Brochure

Prime Ministers Office
The Ocean Economy

A Roadmap for Mauritius
December 2013
The next frontier for the global economy is the ocean. When it happens Mauritius must
stand ready to seize the opportunities.We cannot wait passively for that rising tide to lift our
boat. We must be proactive.
Dr The Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP
Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius
July 2013
Prime Minister
Republic of Mauritius
Dr the Hon Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP
Foreword
I am pleased to present the Road Map of the Ocean Economy, which spells out the vision, goals and strategies for the
development and expansion of a new pillar of our economy.
The Mauritian Exclusive Economic Zone was significantly expanded to 1.9 million square kilometers following the adoption of the UN
Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982. The co-management of 396 000 square kilometers of the continental shelf, with the Republic
of Seychelles, enables us, henceforth, to rank among the largest economic territories in the world with a total EEZ area of 2.3 million
square kilometers. We are deploying every effort and muster all our resources, energies and human capital to harness the wealth of our
ocean.
We are fostering an all-inclusive approach that engages our youth in a most challenging venture. This will help them transcend traditional
trades and professions and devise ways of equipping themselves for new jobs and new enterprises that will broaden the revenue range of
the nation at large. Ambitious and innovative ocean-related projects will be initiated in the light of research to be undertaken, capacity
to be built and technologies to be adopted.
Since we are literally embarking on uncharted waters, strategies may have to be reconsidered as unforeseen challenges crop up. Targets may
also have to be revised. But the vision will endure.
The sustainable development and growth of our ocean wealth will be supported by coherent planning, policies and regulatory
frameworks in an integrated manner.
A National Taskforce on Ocean Economy will oversee the implementation of this Roadmap.
I commend the Road Map of the Ocean Economy to all the citizens of our country and to our international partners with the confidence
that they will use this as a foundation for generating greater wealth for the well-being of our nation.
04 December 2013
Dr the Hon Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP

Prime Minister
CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2.Vision
3. Objectives
4. Ocean-Related Activities in 2012
5. Sustainable Development of our Ocean
6. Ocean Economy Clusters
6.1 Seabed exploration for hydrocarbon and minerals
6.2 Fishing, seafood processing and aquaculture
6.3 Deep ocean water applications
6.4 Marine services
6.5 Seaport-related activities
6.6 Marine renewable energies
6.7 Ocean knowledge cluster
7. Rodrigues and Agalega
8. The Building Blocks
9. Implementation Time Frame
10.Conclusion
8
14
15
17
20
24
26
29
34
38
49
53
55
58
60
66
67
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Mauritius manages a maritime zone of 2.3 million km2. The potential for economic
advancement and prosperity that this resource can generate if developed in a
sustainable way could take Mauritius to the next level that of a high-income country,
with a large geographic territory and the competencies, technologies and systems to
manage this territory.
Already, the ocean territory contributes significantly to the wealth of Mauritius.The GDP
share has been estimated at 10.8 per cent in 2012, with a value addition of MUR 32.5 billion,
of which over 90 per cent currently comes from three established sectors - coastal
tourism and marine leisure, seaport-related activities and seafood-related activities
where significant scope for future growth exists. In the coastal tourism cluster, business
opportunities in the currently under-developed marine leisure activities could quadruple
the segments GDP contribution to MUR 5.2 billion by 2025. This would then bring its
share to the tourism sector at par with global benchmarks. Seafood-related activities
should also expand with a new player setting up in the fisheries sector and several
aquaculture interests for the twenty identified sites around Mauritius and additional sites
in Rodrigues. The Port Louis seaport, which currently brings in around 2 per cent of
national GDP and has seen a noticeable 37 per cent increase in transhipment containers
in 2012, would continue to witness a boost in container transhipment following
infrastructure investments of some MUR 6 billion that are being engaged to upgrade
port and cargo handling facilities until 2015. In addition, two emerging activities which are
being encouraged in the port - cruise liners to choose Port Louis for home porting and
develop the region as cruise destination, and attracting petroleum storage and bunkering
from Port Louis - would further increase value addition from this sector.
potential game changer for our economy. The granitic nature of the Seychelles Islands
and the discovery of a thick sedimentary sequence in the Seychelles plateau have
attracted oil companies to prospect in the region. Recent geophysical surveys in the
region of the Mascarene Plateau revealed that the continental crust along the Mascarene
plateau extend further southward to the Banks. Already, the discovery in 2009 of
inactive hydrothermal fields by a joint Mauritian and Japanese expedition within our EEZ
indicates the likelihood of mineral deposits. In fact, prospecting nations have recently
requested and been allocated deep sea mining blocks by the International Seabed
Authority in areas contiguous to the Mauritian EEZ.
The rich untapped living organisms in our EEZ can also bring high returns to our nascent
marine biotechnology industry should we find new molecules that can be commercially
exploited. Private firms are already operating in this space. With the required soft and
hard infrastructure, institutional and legal framework, and the proposed development
of an ocean genome, an increased emphasis on research and their commercialisation is
expected.
These innovative projects lead the way to the creation of an ocean knowledge cluster in
Mauritius to train local and international researchers and carry out applied ocean research
by using the natural laboratory that is at our disposal. Some equipment and infrastructure
are already available locally through several research institutions. An Ocean Centre of
Excellence would harness these resources to position Mauritius not only on the regional
scene but also for research requirements of Small Island Developing States.
However, the real prosperity from the ocean is expected from new clusters. Among the
economic activities identified as possible priority areas, the utilisation of pure, nutrient-rich
and cold deep sea water to develop Deep Ocean Water Application (DOWA) projects
will provide sea-water air conditioning to industrial and commercial users, reducing the
dependence of Mauritius on fossil fuels, as well as create a plethora of downstream
business activities for high-end aquaculture, seaweed and algal culture, cosmetics and
pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, water bottling and thalassotherapy, among others. In this
respect, two firm interests for extracting this water are already being considered, one
in the city and a second in the south of the island. In the same light, marine renewable
energies can in the long term considerably reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.
The Ocean Economy can also open up new business opportunities for existing services
sectors such as marine ICT and marine finance. For example, the existing local ICT
capabilities could be extended to develop new applications for ecosystem and wave
modelling tools, fish habitat monitoring and sustainable fisheries resource management
systems, trade and maritime-transport related data, amongst others. Equally, marine
finance would focus on delivery of niche services such as ship management, yacht leasing,
marine insurance and trading on carbon exchange platforms among others. Ship
registration activities would also be significantly developed as part of the marine services
sector, with a ripple effect on ship leasing, ship insurance, ship management and ship
repairs. Significant job opportunities exist for trained technical resources for ship
surveying and related activities as well as for seafarers.
Another priority area is the mapping and stock-taking of our seabed for a better
understanding of both the living organisms and the potential hydrocarbon and
mineral resources in our waters.The discovery of hydrocarbons in our EEZ would be a
Based on the above, seven clusters of activity have been identified as possible priority
areas, namely Seabed Exploration for Hydrocarbon & Minerals; Fishing, Seafood
Processing and Aquaculture; Deep Ocean Water Applications (DOWA);
6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Marine Services; Seaport-related Activities; Marine Renewable Energies and

