, Energy & Environment, Board of Investment Mr. S. Goburdhone Port Engineer, Mauritian Ports Authority Dr. M. Bhikajee Director, Mauritius Oceanography Institute T. Vaghjee-Rajiah, Research Officer, Human Resource Development Council Mr. R. Moabia PMU for the programme “fisheries implementation strategy of IO-ESA region” Indian Ocean Commission Representative Fisheries Training and Extension Centre (FiTEC) Representative Ministry of Tourism Raj Makoond Director, Joint Economic Council Representative Fisheries Investment Trust (FIT) Representative Fishermen’s Welfare Fund

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Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Representative Ministry of Environment Dr. Diwakar Gangapersad Mauritius Research Council Representative Mauritius Coastguard Mr. V. Naraidoo Representative, Mauritius Council of Social Services (MACOSS) Jacqueline Sauzier President, Mauritius Marine Conservation Society Doris Seneque President, Eco-Sud Catherine Langlois President, Forever Blue Mrs. D. Wong Director, Mauritius Export Association Ms. S. Ammearally-Nistar, Manager, Mauritius Export Association Mr. E. Liewes, MD, Princes Tuna Mauritius Mr. P. Robert GM, Thon des Mascareignes Ms. V. Garrioch Communication and Special Projects Consultant, Thon des Mascareignes Mr. F. Rousset Manager, Pelagic Process Mr. C. Talbot GM, Mer des Mascareignes Mr. Y. Le Mao, GM, Marine Biotechnology Products Mr. B. Lenoir MD, Marlin Exports Mr. V. Albert Supply Chain Manager, IBL Frozen Foods Mr. I. Parasuraman, CEO, Bella Amigo Group Mr. J. Choy Executive Director, Ferme Marine de Mahebourg Mr. O. Daguin, Operations Manager, Ferme Marine de Mahebourg Mr. H.K. or D. Nandee H.K. and D. Nandee Co. Edwin Kwok Managing Director, Seskel Enterprises Divisional Scientific Officers, Scientific Officers and staff from Approximately 14 Ministry of Fisheries & Rodrigues Representatives of Artisanal Fishermen’s Association, Banks Approximately 8 Fishermen’s Association etc. Representatives of the Rodrigues fishermen 3 Representative Shoals Rodrigues

Project Funded by the European Union Page [179] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Consultation workshop, 8th April 2011 - Industry leader’s ‘roundtable’

AGENDA

Format: The Industry Leaders Roundtable will bring key decision makers from the private sector and Government together in a forum that is designed to provide an opportunity for frank discussion on the current state and future of Mauritius’s Seafood Industry. The roundtable is designed to identify the future opportunities for growth of the Mauritian seafood sector (not only domestic capture fisheries), to plan how those opportunities can be realised and, most importantly, to determine how the roles of the various companies, organisations and institutions can be defined and aligned to focus on common objectives for growth. To facilitate this discussion, the format of the Roundtable will be an open forum discussion on key Themes, with each Theme session being guided by a moderator

Time: Agenda Item & indicative topics Speakers/session leaders

08:30- Welcome & Introduction Hon. Minister for Fisheries & 09:00 Rodrigues 09:00- Structure and purpose of the workshop Dr. Gary Morgan & Mr. M. 09:15 Munbodh, Co-Chairmen 09:15 – Theme 1: The current arrangements: Moderator: D. Ardill, Fisheries 10:30 a) What industry wants to tell Government Consultant b) What Government wants to tell industry c) The real costs of current management measures, e.g. on exports, imports etc d) The FMPM Team’s observations 10:30 – Morning tea break 10:45 10:45 – Theme 2: Where are the opportunities? Moderator: S. Nundall, Manager 12:00 a) Mauritius’s competitive advantage BOI & Dr. S. Sudhoo, Director b) Seafood hub MRC c) Aquaculture d) Other opportunities, including the opportunities for Rodrigues e) Social considerations – how do the people of Mauritius benefit? 12:00 – Lunch 12:45 12:45 – Theme 3: Realising the opportunities Moderator: Mrs. D. Wong, 14:00 a) Current and future markets Director MEXA b) The Competent Authority c) The role of the Ministry of Fisheries – what needs to change?

Project Funded by the European Union Page [180] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

d) The role of the private sector – what needs to change? e) Risk assessment f) Infrastructure and service needs 14:00 – Afternoon tea break 14:15 14:15 – Theme 4: Moving forward: Moderator: H.E. Ambassador, J. 15:15 a) Commitment to change and identifying what needs to Koonjul. Ministry of Foreign change Affairs b) The role of the Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius c) Linkages – focussing on common objectives d) Is it possible? Identifying the constraints 15:15 – Conclusions Chairmen 15:30

PARTICIPANTS

Name Position/organisation Hon. Minister for Fisheries & Rodrigues Gary Morgan Team leader Ross Shotton, Fisheries Scientist Fisheries Scientist Dave Russell, Fish Processing/Marketing Specialist Leone Tarabusi Regional Manager for Southern Africa, ACP Fish II Mr. N. Boodhoo Deputy Director Trade Policy, International Trade Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. S. Nundlall Director – Manufacturing, Agri-Business, Energy & Environment, Board of Investment Raj Makoond Director, Joint Economic Council Dr. Diwakar Gangapersad Mauritius Research Council Mrs. D. Wong Director, Mauritius Export Association Mr. E. Liewes, MD, Princes Tuna Mauritius Mr. P. Robert or Ms. V. Garrioch GM, Thon des Mascareignes Mr. F. Rousset Manager, Pelagic Process Mr. C. Talbot GM, Mer des Mascareignes Mr. Y. Le Mao, GM, Marine Biotechnology Products Mr. B. Lenoir MD, Marlin Exports Mr. V. Albert Supply Chain Manager, IBL Frozen Foods Representative Mauritius Ports Authority Mr. I. Parasuraman, CEO, Bella Amigo Group Mr. J. Choy Executive Director, Ferme Marine de Mahebourg

