The Aquatic Business The Aquatic Business Activities BillActivities Bill

1.1. World ReviewWorld Review

Fish as food for the world

142 million tonnes in 2005

94 million tonnes – capture fisheries

48 million tonnes – aquaculture

Source: FAOSource: FAO

Marine fisheries - overall status

• Maximum capture potential has been reached

• More effective management needed

Source: FAOSource: FAO

Projections & developments: 2010 and beyond

• Total world production on target

• Marine capture fisheries steady (oscillates 80 – 90 million tonnes)

• Inland fisheries landings increasing

• Aquaculture production growing (53 million tonnes in 2010; 74 million tonnes in 2015)

O U T L O O K

Source: FAOSource: FAO

Development of AquacultureDevelopment of Aquaculture

Worldwide practiceWorldwide practice

Floating cage culture of fish carried out in: Floating cage culture of fish carried out in:

Marine capture fisheries is stagnating Marine capture fisheries is stagnating

Annual increase in aquaculture production is 8%Annual increase in aquaculture production is 8%

-Some Mediterranean -Some Mediterranean countriescountries-Japan-Japan-France-France-UK (Scotland)-UK (Scotland)-Ireland-Ireland-Canada-Canada-USA-USA-Australia-Australia

-Hong Kong-Hong Kong-Philippines-Philippines-Norway -Norway -Cyprus-Cyprus-New Zealand-New Zealand-Chile-Chile-Other countries-Other countries

2.2. Aquaculture Master PlanAquaculture Master Plan

The study was commissioned by the Ministry of Finance The study was commissioned by the Ministry of Finance and ED. Consultant met all stakeholders. and ED. Consultant met all stakeholders.

Was discussed in depth at a workshop held on 12 -13 Was discussed in depth at a workshop held on 12 -13 April 2007April 2007

3.3. Recommendations of the Master PlanRecommendations of the Master Plan

• The lagoon area of Mahébourg to be considered in the The lagoon area of Mahébourg to be considered in the first instance;first instance;

• The projects of “Ferme Marine de Mahébourg Ltd” to be The projects of “Ferme Marine de Mahébourg Ltd” to be replicated by other promoters in other identified areas;replicated by other promoters in other identified areas;

• Requests for projects in other sites identified off-lagoon Requests for projects in other sites identified off-lagoon to be entertained;to be entertained;

• Drafting of an appropriate legislation for the grant Drafting of an appropriate legislation for the grant of sea concession for aquaculture.of sea concession for aquaculture.

Potential sites for aquaculturePotential sites for aquaculture

• 7 sites in lagoon

• 8 on the coast

• 6 off-lagoon

Opportunities for aquaculture development in Opportunities for aquaculture development in MauritiusMauritius

21 potential sites identified21 potential sites identified

Annual production estimatesAnnual production estimates 29,000 t in the medium term29,000 t in the medium term 39, 000 t in the long term39, 000 t in the long term

Types of Culture/SystemsTypes of Culture/Systems Lagoon cage culture: 300/500 tonnes per Lagoon cage culture: 300/500 tonnes per

production unitproduction unit Offshore lagoon cage culture: 2000 tonnes Offshore lagoon cage culture: 2000 tonnes

per production unitper production unit Recirculation production facilityRecirculation production facility Tuna ranching /fattening in cages Tuna ranching /fattening in cages

InvestmentInvestment

Projection for MauritiusProjection for Mauritius

Investment Investment – Rs. 5 billion– Rs. 5 billion Direct employment Direct employment – 5,000– 5,000 Production (medium – to long term) Production (medium – to long term) – 29,000 – 29,000

to 39,000 tto 39,000 t

No marketing problem foreseeableNo marketing problem foreseeable

4.4. What is The Aquatic Business Activities Bill?What is The Aquatic Business Activities Bill?

A legal framework to regulate the activities in or around A legal framework to regulate the activities in or around the sea, particularly: the sea, particularly:

• aquaculture, aquaculture, • setting up of marinas,setting up of marinas,• and pumping sea water for use on land (land based and pumping sea water for use on land (land based

oceanic industry)oceanic industry)