Ocean Knowledge.
In order to successfully capture these opportunities, it is essential that private and public
institutions work together to ensure that the short, medium and long-term objectives for
each cluster are met. The enablers such as regulatory and legal frameworks for
sustainable development, international and regional cooperation, business development
and promotion strategies, research and innovation, investment issues and incentives have
been identified for each cluster and would need to be implemented in a coordinated
and efficient manner, taking into account priorities and cost requirements.
It is, therefore, proposed to set up a National Public Private Taskforce which will
coordinate the actions of all implementation agencies so that resources are judiciously
deployed. The National Taskforce will be supported by advisory councils for each of the
economic clusters, comprising public and private sector specialists and representatives
of civil society. In fact, the National Taskforce will be set up as a matter of urgency in
order to advise on the implementation plans and cost estimates for the identified
building blocks, economic clusters and on the development of new activities. By
mid-2014, half of the identified actions should be launched with the remaining actions
staggered by quarter until the first quarter of 2015.
Ocean Economy rests in the protection of its maritime health and the preservation of
its biological diversity. In line with the Rio+20 Declaration on the importance of the
conservation and the sustainable use of the oceans and seas, the 2005 Mauritius Strategy
for the further implementation of the Barbados Plan of Action and the Maurice Ile
Durable Policy Strategy and Action Plan for sustainably developing the Ocean Economy,
this Roadmap recommends adopting measurable goals to better monitor the sustainable
development of our oceans through appropriate and recognised benchmarks. The
sustainable development objectives should also be well understood and appropriated by
civil society representatives on the National Taskforce and the advisory councils.
Sustainable development is often defined as meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is the spirit in
which this Roadmap has been drafted.
By the end of 2014, Mauritius should have a comprehensive legal and regulatory
framework for the Ocean Economy. The Ocean Centre of Excellence would have been
set up, with clearly defined research functions. The first Ocean Business Park should be
under detailed design. The skills development programme and the Ocean Economic
Indicator would both have been launched and the implementation programme for each
identified cluster would already have been put to action.
Conservative forecasts, excluding hydrocarbon or minerals projections, point towards
the Ocean Economys contribution increasing by 3 points to 14 per cent of GDP by
2015 and to17 per cent by 2020. By 2015, some 21,000 jobs are expected in the sector,
an increase of 3,000 from the current baseline. By 2020, this is expected to increase to
26,000. Cumulative private and public investments in the sector are also expected to
increase considerably, by MUR 29 billion for the period ending 2015 with seaport and
fisheries sector investments, and a further MUR 45 billion for 2016 to 2020 from
projects in all seven identified clusters.
It is clear that the development of the Mauritian Ocean Economy is an investment in the
future of generations to come. This development should be in accordance with
fundamental principles of economic efficiency, equity, ecology, social partnership, safety
and compliance with international instruments. Particularly, the core asset of the Mauritian
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7
INTRODUCTION
The Republic of Mauritius consists of a group of islands in the Indian Ocean. The
main island, Mauritius, is located at longitude 570 30 east, and latitude 200 00 south,
approximately 900 km east of Madagascar and is part of the Mascarene Islands. The
total land area of the Republic of Mauritius is approximately 1,950 km2. Under the
Constitution of Mauritius, the territory of Mauritius includes:
The main island of Mauritius;
The islands of Cargados Carajos (St Brandon group) located some 402 km north
of the main island;
The Agalega Islands located 933 km north of the main island;
Tromelin, located 580 km north-west of the main island;
The Chagos Archipelago, that lies approximately 2,200 km north-east of the main
island; and
Rodrigues Island, located approximately 560 km east of Mauritius.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Mauritius exercises
sovereign rights (a) to living and non-living resources of the waters, the seabed and the
subsoil in an Exclusive Economic Zone extending to 200 nautical miles from the baseline
around all islands which are part of its territory and (b) over the natural resources on
the seabed and subsoil of its Continental Shelf.
8 INTRODUCTION
Mauritius has made a joint submission with the Seychelles over part of its Continental
Shelf and this has already been approved by the UN Commission on the Limits of the
Continental Shelf (CLCS). Further submissions to the CLCS in respect of other parts of
our Continental Shelf are being finalised and will be made shortly. The total area of the
EEZ and the Continental Shelf over which Mauritius has various rights is currently 2.3
million km2, which is over a thousand times larger than our land mass and which holds
potential resources of value. With the new submissions, this area may further grow by
303,000 km2.
Thus, since the bulk of our potential economic space is the ocean around us, the social
and economic development of Mauritius is inextricably linked to the sustainable
management and use of coastal and marine resources and other ocean-related
economic activities whose contribution to the enhancement of our livelihood, well-being,
and progress should be emphasized. Consider for a moment what it would mean in
terms of wealth creation, per capita income, quality of life, standard of living and
employment if Mauritius were to optimally develop this economic space of which more
than 95 per cent have yet to be exploited. This changes in a fundamental way our sense
of geography and space constraint.
Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Mauritius

