Fishing Crisis: 250 Fishermen Sound Alarm Over Hazards at Sea

In a compelling appeal for recognition, the Fishing Syndicate organised a sea visit on Monday, 10th March to examine the troubling environmental circumstances off Bain-des-Dames, where several vessels remain anchored. Local fishermen expressed deep frustration over the significant damage caused by these boats’ anchors, which have obstructed movement and jeopardised their livelihoods.

They voiced serious concerns about a potential ecological disaster that could arise from ship refuelling operations and have urged the Ministries of Environment and Fisheries to act swiftly.

Off the jetty at Bain-des-Dames, the sight of five to six anchored ships is commonplace.

Although it’s usual to see such vessels in a marina, fishermen from the vicinity claim their presence is becoming increasingly disruptive.

Judex Rampaul, spokesperson for the Fishing Syndicate, remarked, “We aimed to highlight the significant challenges we’re encountering due to this situation.

We invited the Ministers of Environment, Agro-industry, and Fisheries, along with their Junior Ministers, but they chose not to attend.”

The anchoring of these ships has effectively restricted local fishermen’s access to their fishing grounds, he continued.

“This area has now become off-limits for us. Our fishermen must venture further offshore to pursue their trade.

We can’t even catch bait here anymore. The coral has been destroyed by the massive anchors dropped in this area.”

Jean-Jacques Albert shared his experiences and the challenges he faces in his profession.

“Now we have to fish out in deep waters, which has become quite dangerous, especially with smaller boats.

If we can no longer fish locally, we need support to acquire larger vessels for safe fishing further out.”

The presence of these ships raises significant concerns among the fishermen, particularly regarding the risk of oil spills during refuelling operations.

“These anchored vessels await their supplies. The companies representing them in Mauritius will send a supply boat that doesn’t carry diesel but heavy oil, a type of hydrocarbon. What if an accident occurs?” questioned Rampaul.

He also highlighted the need for safety precautions during these operations.

“Since it is the port authorities who have allowed these vessels to anchor here, shouldn’t they be providing buoys to manage any potential incidents?

We remember when three Taiwanese fishing boats ran aground in the Bain-des-Dames lagoon during rough weather.”

Rampaul expressed his exasperation with the ongoing situation, which has persisted for years. “For a decade, we’ve pleaded for attention, yet the authorities seem unresponsive.

We had hoped that with the Alliance of Change, circumstances would improve, but yet again, our voices have been overlooked.

It seems there’s a desire to make fishing a key part of the economy.”

He underscored that fishermen are not seeking handouts but rather want to work.

“We aren’t going to sit idly by waiting for an increase in the Bad Weather Allowance. We need resources and support for our efforts.

It’s also vital that we consider the future of the next generations.”

Gino Dennemont, president of the Fishing Syndicate, pointed out that the fishing zone from Pointe-aux-Sables to Baie-du-Tombeau is now entirely off-limits.

“Where are we expected to fish if we live in this area?” he pleaded.

“At the very least, we should be allowed to catch bait, similar to practices in Réunion and the Seychelles.”

Jacques Laval Dormenté described the extra complications of patrolling vessels.

“As soon as we head out to sea, a National Coast Guard boat often arrives to enforce regulations.”

During the sea visit, a patrol boat approached the fishermen to inquire about their activities but did not interfere.

Madeleine Monplé, who has been fishing for five years but has never received a professional fishing card from the previous government’s distribution, echoed the growing worries about safety at sea.

“Every time we go out, we wonder if we’ll make it back. But this is our way of life, and we must provide for our families.”

According to Judex Rampaul, roughly 250 fishermen operate in the region stretching from Pointe-aux-Sables to Baie-du-Tombeau.

Following the sea visit, Minister of Environment Rajesh Bhagwan reached out to Rampaul to convey his concern about the situation.

Although he could not be present during the visit, he mentioned that he had sent a team to represent him, although they failed to appear.

“The Minister indicated that he plans to assemble a committee to tackle marine environmental issues, and we will hold working sessions with him to discuss this,” Rampaul stated.

He expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of constructive solutions emerging from these discussions.

Source: Le Mauricien