About the Fisheries Training​ and Extension Centre

The Fisheries Training and Extension Centre (FiTEC) situated at Pointe aux Sables was set up through a grant from the Government of Japan to provide additional facilities for the development of off lagoon fishing and training of fishermen. FiTEC became operational in October 2004 and obtained the MS ISO 9001:2008 certification for quality management in 2010.

FiTEC adheres to the Government Vision 2030 and is expected to play a significant role in the development of the ocean economy which aims at becoming one of the economic pillars. FiTEC caters for the various training needs of the fishing industry and carries out research and experimental fishing for untapped resources. 

Quality Policy for FiTEC ​

Aims and objectives of  FiTEC  

FiTEC, through its training activities, aims at empowering fishermen to earn a better livelihood and facilitates them to venture into more profitable off lagoon fishing around Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) by deploying and maintaining a number of these FADs around the island.  

The following are among the training objectives of FiTEC:

• To provide basic knowledge and skills to new entrants for a career in the fishing industry,
• To upgrade knowledge and skills of fishermen to operate in the off lagoon area,
• To encourage use of effective and efficient fishing techniques,
• To promote production and supply of safe and quality sea food,
• To educate fishermen to develop a safety at sea culture,  
• To create awareness on the protection and conservation of the marine environment, and foster the ecosystem approach in fisheries for sustainability.
                                    
                             
• FADs are deployed around the island for the direct  benefit of fishermen
  

Courses offered by FiTEC

Several training courses have been designed to fulfill the various training needs of fishers and other operators of the fisheries sector. ​

​The General Course for Fisher provides fishermen with the basic knowledge and skills to start a fishing career. The training course is dispensed to non-registered fishermen who earn a living solely by fishing and who have applied for the Fisherman Registration Card.  The training course is run 

over a period of 6 weeks, including practical sessions at sea and is free of charge. 

Learning the basics of fisheries is the way forward towards more professionalism   

Besides, the Ministry offers a stipend of 300 rupees per day to every trainee attending the training course. The trainee is awarded a certificate of attendance on successful completion of the course.

Training on the use of sails to save fuel, reduce pollution and increase safety

FAD Fishery Training Course  

The FAD Fishery Training Course addresses the training needs of registered fishermen willing to leave the lagoon and venture out for off lagoon fishing. It also targets fishermen interested to upgrade their fishing skills around FADs.  After completing this training course the fishermen are able to 

safely and efficiently fish pelagic species in the open sea around FADs, using new fishing techniques. The course is of 3 weeks duration and also comprises practical sessions at sea.   A certificate of attendance is awarded to the trainee who completes the training course. Each trainee is also 

eligible to a stipend of 300 rupees per day of attendance.   

Training in maintenance of engines for enhanced safety at sea 

Training Course in Fish Handling, Preservation and Marketing for Fishmongers

This training course is a requisite for traders holding the Fishmongers License. It is free of charge. It comprises five modules and is dispensed over five half days. At the end of the training, the fishmonger is able to adopt good handling practices and hence offer safe and good quality fish and 

fish products to customers. A certificate of attendance is delivered to the fishmonger following all the five modules. 

Capacity building of in-house personnel 

FiTEC ensures that it has a well-trained human resource to meet customer expectations by exposing its personnel with the latest technological advances in the field of fisheries. The assistance of renowned fishing agencies are sought in that respect.

OFCF (Japan) Expert coaching trainers of FiTEC  in new fishing technique  

Forthcoming Course

- FiTEC will soon launch the FAD Technology and Resource Management training course targeting fishermen fishing around FADs. The training course will be of 5-day duration and has as objectives to upgrade the skills and knowledge of fishermen with regards to FADs and resource 

conservation and management. 

Deployment and maintenance of FADs

FADs are moored and maintained functional around Mauritius. These are regularly serviced and lost ones are replaced.

List of FADs with mooring depths, distance from the nearest coast and positions

Contact:

The Divisional Scientific Officer

Fisheries Training & Extension Centre (FiTEC)

Royal Road, Pointe aux Sables

MAURITIUS

Tel: +(230) 234 7209, +(230) 234 6858

FAX: +(230) 234 6967   Email: fitec@govmu.org  

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