An economic ocean space of 2.3 million km2 is
a fifth of that of the largest EEZ in the world and
equivalent to the combined land mass of Spain,
Germany, Italy, France and the UK.
Seychelles
The Ocean State in Figures
EEZ of the
JMA
Agalega Island
Diego Garcia
Mauritius
& Seychelles
EEZ of the
ECS Submitted
to UN CLCS
St Brandon
car
Madagas
Reunion
Mauritius
396,000 km2:
Seabed and Subsoil Area under Joint
Management Agreement (JMA) with the
Republic of Seychelles, Mascarene Plateau
Region
2.3 Million km2:
Total maritime zone
Tromelin
1.9 Million km2:

Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of
Mauritius
Rodrigues
303,000 km2:
Further Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)
submissions on seabed and subsoil to
be made to CLCS in respect of Rodrigues and
Chagos Archipelago
INTRODUCTION 9
Government Programme 2012-2015

Moving the Nation Forward
Extract of new sectors and new markets - Ocean Economy
15. Governments vision is to make of Mauritius, within the next ten years, a nation fully
conscious of its immense potential as an Ocean State. This is a key channel through
which we can advance economically to greater prosperity.
16. Mauritius has one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world. In addition,
the UN approved, last year, the coordinates submitted jointly by Mauritius and
Seychelles for jurisdiction over an area of our continental shelf extending over almost
400,000 square kilometres. Thus Mauritius now has a total area of 2.3 million square
kilometres over which it can exercise various economic rights. This is more than one
thousand and one hundred times larger than our land mass an area bigger
than that of the combined land area of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK.
This will transform our sense of our own geography and constraints.
17. Mauritius will be making further submissions to the UN with respect to other parts
of our continental shelf, including around the Chagos Archipelago which forms part
of our territory.
18. Laying the foundations of an Ocean Economy will be an unprecedented quest for
the expansion of our spatial boundaries, the development of scientific knowledge and
business opportunities. The exercise of our rights over the waters and subsoil of
the EEZ and Continental Shelf means that we will, as a nation, have access to
potentially vast natural and mineral resources in years to come.
10 INTRODUCTION
19. The time has come for taking our diversification thrust a grand stride forward.
Government will significantly extend the economic space for investors, businesses,
workers, and the entire population by setting out a concrete and practical plan for
developing the Ocean economic space.
20. The potential in the Ocean Economy is enormous for growing our GDP, creating high
productivity jobs and improving the living standards of our people.
21. The economic potential of the Oceans covers the exploitation of living and
non-living resources in our waters, on the seabed and in the subsoil. The
development of the Ocean Economy will have significant positive impact on other
industries including land and sea transportation, cargo and port services.
Governments aim is to make the Ocean Economy one of the most important future
contributors to GDP.
22. To take full advantage of these opportunities, Mauritius must have the right
regulatory regime and the level of skills required to license and supervise Ocean
activities and also to service the operators involved.
23. To this end, Government will invite the nation to embark on a major rethink of the
potential beyond our existing land mass and consider opportunities as an Ocean State.
Source: http://www.gov.mu/portal/goc/pm/file/Govt_Prog2012-15.pdf
Currently, the Ocean-related economic activities comprise (i) fishing, farming, desalination,
and maritime transport and(ii) those which exist because of the ocean, for instance ship
building, ports and harbour, coastal activities - hotels, restaurants, sporting, public services
provided by bodies such as Ministries of Fishing/Environment, Coast Guards, and research
centres.
To fully develop the potential of the Ocean Economy, our extensive EEZ will however
require mobilisation of human resources, finance, technology and knowledge over
several decades.
Together, the various sectors of the ocean-related activities contributed some 10.8 per
cent to GDP in 2012, with hotels and leisure activities making up some 60 per cent of
the Ocean Economy. These sectors also contribute indirectly to GDP through dealings
in the financial system and interactions with other industries such as ICT/BPO. They
generate much of the foreign currency earnings that the economy needs to finance
its imports and accumulate foreign reserves. Yet, the present contribution of the
marine-related activities to our economy is but the tip of the iceberg when compared
to its potential.
That national endeavour must start now and this is what the Roadmap is about.
Mauritius has a conspicuously underutilised asset base in its Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ).
Mauritius is a small island State in terms of land mass but stands among a handful of
countries that have EEZs of 2 million km2 and more.
Our EEZ and Continental Shelf can be a powerful driver to fundamentally change the
course of the economic history of our nation. They offer an unprecedented scope for
pioneering new activities and industries.
The Deep Ocean Water Applications, bunkering and petroleum storage for the
regional market are three major new industries which are in the pipeline.
In the medium term, the emphasis will be on Renewable Ocean Energy, marine ICT
and High-Tech services including Marine Biotechnology, and Ocean Knowledge. We
will also expect a surge in aquaculture activities turning that sector into a major new
industry.
In the long term, deep sea mining of hydrocarbons and minerals could be a game
changer to our economy.
It is not a task for this generation only but for many future generations.
We have to set clear and realistic targets, and move forward in a pragmatic way.
Our aim should be to grow the Ocean Economy at an annual rate of 10 per cent on
average until 2025. This is within our means if we consider that output in the textile
industry has increased 100 fold in 22 years, and that within 10 years of its launch, the
ICT/BPO sector currently contributes to 6.4 per cent of GDP the more so that the
Ocean Economy holds far more potential.
Assuming that all other sectors except the Ocean Economy will grow at an average
rate of 5 per cent, then we will see the direct contribution of the Ocean Economy
to GDP going up from 10.8 per cent currently to around 14 per cent in 2015, 17 per
cent in 2020 and to around 20 per cent by 2025, not considering the game changing
contribution that an eventual discovery of hydrocarbons in our maritime zone would
bring to the economy.
To realise these possibilities will require good planning, well-paced and well-sequenced
investment.
Government will also ensure that the approach to developing the Ocean Economy
reflects the core principles of economic efficiency, social equity and ecological
sustainability, social partnership and safety.
INTRODUCTION 11
OCEAN ECONOMY POLICY IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT

The development of ocean-related economic activities, whether in the waters, seabed
and subsoil of the Ocean or onshore services or industries geared towards maritime
activities, presents numerous opportunities and challenges since, for sustainability
and compliance purposes, the sector should be developed within the parameters of
international legal instruments which regulate the multitude of such activities. Besides,
Mauritius considers its ocean ecosystem and marine biological diversity as a CORE
national asset. Their exploration and development should therefore be pursued in a
sustainable manner which is in line with the provisions of international ocean
governance in order to prevent environmental, economic, social and cultural damage that
would reduce options for future use and endanger the livelihoods of future generations.
Economy both at home and abroad.
Given our Small Island Developing State (SIDS) profile, the development of an Ocean
Economy by Mauritius can be more effectively achieved through accrued, innovative and
result-oriented cooperation and partnership with our bilateral as well as multilateral
development partners.
The health of our Ocean Economy will depend on the health of the ocean.
Moreover, given the interconnectedness of oceanic issues, the international legal

framework within which the Ocean Economy has to be developed, and the need to keep
ourselves informed of international developments and prospects relating to Oceans,
Government has appointed a Special Envoy on Ocean Matters.
In view thereof, a coherent and deliverable ocean-related diplomatic agenda will be
developed to successfully address all regional and international dimensions, existing and
emerging, of this Roadmap. This agenda will also provide for the active involvement
of all our overseas missions in promoting the Ocean Economy.
The private sector will have a key role in shaping the dynamics of the Ocean Economy.
2. Equity Principles
The benefits of the Ocean Economy must be for all and not just a few.
It must contribute to greater equity and social justice.
And it must contribute to the economic democratisation process.
3. Ecological Principles
The ocean ecosystem of Mauritius and its marine biological diversity are our core
national assets that must be well managed to meet a broad range of economic and social
aspirations for present and future generations.
The non-market benefits must be harnessed and protected as much as the market
benefits.
4. Social Partnership Principles
The development of the Ocean Economy is not the sole responsibility of Government.
Government, the civil society, the private sector, development partners, national and
international institutions will have to work together as social partners sharing the same
vision.
5. Safety Principles
The use of the ocean is not without its challenges.
THE PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE

OCEAN ECONOMY
The safety and security of our people at sea will have to be safeguarded.
The pursuit of our national endeavour to develop the Ocean Economy will be done in
accordance with the following principles:
6. Compliance with International Instruments
1. Economic Efficiency
Our ocean asset base must be developed in the most economically efficient way.
Government will focus on its role as facilitator and will promote investment in the Ocean
12 INTRODUCTION
Our maritime zone and the sustainable ocean-related activities therein must also be
secured.
Adherence to international legal frameworks relating to the Law of the Sea, maritime
transport, conservation and other ocean matters are key to the sustainable
development of ocean activities.
THE ROADMAP
The Roadmap to realise the Ocean Economy vision will initially focus on actions that will
be taken in seven main clusters in the short, medium and long term. However, these are
by no means an exhaustive list and action will also be taken with respect to other new
and emerging sectors, going forward. These initial clusters are:
1 Seabed Exploration for Hydrocarbon & Minerals
2 Fishing, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture
3 Deep Ocean Water Applications (DOWA)
4 Marine Services:
i. Marine Tourism and Leisure
ii. Marine ICT
iii. Marine Finance
iv. Marine Biotechnology
v. Ship Registration
5 Seaport-related Activities
6 Marine Renewable Energies
7 Ocean Knowledge
The Roadmap also identifies five enablers for achieving the goals in each of the areas and
the actions that will be taken. These enablers are:
i. Regulatory Framework, Governance, Maritime Safety, Security and Surveillance
and Conservation, and Sustainability Programmes
ii. Business Development and Marketing and Promotion Strategies
iii. Research, Knowledge, Technology and Innovation and Capacity Building
iv. Infrastructure Development, Investment Issues and Fiscal Regime
v. International and Regional Co-operation and Economic Diplomacy.
Finally, the Roadmap sets out the time frame for implementing the actions and achieving
the goals.
INTRODUCTION 13
VISION
What is the Ocean Economy Vision and what are the Challenges ?
CHALLENGES
The Ocean Economy project aims at:
Whilst we set out the objectives of the Ocean Economy, we must be aware of the
1. Providing an INTEGRATED approach to the development, management,

regulation and promotion of ocean-related economic activities both in the
Ocean, the seabed and the subsoil as well as onshore ocean-related services and
industries
2. Ensuring policy coordination among all Ministries and public sector agencies
dealing with activities related to our Ocean space
3. Increasing the share of ocean-related economic activities in our GDP
4. Improving Ocean Governance and ensuring proper ocean and coastal
management, conservation, healthy marine eco-system and safety for all
ocean-related activities
14 VISION
challenges, some of which are beyond our control:

1. Climate change and the various ways global warming may affect the Oceans,
including rise in sea level, ocean acidification, changes impacting various species
in our region
2. Changes in consumption and trade patterns
3. Technology costs
4. Changes in global investment flows
5. Availability of skills set
OBJECTIVES
Ten key objectives of the Ocean Economy are set out for the short, medium and long
term using the 2015, 2020 and 2025 milestones.
A. The short-term objectives are:
A1: To develop Mauritius into a major hub in the region for petroleum products,
container transhipment and port services.
A2: The seafood processing hub, along with aquaculture should be a major
component of ocean activities and play a central role in export diversification
and consolidation of food security.
A3: Tourism and ocean-based leisure will be given a new impetus, with diversification
of the tourism products with a bigger focus on cruise tourism and sea sport.
B. The medium-term objectives are:
B1: The Ocean should account for a major share of renewable energy sources and
become a significant pillar of our renewable energy policy.
B2: The Ocean Economy should serve as a major platform for consolidating our
efforts to make of Mauritius a high value-added services economy, by
harbouring a regional platform for marine finance, ICT and ship registration
based on successful country models.
B3: Within the next five years, we should complete prospection of the zones with
the highest likelihood for hydrocarbon and mineral resources in our EEZ and
Continental Shelf, including the necessary survey of living organisms which
could be impacted by an eventual exploitation of these resources. This exercise
will also extend over time to other probable locations in our maritime zone.
C.
The long-term objectives are:
C1: The direct contribution of the Ocean Economy to GDP should reach
approximately 20 per cent by 2025, excluding the game-changing contribution
of an eventual discovery of hydrocarbons.
C2: Mauritius should become a centre of excellence for Ocean Knowledge by 2025,
both as a support industry and an industry in its own right.
C3: Mauritius should continuously expand the mapping and stock taking of its living
and non-living resources.
C4: Together with the sustainable development of economic activities in the ocean,
the Mauritius EEZ should stay ecologically clean and safe.
OBJECTIVES 15
Key Performance Indicators
Objectives
Baseline (2013)
Short term (2015)
Medium term (2020)
Long term (2025)
A1
Bunkering and re-export of oil
280,000 Metric Tonnes
500,000 Metric Tonnes
1,000,000 Metric Tonnes
1,500,000 Metric Tonnes
A2
Fishing, seafood processing &