5.5. ProvisionsProvisions

(a)(a) LicencesLicences

o Holder of a licence for an aquatic business activityHolder of a licence for an aquatic business activityo Issued by Minister subject to the payment of prescribed Issued by Minister subject to the payment of prescribed

fee and conditionsfee and conditionso May be revoked or suspendedMay be revoked or suspended

5.5. Provisions (Cont.)Provisions (Cont.)

(b)(b) LeasesLeases

o Minister may grant lease over a portion Minister may grant lease over a portion of the coastal waters and adjacent land of the coastal waters and adjacent land

o Publication in the Publication in the GazetteGazette and 2 daily and 2 daily newspapersnewspapers

o Lease not more than 30 years for well-Lease not more than 30 years for well-demarcated areas of the sea and demarcated areas of the sea and payment of a rentpayment of a rent

5.5. Provisions (Cont.)Provisions (Cont.)

Advisory CommitteeAdvisory Committee

o To advise Minister on matters relating to aquatic business To advise Minister on matters relating to aquatic business activitiesactivities

o The representatives will comprise of:The representatives will comprise of:

• Ministry of Finance and Economic DevelopmentMinistry of Finance and Economic Development• Ministry of Tourism, Leisure & External CommunicationsMinistry of Tourism, Leisure & External Communications• Ministry of Health & Quality of LifeMinistry of Health & Quality of Life• Ministry of Environment & National Development UnitMinistry of Environment & National Development Unit

Comments were invited from:Comments were invited from:

Board of InvestmentBoard of InvestmentPrime Minister’s OfficePrime Minister’s OfficeMinistry of Tourism, Leisure & External CommunicationsMinistry of Tourism, Leisure & External CommunicationsMinistry of Housing & LandsMinistry of Housing & LandsMinistry of Local GovernmentMinistry of Local GovernmentMinistry of Environment & National Development UnitMinistry of Environment & National Development UnitMinistry of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport & ShippingMinistry of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport & ShippingMinistry of Finance and Economic DevelopmentMinistry of Finance and Economic DevelopmentMinistry of Health & Quality of LifeMinistry of Health & Quality of LifeMinistry of Public UtilitiesMinistry of Public UtilitiesMauritius Ports AuthorityMauritius Ports AuthorityDivision of Veterinary ServicesDivision of Veterinary ServicesOne-Stop-Shop (Seafood Hub)One-Stop-Shop (Seafood Hub)Mauritius Export Association (MEXA)Mauritius Export Association (MEXA)

Comments were invited from (cont.)Comments were invited from (cont.)Fishermen’s AssociationsFishermen’s AssociationsMauritius Oceanography InstituteMauritius Oceanography InstituteMauritius Research CouncilMauritius Research CouncilFerme Marine de Mahebourg LteeFerme Marine de Mahebourg LteeLivestock Feed FactoryLivestock Feed FactoryVal Farms Ltd.Val Farms Ltd.Ocean FreshOcean FreshESPA Co. LtdESPA Co. LtdSODIA Medine Sugar EstateSODIA Medine Sugar EstateFood & Allied IndustriesFood & Allied IndustriesCompagnie de Beau Vallon Ltd (Riche en Eau Sugar Estate)Compagnie de Beau Vallon Ltd (Riche en Eau Sugar Estate)Mauritius Marine Conservation SocietyMauritius Marine Conservation SocietyThe general public via Internet The general public via Internet ((http://fisheries.gov.muhttp://fisheries.gov.mu))

+Other stakeholders+Other stakeholders

Comments received (to date)Comments received (to date)

