The
Indian Ocean region is one of the main fishing zones in the
world. The strategic position of Mauritius in the western
part of the Indian Ocean makes it the ideal location for development
of seafood related activities, such as fishing,
transhipment, processing and marketing. With its 1.9 million
km2 of exclusive economic zone, Mauritius has an abundant
stock of various fish species, including pelagic species.
The Mauritius Freeport provides more than 80,000 m3 of cold
room facilities representing a storage capacity of over 22,000
tons, the largest in the Indian Ocean, for the storage of
fresh, chilled and frozen products between -28ºC and
0ºC. The fishing port is equipped with both private and
government-owned deep-water quays capable of berthing vessels
ranging from 15-meter boats to 100-meter plus super seiners
and reefer carriers. A One-stop-shop service, dedicated exclusively
to the seafood industry, has been set up within the port area
to facilitate existing fishing vessel operators to carry out
their business activities and to provide business counselling
to any potential investor.
Investment
Opportunities
Tuna Transhipment: Mauritius is a major transhipment
centre for tuna and demersal fish. The port and freeport offer
all the logistics services, infrastructure facilities and
one-stop-shop services to ensure the rapid transhipment of
fish.
Seafood processing activities: Opportunities
exist in the following areas: grading, sorting, cutting, filleting,
canning and packaging of fish products prior to their re-export.
Agro-industry: With the diversification of
the agricultural sector in value-added non-sugar products,
Mauritius offers opportunities for horticulture, floriculture,
animal husbandry and processing of fruits and vegetables such
as condiments and food ingredients, spirits and beverages,
dairy products, and ready-to-eat and precooked foodstuffs.
Aquaculture and fish farming: Several sites
within and outside the lagoon have been identified in Mauritius
for fish farming. The tropical waters around the island offer
the right environment for the breeding of Barramundi, Red
Drum and other species.
Ancillary services: Opportunities exist in
the provision of the following ancillary services: Repairs
and assembly of tuna purse
seine nets, vessel husbandry, bunkering activities, ship building
and ship repairs activities and health certification services.
Land based oceanic industry: This emerging
activity will allow for the desalination and bottling of mineral
water, obtained from the Global Conveyor Belt, from a depth
of 1,000 meters. Besides its proven health properties, this
water will also be used for air conditioning of hotels, residential
and commercial buildings, and manufacturing of pharmaceutical
products. Opportunities
also exist for using this water in thalassotherapy and aquaculture
for high value seafood products.
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