aquaculture
Quantity (Tonnes): 178,500

Turnover (MUR BN): 15.75
Jobs: 12,150

Jobs: 14,000

Jobs: 19,000

Jobs: 25,000
A3
Coastal tourism & ocean-based

leisure
Revenue (MUR BN): 1.26

Jobs: 2,800

Jobs: 3,000

Jobs: 3,500
Revenue (MUR BN):5 .2

Jobs: 4,000
B1
Renewable energy
Installed capacity
N/A
Offshore wind:1 MW
DOWA cooling: 20 MW
Offshore wind:10 MW
Wave, current , OTEC &
saline:15.5 MW
DOWA cooling 100 MW
Offshore wind:100 MW
Wave, current , OTEC &
saline: 60 MW
DOWA cooling 200 MW
B2
High value-added services

and ship registry
Revenue (MUR M): 381

Jobs: 240

Jobs: 500

Jobs: 850

Jobs: 1,300
B3
Prospection for hydrocarbons

and minerals (potential sites)
N/A
Oil & Gas: 0

Minerals: 1
Oil & Gas: 1

Minerals: 2
Oil & Gas: 2

Minerals: 3
C1
Fivefold increase in output
GDP contribution (%):11

Jobs: 18,000

Jobs: 21,000

Jobs: 26,000
GDP contribution (%): 20

Jobs: 35,000
C2
Centre of excellence for

ocean knowledge
No. of targeted research

projects: 20

projects: 30

projects: 100

projects: 200
C3
Mapping of living and non-living

resources
Under 5% of maritime zone
7% of maritime zone
10% of maritime zone
25% of maritime zone
C4
Ecologically clean & safe EEZ
Identify baseline index
Improvement on baseline
Improvement on short-term
score
Improvement on
medium-term score
16 OBJECTIVES
OCEAN-RELATED ACTIVITIES IN 2012

The chart below shows a breakdown of ocean-related activities to the sectors overall
contribution to GDP in 2012.
Key Ocean-related Clusters
In 2012, the value addition of ocean-related clusters was MUR
32.5 BN, 10.8% of GDP
Others: 8.7%
Seaport-related
Activities: 18%
Coastal Hotels
& Marine Leisure
Activities: 60.1%
Fisheries &
Seafood
Processing:13.2%
Figure1 : Sector contribution for ocean-related activities
Coastal Hotels and Marine Leisure Activities

The tourism sector, one of the main pillars of our economy, is fundamentally linked
with coastal activities. The contribution to GDP of coastal hotel and leisure activities is
estimated at some 6.5 per cent. The main activities linked to coastal tourism are as
follows:
Fisheries, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture

The fisheries sector presently contributes some 1.4 per cent of GDP. The fishing
industry consists of domestic fisheries, including lagoon and banks, as well as high seas
fisheries. The sector is dominated by fish processing for the export market. Since 2005,
the export volume has almost doubled and the current canning capacity is in excess of
120,000 tons. The export value for 2012 was USD 425 million and represented
18 .7 per cent of total export. The industry has also opened up to value addition of tuna
by-products through recycling into fishmeal and fish oil production. Additionally,
aquaculture is emerging as a promising activity with one company conducting large-scale
integrated fish farming. In aggregate, this sector employs around 12,000 people.
Seaport-related Activities
Our seaport handles about 99 per cent of the total volume of external trade and its
overall contribution to GDP is estimated at some 2 per cent of GDP. Over the past
two decades, the port sector has undergone major structural reforms and has been
transformed into an economic nerve centre equipped with modern port infrastructure
and facilities offering high-standard port services. This has resulted in the emergence
of dynamic port-related industries such as the seafood hub, cruise tourism, bunkering
services, Freeport, logistics and transhipment. Mauritius is ranked 33rd among 155
countries in terms of international shipment score, according to the Logistics
Performance Index (LPI) indicating that the local port logistics and infrastructure are
rated among the best in the region. Additionally, the Cruise Jetty at Les Salines was
awarded Indian Oceans Best Cruise Port at the World Travel Award Ceremony in
Singapore in 2012.
Coastal hotels and restaurants

Marine-based leisure boat activities such as sea angling, boating, excursions, scuba
diving, towing, kite surfing and kayaking.
OCEAN RELATED ACTIVITIES IN 2012 17
Legal and Regulatory Framework relating to the Oceans

Existing Laws and Regulations
1. The Fisheries and Marine Resources Act 2007 amended
Allows for inland and in-lagoon aquaculture activities. The Act also covers regulations for
fishing activities, seafood processing activities, import and export of fish & fish products,
license fees, Marine Protected Areas.
2.The Food Act, Act No. 1 of 1998 & The Public Health Act, Act No. 131 of 1925
Covers production of fish and fish products and makes special provisions for the protection
of food.
3.The Maritime Zone Act
Provides for protection of cultural heritage in maritime zones and makes provision for the
extraction and production of oil and gas, seabed mineral exploration and exploration of
natural resources on the continental shelf and on the EEZ.
4. Petroleum Act, Act No. 6 of 1970
Allows for Extraction & Production of oil and gas- provides for the grant of a prospecting
licence of Hydrocarbon to interested bidders and tenderers
5.TheTourism Authority Act, Act No. 32 of 2006
Caters for tourism and wellness activities.
6.The Food and Drugs (Salt) Regulations
Caters for production of edible and high purity marine salt.
7.The Pharmacy Act
Covers manufacturing of pharmaceutics products
10. Companies Division Act 2001

