The Mauritian government subsidizes the distribution of freshwater shrimp

On 5 March 2025, in Albion, a new initiative to support aquaculture in Mauritius was launched during a symbolic handover ceremony.

The Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Gilles Fabrice David, announced that « the Albion Fisheries Research Centre would offer juvenile freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) at subsidized rates to around 100 local farmers, with the aim of stimulating this key sector of the economy ».

In his speech, he highlighted the importance of this subsidy by emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the aquaculture sector. Aware of the challenges related to the reproduction of freshwater biodiversity, particularly in the face of climate change, the Minister assured that suitable resources and facilities would be made available to farmers to help them overcome these obstacles.

The aim of this initiative is to revitalize this sector. Gilles Fabrice David recalled that the island, as an island nation, benefits from vast untapped maritime resources that can be exploited sustainably for the well-being of the inhabitants and the food security of the country.

The official also announced that an « Ocean Summit » will be held in mid-2025, an event that will bring together key stakeholders. This meeting will aim to reflect on sustainable solutions to develop maritime industries. In particular, those related to aquaculture and support the livelihoods of local farmers.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Devina Ramma, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Meera Koonjul, Director of Fisheries. This initiative is part of a series of efforts by the government to address climate challenges and ensure a more sustainable future for aquaculture in Mauritius.