Marine Resources Division
The Division is responsible for carrying out research, monitoring and development activities aimed at increasing knowledge on the fishery resources found in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with a view to enabling its sustainable utilisation. Its activities include research and assessment of fish stocks, monitoring of fishing activities and the dissemination of information on fisheries matters.
Goal
To plan, develop and manage the fishery resources in a sustainable manner for the benefit of all stakeholders of the fisheries sector and the people at large.
Key priorities
Monitor and carry out research on the different fisheries to ensure sustainable use of the fishery resources.
Objectives
· To improve knowledge on fish stocks and resources.
· To provide advice for best fishery management decisions.
Main activities
·
Sample survey programme are prepared for the collection of fisheries data at Fish Landing Station in order to maintain and update records of fishery statistics for estimation of fish landed for the management of the coastal fishery. After collection, the coastal fish landings data are processed and analysed to estimate the fish catch, fishing efforts and catch per fisherman day from the lagoon and off-lagoon areas.
·
The
centralisation of fisheries
and statistical data by the
collection and
compilation of data for
dissemination to various National/Local, Regional and International Organisations through the Fisheries Statistic Unit.
·
Fish caught by illegal means and without authorisation are examined and identified. Reports are prepared and submitted to the enforcement bodies (Fisheries Protection Service, National Coast Guard, Police and Consumer Protection Unit) for appropriate legal action.
·
The Offshore Demersal Fisheries comprises the bank fishery, semi-industrial chilled fish fishery, deep-water slope fishery and the St Brandon fishery. Fish landings data are collected through vessel logbooks which are processed and analysed to maintain updated records of all the fisheries. The data are used for the estimation of yields, rate of exploitation, spatial distribution and estimation of fishing quotas of different fisheries, in view of sustainable exploitation within biologically acceptable levels as well as with social and economic objectives.
·
Sampling programmes are undertaken to collect length and weight data to estimate population parameters, such as growth rate, mortality rate and recruitment pattern.
·
Surveys for assessment of untapped fish resources and alternative modes of fishing are being undertaken in the Mauritian EEZ.
·
Monitoring of catch, effort, exploitation
rates of
tuna and tuna-related species landed by licensed foreign fishing vessels and local boats and transhipment by licensed and non-licensed fishing vessels/carriers.
·
Study stock structure, catch trend, investigate fishing areas and distribution and to cooperate at a regional level in the management of tuna resources.
Services offered:
•
provide fisheries statistics on request to different national and international organizations and stakeholders;
•
carry out the identification of different species of fish seized by enforcement bodies and for the public at large;
• assist students and scientists in their
researchactivities;
• monitor the exploitation of the fishery resources for its sustainable use.
How to contact us:
Address:
Divisional Scientific Officer
Marine Resource Division
Albion Fisheries Research Centre,
Petite Rivière,
Mauritius
Phone: (230) 238 4100 or (230) 238 4485
Fax: (230) 238 4184