Modern legislation for company incorporation, business registration and business activities
in Mauritius.
11. The Patents, Industrial Designs and Trademarks Act 2002
To give effect to the obligations undertaken by Mauritius under the
Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), in the
context of the World Trade Organization (WTO) by providing for the protection of
patents, industrial designs and trademarks.
Legal Framework In Progress
1. S 19 Economic and Financial Measures (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 2011
Awaiting proclamation
To allow for the development of DEEP OCEAN WATER APPLICATIONS (DOWA) such
as extraction of deep sea water, sea water air conditioning, district cooling, data
centre cooling, premium water bottling , high-end aquaculture, high-end seaweed
culture and oyster pearl culture.
2. Electricity Act, Act No. 7 of 2005
Awaiting proclamation
To allow for offshore wind farms and offshore wave farms. This Act provides for the
regulation in connection and the licencing of electricity services, provides for generation
licence, transmission licence, system operation licence, distribution licence and bulk supply
(electricity) licence.
3. Central Water Authority Act 1971 (Part IV, Section 20 (1))
In progress
8. Clinical Trials Act

Covers trials in relation to pharmaceuticals.
9. Environment Protection Act, part IV
Covers Environment Impact Assessment Licence for activities which by reason of their
nature, scope, scale and sensitive location are likely to have an impact on the environment.
18 OCEAN RELATED ACTIVITIES IN 2012
Meant to allow for supply of water for domestic, commercial and industrial purposes
throughout Mauritius, other than the CWA.
4. The Aquatic Business Activities Bill
In progress
Meant to provide the legal framework to regulate the exercise of cer tain business
activities in or around the sea and in particular aquaculture.
List of major international instruments relating to the Oceans

A. General Marine Conservation and Management Framework
C. Shipping-Related Instruments
1. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 10 December 1982
1. International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), 1983
2. Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992
2. Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and other Matter,
1972 (London Convention) and the 1996 Protocol
3. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1994

4. General Assembly yearly Resolutions on Oceans and the Law of the Sea
B. Fisheries-Related Instruments
3. International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation, 1990

4. International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and
Sediments, 2004
1. The United Nations Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the
Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks
(in force as from 11 December 2001)
D. Species-Related Instruments
2. FAO High Seas Compliance Agreement, 1993
2. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), 1973
3. FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, 1995
E. Heritage-Related Instruments
4. UN General Assembly yearly Resolution on Sustainable fisheries, including the 1995 Agreement
for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling
Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, and related instruments
1. UNESCO World Heritage Convention, 1972
1. Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CCMS),

1979
2. UNESCO Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage, 2001
F. Seabed Mining-Related Instruments

1. Agreement relating to the implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention
on the Law of the Sea, 10 December 1982
OCEAN RELATED ACTIVITIES IN 2012 19
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR OCEAN

The core asset of the Mauritian Ocean Economy rests in the protection of its maritime
health and the preservation of its biological diversity. The Rio+20 Declaration stressed
the importance of the conservation and the sustainable use of the oceans and seas
and of their resources for sustainable development.The 2005 Mauritius Strategy for the
further implementation of the Barbados Plan of Action also emphasised the sustainable
development and governance of oceans.
Mauritius is fully committed to sound Ocean governance principles. In this regard,
Mauritius is participating in regional initiatives for sustainable development, surveillance
and combatting illegal unreported and unregulated activities in our maritime zone.
Furthermore, to date, eleven Fishing Reserves, six Marine Parks and Reserves and a
multiple-use Marine Protected Area have been proclaimed.
The development of an Ocean Economy is intrinsically linked to the capacity of the
Ocean State to ensure that its maritime space is safe and secure.
20 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR OCEAN
The National Coast Guard

The National Coast Guard (NCG) is a specialized branch of the Mauritius
Police Force. It is responsible for general policing of the coastline and enforcing
related legislations and regulations such as the Maritime Zone, Tourism, Beach,
Fisheries and Customs Acts. NCG ensures surveillance of the maritime zone
including passage of merchant ships, anti-piracy surveillance and operations against Illegal
Unauthorised Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Its other key mandates include
support to the outer islands of Rodrigues, St Brandon and Agalega, the
safety and security of tourists and of the population on beaches, lagoons and beyond,
anti-pollution response at sea, and maritime search and rescue.
The main objective of the Fisheries Master Plan prepared in 2011 by the
Ministry of Fisheries is to promote sustainable development using an ecosystem
approach. Additionally, aquaculture is being encouraged as a means to increase
sustainable fish production.
In its 2012-2015 programme, Government strongly focuses on making full use of new
and existing Science,Technology and Innovation (STI) to ensure the sustainable exploitation
and management of our coastal and marine resources.
It is essential to strike a balance among the various uses and at the same time to consider
aspects related to environmental protection and development. Hence, there is a need for
anintegrated national ocean resource policy for which the prerequisite is proper governance.
Mr V. Jares, Deputy Director in charge of DOALOS, Secretary of the Commission on the Limits
of the Continental Shelf, United Nations, speaking at the National Dialogue on the Ocean
Economy, July 2013
Maurice Ile Durable

The MIDs Policy, Strategy and Action Plan highlights the need for a national policy on
the sustainable management and use of ocean and marine resources. The strategies are:
Environmental knowledge in the field of oceanography, specialised modelling, and
environmental science
Equitable economic growth in the Ocean Economy and the protection of the
rights of workers in emerging activities of this sector
A comprehensive and robust regulatory and legal framework for the Ocean
Economy
Ensuring the sustainable use and management of ocean resources
Contributing to energy security through marine energy
Some key projects already under the MID action plan relate to the protection of
coastal zones and marine ecosystems as well as the creation of sand banks. In addition,
consultations on protecting and enhancing the function of the ocean as a carbon sink
are on-going.
Maurice Ile Durable and the Ocean Economy

The Maurice Ile Durable concept revolves around making Mauritius a world model
of sustainable development, particularly in the context of SIDS (Small Island
Developing States). The MID project rests on five designated areas, 5Es, namely Energy, Environment, Education, Employment and Equity.
MID Policy Statement on the Ocean Economy:
To exploit the living and non-living resources of the ocean in a sustainable
manner. Concurrently it is important to protect and restore the health,
productivity and resilience of oceans and marine ecosystems, and maintain their
biodiversity, enable their conservation and sustainable use for present and
future generations.
MID Policy, Strategy and Action Plan, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable
Development, May 2013
It is proposed to develop measurable goals to better monitor the sustainable

development of our oceans through appropriate benchmarks such as the World
Economic Forums endorsed Ocean Health Index reference points.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR OCEAN 21
The TEN reference points of Ocean Health Index

