Fisheries - Albion Fisheries Research Centre

The Albion Fisheries Research Centre carries out the research, development and management functions of the Ministry of Fisheries. It has been almost entirely constructed and equipped with Japanese assistance in three phases between 1981 to 1995. The facilities at the Albion Fisheries Research Centre cover a total surface area of 3,410m² which include an office/administration block, biological, chemical, bacteriological and marine ecological laboratories and hatcheries. In addition, a set of out-door rearing ponds of a total surface of 12,000m² is available for experimental culture work.

Albion Fisheries Research Centre

The Centre has a staff strength of some 64 officers in the scientific and technical grade supported by the administrative staff and manual workers. The services of 5 Japanese consultants comprising a team leader, one project manager and 3 experts in the field of aquaculture and marine sciences have been made available through JICA to AFRC for a period of 5 years since 1996 in support of activities undertaken in aquaculture and marine conservation. In addition, the services of one Indian Expert under the Indian Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) have been made available from 1998 to 2002 for the Ecotoxicology project. Another Indian Expert has joined the Centre since June 2004 to help in the field of aquaculture.

Projects/services of the Centre are implemented through the following 3 Divisions: (1) Fisheries Research Division, (2) Aquaculture Division, (3) Marine Sciences Division

to carry out research and studies needed for the sustainable development and management of marine living resources (fish stocks, coral reef etc.);

to provide support services to stakeholders of the fishing industry (including those involved in aquaculture development);

to provide advice to policy makers on matters related to the management and development of living marine resources and the conservation of marine environment including the creation of marine parks and reserves in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act and the Environmental Protection Act; and

to act as a focal point for collaborative research and management as regard regional and international fisheries and marine living resources.

The main activities that are carried out by the Centre can be summarised as such:

Monitoring of existing fishing activities (including fishing vessels) and fish stock assessment (artisanal, banks and tuna) in order to evolve management measures for their sustainable development.

Surveys and charting for new or untapped resources or fishing grounds, development of appropriate fishing techniques and provision of advise on exploitation and management of these resources.

Collaborative research/studies with regional, international organisation (e.g. the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) for the management of tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean, the Indian Ocean Commission (COI) in fisheries and marine ecosystem monitoring studies and other foreign institutions).

Development and improvement of aquaculture production techniques. Seed production of marine shrimps and sea breams are being improved for stock enhancement. Red tilapia and seabream fingerlings are produced for distribution to fish farmers.

Ecological surveys to monitor and collect base line data on coral reefs and water quality with a view to conservation of aquatic biodiversity and the marine environment.

Management of marine protected areas. Two marine parks have been proclaimed at Balaclava and Blue Bay/Le Chaland.

Enhancement of fish stocks and rehabilitation of ecosystems e.g. release of juveniles and mangroves propagation in the lagoon.

Studies on potentially toxic fishes and harmful algae.

Contact:

Albion Fisheries Research Centre

Ministry of Agro Industry & Fisheries (Fisheries Division)

Albion

Petite Rivière

MAURITIUS

Tel.: +(230) 238 4100

        +(230) 238 4829

        +(230) 238 4744

Fax: +(230) 2384184

Email: fisheries@mail.gov.mu

 

Contact Person

Title

Telephone Number

Fax Number

Email
Mr. A. Venkatasami Principal Fisheries Officer +(230) 2384962 +(230) 2384184 avenkatasami@mail.gov.mu

  

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