Syndicat des PecheursSyndicat des PecheursLivestock Feed LtdLivestock Feed LtdMinistry of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport & ShippingMinistry of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport & ShippingMinistry of Local GovernmentMinistry of Local GovernmentMauritius Ports AuthorityMauritius Ports AuthorityBoard of InvestmentBoard of InvestmentPolice DepartmentPolice DepartmentMauritius Research CouncilMauritius Research CouncilMauritius Oceanography InstituteMauritius Oceanography InstituteVal Farms LtdVal Farms LtdAssociation des Hoteliers et Restaurateurs – Ile Maurice (AHRIM)Association des Hoteliers et Restaurateurs – Ile Maurice (AHRIM)Ministry of Public UtilitiesMinistry of Public UtilitiesMauritius Export AssociationMauritius Export AssociationMinistry of Health and Quality of LifeMinistry of Health and Quality of LifeThe Financial SecretaryThe Financial SecretaryMinistry of Environment & National Development UnitMinistry of Environment & National Development UnitFood & Allied Industries Ltd. (FAIL)Food & Allied Industries Ltd. (FAIL)Ministry of Tourism, Leisure & External CommunicationMinistry of Tourism, Leisure & External CommunicationMinistry of Housing & LandsMinistry of Housing & LandsMauritius Scuba Diving AssociationMauritius Scuba Diving AssociationAssociation of Campement Owners and Users (ACOU)Association of Campement Owners and Users (ACOU)Mauritius Marine Conservation SocietyMauritius Marine Conservation Society

6.6. Queries by the fishers’ community and our commentsQueries by the fishers’ community and our comments

a)a) Not in the interest of fishermen as there will be Not in the interest of fishermen as there will be conflicting use of resourcesconflicting use of resources

Provisions made for public comments on applicationsProvisions made for public comments on applications Fishermen given opportunity to express their opinions Fishermen given opportunity to express their opinions

b) b) The “domaine public” is not leasable according to The “domaine public” is not leasable according to the Code Civilthe Code Civil

Right of Government to propose projects in part of any land Right of Government to propose projects in part of any land or sea for the benefit for the country. or sea for the benefit for the country.

The Bill has been drafted by Attorney General’s OfficeThe Bill has been drafted by Attorney General’s Office Comments and suggestions being sought from different Comments and suggestions being sought from different

stakeholdersstakeholders The bill provides an orderly and sustainable development of The bill provides an orderly and sustainable development of

aquatic activitiesaquatic activities

c)c) The whole lagoon or any part thereof might The whole lagoon or any part thereof might be leasedbe leased

Not all parts of the lagoon are suitable for aquatic Not all parts of the lagoon are suitable for aquatic activitiesactivities

Only twenty one potential sites have been Only twenty one potential sites have been identified identified

For the development of 10 farms the occupancy For the development of 10 farms the occupancy will be less than 0.7 % of the whole lagoon area; will be less than 0.7 % of the whole lagoon area; sea cucumber ranching will only occupy the sea cucumber ranching will only occupy the bottom of the sea.bottom of the sea.

Not all projects will be carried out in the lagoonNot all projects will be carried out in the lagoon

d)d) Lack of study with regard to impact on fish resourcesLack of study with regard to impact on fish resources

Studies carried out under the Aquaculture Master Plan prior to the Studies carried out under the Aquaculture Master Plan prior to the recommendationsrecommendations

Lagoon resources overexploited; aquaculture will increase productivity, Lagoon resources overexploited; aquaculture will increase productivity, stabilise employment opportunities of fishermen and coastal communities stabilise employment opportunities of fishermen and coastal communities

e)e) Exclusive rights to the Minister to lease parts of the Exclusive rights to the Minister to lease parts of the seasea

Consultation with all parties concerned including public will be carried outConsultation with all parties concerned including public will be carried out

Project proposals will be published in the Government Gazette and two Project proposals will be published in the Government Gazette and two daily newspapers daily newspapers

Advisory Committee could be strengthened to make final technical Advisory Committee could be strengthened to make final technical recommendationrecommendation

f)f) Aquaculture project is not affordable to fishersAquaculture project is not affordable to fishers

Can take advantage of Empowerment Fund for the development of Can take advantage of Empowerment Fund for the development of projectsprojects

Fishermen Investment Trust can invest in projects or promote joint Fishermen Investment Trust can invest in projects or promote joint

ventures between fishermen and other operators ventures between fishermen and other operators

g)g) Acquired rights of fishermen are being reducedAcquired rights of fishermen are being reduced