1. Food provision - measuring of seafood captured or raised in a sustainable way.
2. Artisanal fishing opportunities- measuring whether people who need to fish on a small,
local scale have the opportunity to do so.
3. Natural products - measuring how sustainably people harvest non-food products from the
sea.
4. Carbon storage - measuring the capacity of natural coastal ecosystems to sequester and
store large amounts of carbon in both the plants and in the sediment below them.
5. Coastal protection - measuring the condition and extent of habitats that protect the coasts
against storm waves and flooding.
6. Coastal livelihoods and economies - measuring (i) the number and the quality of jobs and
(ii) the amount of revenue generated from the ocean.
7. Tourism & recreation - measuring the number of tourists, their length of stay, and the
sustainability of tourism in coastal areas.
8. Sense of place - measuring the condition of iconic species and the oceans intangible
benefits.
9. Clean water- measuring contamination by trash, nutrients, pathogens and chemicals.
10. Biodiversity- estimating how successfully the richness and variety of marine life is being
maintained.
Ocean Health Index, http://www.oceanhealthindex.org/
22 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR OCEAN
23
OCEAN ECONOMY CLUSTERS
24
Business opportunities identified during the National Dialogue on the Ocean Economy
and ensuing meetings of the joint public-private working group have been consolidated
into seven industry clusters as follows:
Private Sector Vision and the Need for Cross-Sector Industry

and Leadership on Ocean Sustainability
Who is the Ocean Business Community?
a. Seabed Exploration for Hydrocarbon & Minerals

b. Fishing, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture
c. Deep Ocean Water Applications (DOWA)
d. Marine Services:
i. Marine Tourism and Leisure
ii. Marine ICT
iii. Marine Finance
iv. Marine Biotechnology
v. Ship Registration
e. Seaport-related Activities
f. Marine Renewable Energies
g. Ocean Knowledge
Tier 1: Direct Ocean Users

Industries that depend on the Ocean for the extraction or production of goods (living,
non-living, energy) and the provision of services (transport, tourism etc.).
Tier 2: Ocean User Support Industry
Industries that depend on direct users for their existence (e.g. ship builders) or drive the
need for ocean industry (e.g. extractors, manufacturers, retailers that transport materials
or products by the sea).
Tier 3: Ocean Use Infrastructure Providers
Financial, insurance, legal and other services that enable ocean industries to
operate.
Paul Holthus, Executive Director World Ocean Council, Private Sector Vision and the Need for Cross-sector
Industry and Leadership on Ocean Sustainability, National Dialogue on Ocean Economy, July 2013
OCEAN ECONOMY CLUSTERS 25
6.1
Seabed Exploration for Hydrocarbon and Minerals
Objective: Within the next five years, we should complete prospection of the
zones with the highest likelihood for hydrocarbon and mineral resources in our
EEZ and Continental Shelf, including the necessary survey of living organisms
which could be impacted by an eventual exploitation of these resources. This
exercise will also extend over time to other probable locations in our maritime
zone.
A large section of the spectacular bathymetric feature known as the Mascarene Plateau
lies within the maritime zone of Mauritius. This remote and vast faulted composite arc of
2,300 km extends from the granitic islands of Seychelles in the north through the Saya
de Malha Bank, Nazareth Bank, the Carcados Carajos shoals down to the main island
of Mauritius in the south (Fischer et al, 1967). The Mascarene Plateau is among the few
marine geological features visible from space.
26 Seabed Exploration for Hydrocarbon and Minerals
The granitic nature of the Seychelles Islands and the discovery of a thick
sedimentary sequence in the Seychelles plateau have attracted oil companies to
prospect in the region. Recent geophysical surveys in the region of the Mascarene
Plateau revealed that the continental crust along the Mascarene Plateau extends further
southward to the Banks.
1980s surveys identify the upper portion of the continental crust.
Wide Aperture Reflection/Refraction Profiling (WARRP) seismic survey results

of 2002 identify the lower portion of the continental crust extending southward
of the Plateau.
Source: Petro Seychelles presentation at the National Dialogue on the Ocean Economy, July 2013
Minerals
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) organizes and controls seabed, ocean floor
and subsoil activities beyond the limits of national jurisdictions. Several prospecting
nations have recently made a request to ISA and been allocated deep sea mining blocks
in areas contiguous to the Mauritian EEZ.
The discovery in 2009 of inactive hydrothermal fields by the Joint Mauritius and Japanese
expedition within our EEZ indicates the likelihood of mineral deposits. In fact, previous
international expeditions have also discovered fields of polymetallic nodules and mineral
ores in ocean basins close to our maritime zone.
Explorations conducted on Saya de Malha and other seamounts of the Indian Ocean
have also uncovered distinctive biodiversity features, including seagrass biotope and
fringing reef ecosystems. This commands the adoption of a fully integrated
ecosystem approach in order to ensure sustainable development of the resource.
Seabed Exploration for Hydrocarbon and Minerals 27
Business Opportunities
Licencing of rights for the development of commercial databases for multi-client
surveys.
Licensing of concessions to oil companies for prospection and eventually
production.
Geoscience, marine extraction, marine-related environmental ser vices and other

technical, legal and financial services required for the granting of concessions and
exploration activities.
Goods and services for the oil and gas industry.
Enablers
Seabed Exploration for Hydrocarbon and Minerals
Regulatory Framework, Governance, Maritime

Safety, Security & Surveillance and Conservation &
Sustainability Programmes
Review our Petroleum Act & related laws in light of current requirements
Elaborate a data agreement protocol for surveys
Establish model Hydrocarbon and mineral exploration agreements
Enforce an environmental code of practice, including spatial planning and management
Business Development and Marketing &

Promotion Strategies
Attract oil companies to start prospecting with a target to allocate one concession by 2015
Research, Knowledge, Technology & Innovation and

Capacity Building
Build capacity for the development of professional skills for the sector: geosciences, legal services
and marine extraction related environmental services, amongst others
Infrastructure Development, Investment Issues &