Project Funded by the European Union Page [181] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Edwin Kwok Managing Director, Seskel Enterprises Mrs. M.D. Beeharry Permanent Secretary Mr. D. Mauree Director of Fisheries & project co-ordinator Dr. J.V. Thepaut Officer in Charge, Competent Authority Seafood

Presentation Workshop, Port Louis, 21st April 2011 AGENDA

Format and Purpose: Following the consultation workshop held at Albion on 7th April and two Assizes de la Peche meetings held in Mauritius and Rodrigues, there has been the opportunity for considerable stakeholder input into the Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius (FMPM). This has also included extensive one-on-one consultation by the consultant’s technical team with key stakeholders.

Building on this input, the technical team has prepared a first draft of the ideas, principles and activities that will form the FMPM. The purpose of this workshop is therefore to provide an opportunity for the technical team to present these to an audience of industry and Government leaders. The feedback provided at this workshop will be used to refine the FMPM which will then be further discussed at a final workshop on 25th April.

Time: Agenda Item & topics Speakers/session leaders

08:30- Welcome & Introduction Hon. Minister for Fisheries & 09:00 Rodrigues & Director of Fisheries 09:00- Presentation and discussion on the planning background, goals Dr. Gary Morgan & Ross Shotton 10:30 and objectives and draft principles of the FMPM 10:30 – Morning tea break 10:45 10:45 – Presentation and discussion on the fisheries resources: Ross Shotton 12:00 sustainable management and opportunities for development 12:00 – Lunch 12:45 12:45 – Presentation and discussion on supporting private sector Dr. Gary Morgan 14:00 development 14:00 – Afternoon tea break 14:15 14:15 – Presentation and discussion on aquaculture development Ross Shotton 14:45 14:45 - Presentation and discussion on incorporation of social and Dr. Gary Morgan 15:15 environmental issues into the FMPM 15:15 - Conclusions and next steps Dr. Gary Morgan 15:30

Project Funded by the European Union Page [182] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

PARTICIPANTS

Name Position/organisation Mr. L. J. Von-Mally Hon. Minister for Fisheries & Rodrigues Mr. D. Mauree Director of Fisheries/Project Co-ordinator Chief Commissioner, Rodrigues Regional Assembly Mr. Sylvio Perrine Data officer, Rodrigues Mr. P. Neermul Scientific Officer/Project Co-ordinator Mr. Dennis Reiss Attaché, Delegation of the European Union to Mauritius Gary Morgan Team leader Ross Shotton, Fisheries Scientist Fisheries Scientist Mrs. S. Rathacharan Principal Fisheries Officer Ministry of Fisheries & Rodrigues 6 Divisional Scientific Officers H.E. Jagdish Koonjul Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. N. Boodhoo Deputy Director Trade Policy, International Trade Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. S. Nundlall Director – Manufacturing, Agri-Business, Energy & Environment, Board of Investment Representative Ministry of Tourism Dr. Diwakar Gangapersad Mauritius Research Council Representative Mauritius Oceanographic Institute Mrs. D. Wong Director, Mauritius Export Association Mr. P. Robert & Ms. V. Garrioch GM, Thon des Mascareignes Mr. F. Rousset Manager, Pelagic Process Mr. C. Talbot GM, Mer des Mascareignes Representative Mauritius Ports Authority Mr. J. Choy Executive Director, Ferme Marine de Mahebourg

Validation Workshop, Port Louis, 25th April 2011 AGENDA

There was no formal agenda for this workshop since it was structured as an open discussion of the revised draft of the FMPM with essentially the same participants although some private sector participants decided not to attend since they were confident that their inputs from the presentation workshop would be incorporated appropriately. The Mauritian project coordinator and Director of

Project Funded by the European Union Page [183] A project implemented by Pescares Italia

Elaboration of a Fisheries Master Plan for Mauritius

Fisheries, Mr. D. Mauree chaired the meeting which was held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Fisheries and Rodrigues. The meeting commenced at 9:30 and concluded at 12:30. The focus of the discussion was on the details of the individual projects since the principles and strategic objectives had been agreed to at the presentation workshop on 21st April. The outcome of the meeting was that some minor amendments would be made to the details of the individual projects are the project leader and fisheries expert would meet with Mr. Mauree in the afternoon of 25th April to conclude the work.

PARTICIPANTS

Name Position/organisation Mr. D. Mauree Director of Fisheries/Project Co-ordinator Mr. P. Neermul Scientific Officer/Project Co-ordinator Gary Morgan Team leader Ross Shotton, Fisheries Scientist Fisheries Scientist Mrs. S. Rathacharan Principal Fisheries Officer Mr. Mardayven Nallee, Divisional Scientific Officer Mr. D. Norungee Divisional Scientific Officer B. Rathacharen, Divisional Scientific Officer Mr. B. Ramcharrun Divisional Scientific Officer Y. Basant-Rai, Divisional Scientific Officer Mr. Sylvio Perrine Data officer, Rodrigues Mr. S. Nundlall Director – Manufacturing, Agri-Business, Energy & Environment, Board of Investment Representative Ministry of Tourism Representative Mauritius Ports Authority

Project Funded by the European Union Page [184] A project implemented by Pescares Italia