Fishermen will still be able to fish in the lagoon and off-lagoon as Fishermen will still be able to fish in the lagoon and off-lagoon as only very small parts of these areas will be usedonly very small parts of these areas will be used

Registered artisanal fishermen are being trained to fish off-lagoon Registered artisanal fishermen are being trained to fish off-lagoon and around FAD’s set up by the Ministry and around FAD’s set up by the Ministry

No new fisherman is being registered as lagoon fisherman. No new fisherman is being registered as lagoon fisherman.

h)h) Opportunities for Professional Opportunities for Professional fishermenfishermen

Fishermen have greater chances to be employed being Fishermen have greater chances to be employed being given their experience at seagiven their experience at sea

i)i) Aquaculture is a polluting activityAquaculture is a polluting activity

Detailed environmental impact assessments will be carried Detailed environmental impact assessments will be carried out for all projects out for all projects

Activities will be carried out under strict environmental Activities will be carried out under strict environmental guidelines to avoid pollutionguidelines to avoid pollution

The environmental and ecological parameters of The environmental and ecological parameters of aquaculture activities are being monitored by the AFRCaquaculture activities are being monitored by the AFRC

Coastal Water Quality Guidelines have to strictly observedCoastal Water Quality Guidelines have to strictly observed

7. 7. Case 1: Cyprus Island (Mediterranean) (Tourism as Case 1: Cyprus Island (Mediterranean) (Tourism as main economic activity)main economic activity)

Only 296 km of coastline under the jurisdiction of Cyprus Only 296 km of coastline under the jurisdiction of Cyprus Govt. Govt.

Presently:Presently:

Three commercial hatcheries Three commercial hatcheries Eight private commercial marine fish cage farmsEight private commercial marine fish cage farms Average annual production of 150 t eachAverage annual production of 150 t each Intensive farming in offshore marine cages located at 1-2 km from Intensive farming in offshore marine cages located at 1-2 km from

the shorethe shore 18-35 metres water depths18-35 metres water depths

Marine aquaculture production was valued at about USD 7.6 Marine aquaculture production was valued at about USD 7.6 millionmillion

Represented about 25 % total fish production and more than 60% Represented about 25 % total fish production and more than 60% of the high quality fresh fish in the local market.of the high quality fresh fish in the local market.

8.8. Case 2: NorwayCase 2: Norway

The Governing Regulations: The Aquaculture Act 1985, as The Governing Regulations: The Aquaculture Act 1985, as amended in 2003, is the main piece of legislation regulating amended in 2003, is the main piece of legislation regulating the management, control and development of fish farming the management, control and development of fish farming in fresh water, brackish water and marine water.in fresh water, brackish water and marine water.

The act establishes a licensing system governing the The act establishes a licensing system governing the setting up and operation of fish farms.setting up and operation of fish farms.

• Aquaculture is now a major industry along the western Aquaculture is now a major industry along the western and northern coasts of Norway.and northern coasts of Norway.

• More than 9 000 man-years are worked directly in the More than 9 000 man-years are worked directly in the sector and about the same number is estimated in sector and about the same number is estimated in supporting activities.supporting activities.

• Production of aquaculture in 2005 was above 600 000 Production of aquaculture in 2005 was above 600 000 tonnestonnes

9.9. Case 3: New ZealandCase 3: New Zealand

Marine farming sector: USD 250 million/yearMarine farming sector: USD 250 million/year

1,200 marine farms1,200 marine farms

Legal framework governed by Marine Farming Act 1971Legal framework governed by Marine Farming Act 1971

Aquaculture Reform Act 2004 – provides for lease or Aquaculture Reform Act 2004 – provides for lease or licences known as “licences known as “coastal permitscoastal permits””

10.10. Case 4: Malta ( tourism as main economic Case 4: Malta ( tourism as main economic activity)activity)

Aquaculture primarily marine-basedAquaculture primarily marine-based

Culture species include seabreams, seabasse, fattening of Culture species include seabreams, seabasse, fattening of Atlantic bluefin tuna)Atlantic bluefin tuna)

Culture in floating cagesCulture in floating cages

Production: 4000 tonnes (in 2005)Production: 4000 tonnes (in 2005)