Fiscal Regime
Allocate the necessary institutional responsibilities for hydrocarbon and mineral exploration
and extraction
International & Regional Co-operation
Seek and develop cooperation with regional and international agencies, and peer-to-peer
learning
Develop bilateral agreements on exploration and exploitation as well as PPP projects
28 Seabed Exploration for Hydrocarbon and Minerals
6.2
Fishing, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture
Objective: The seafood processing hub, along with aquaculture, should be a

major component of ocean activities and play a central role in export
diversification and the consolidation of food security.
The fisheries and seafood processing sector represented 18.7 per cent of total exports
in 2012.
Fisheries resources exploited include the island-based artisanal fisheries (lagoon and
off-lagoon), Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) fishery (off-lagoon), the offshore demersal
fishery of the banks of the Mascarene Plateau and the Chagos Archipelago, and the tuna
fishery in the Western Indian Ocean (industrial fisheries).
The sector is dominated by seafood processing which comprises activities such as
filleting, loining, packaging, canning, vacuum packing and production of ready-to-eat fish
meals and Omega 3 processing.To enhance large-scale marine aquaculture production, a
Master Plan was developed and currently there is one integrated aquaculture farm which
is producing red drum and silver sea bream. Seaweed, oyster and oyster pearl cultures
have also been successfully trialled and represent high economic potential.
In 2013, total output for fishing, seafood processing and aquaculture is estimated at
178,500 tonnes representing revenue worth MUR 15.75 billion. Total employment
amounts to 12,150 jobs.
Revenue in the sector is expected to increase at an average growth rate of 5 per cent
per year. The main activities in the sector are expected to grow as follows:
Transshipment
Transshipment is forecasted to increase from 50,000 tonne presently to 70,000 tonnes
between 2020 to 2025. Activities of new fishing vessels from Mauritius, France (Runion)
and China are expected to rapidly increase transshipment at port.
Processing
Fish processing will increase from 120,000 tonnes to 140,000 tonnes by 2015 in part
due to private investments in a new sashimi processing plant.
Fishing, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture 29
Aquaculture
The present production will increase from 500 tonnes to 1,500 tonnes by 2015 and
8,000 tonnes by 2020. Ferme Marine de Mahebourg Ltd will soon embark on the
production of fish infloating cages at three sites. Sites have also been allocated to a
South African company. Local and international promoters have expressed interest in
developing large-scale aquaculture in Mauritius. The 20 sites proclaimed under the
Aquaculture Master Plan will be made available for developing marine aquaculture.
Build and operate infrastructure for landing quays, fish-landing sites, mooring zones,
cold rooms, zoning for seafood businesses in the seapor t vicinity and cold room
facilities at the airport
Additional fishing vessels
One new processing plant
Oyster and pearl oyster culture: commercial farms, hatchery production of juveniles,
importation of juveniles
Seaweed culture (e.g. Dry Gracilaria Salicornia sells for USD 300/ton)
Additional fish farming projects to produce 1,500 tonnes by 2015, 8,000 tonnes by
2020 and 15,000 tonnes by 2025.
Hatchery and landing station of juveniles in south-east of the island
Services linked to the setting up and maintenance of an electronic fish monitoring
system
Enablers
Fisheries, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture
Regulator y Framework, Governance, Maritime

Review of existing legislation to accommodate new activities such as seaweed, oyster and
pearl cultures
Re-enforcing maritime surveillance capabilities to combat IUU fishing and fight piracy with the
collaboration of regional and international institutions
Implementing an ecosystem approach with regard to resource exploitation
Zoning for seaweed, oyster and pearl cultures
Business Development and Marketing & Promotion

Strategies
Joint public and private sector promotion of Mauritius as ideal business platform for fisheries,
seafood processing and aquaculture
Participation in specialised international fairs and conferences
Establishment of joint ventures in the sector
Streamlining of procedures related to permits
Setting up of an electronic fish information system which will provide real time information
on catch value to fishers
Research, Knowledge, Technology & Innovation

and Capacity Building
Data mining on the fish species that can be produced in Mauritius

Setting up of Observatory for Strategic Forward Planning & Intelligence Unit to monitor
seafood businesses
Reinforcing the capability of the Competent Authority Seafood Hub in respect of import
and export of fish and fish products including aquaculture products
Providing training and support for technical proficiency in the aquaculture sector
Providing training to artisanal fishers on off-lagoon fishing operations

Fiscal Regime
Implementing competitiveness measures for the seafood processing sector

Improving logistics and infrastructure for fisheries and seafood processing:
landing quays, fish-landing sites, mooring zones, cold rooms, zoning for seafood businesses
in the seaport vicinity and cold room facilities at the airport
Developing the necessary support infrastructure (labs, hatcheries, feeds, landing stations) for
the aquaculture industry
Setting up of a fish security fund to support business initiatives in the seafood sector.
Review of aquaculture concession fees
Hosting and chairing the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) for the sustainable
management and development of the deep-sea resources
International collaboration - JICA, EU, NORAD, IOC/Smar tfish, IOR-ARC, IOTC, amongst
others
Fishing, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture 31
Inclusive Growth
Several on-going and planned activities are geared towards promoting the
development and diversification of fishing operations, and assisting artisanal and bank
fishers in improving their standard of living, including:
Setting up 20 fish cages (10*10*8 M) with a production capacity of some 20 tonnes
of fish per cage. Cages will be set up at selected identified sites around the island and
fisher cooperatives will be called upon for the day-to-day management of the fish
cages. An expected 400 tonnes of fish will be produced annually;
Providing training and support for technical proficiency in the aquaculture sector to
the fisher communities;
Providing for the purchase and operation of two to three 25-metre vessels for
off-lagoon fishing activities targeting large pelagic species such as tuna. All catches
will initially be sold on the local market and to local processing plants for
fur ther processing and export; and
Training of artisanal and bank fishers for off-lagoon fishing operations, safety at sea
and other land-based activities, including the proper handling and conservation of fish.
In order to adopt a comprehensive action plan, a consultative workshop will be carried
out with the fisher community. Some of the identified priority actions to be taken on
board during the workshop include:
Train-the-trainer programmes for off-lagoon fishing
Development of a pre-training course for fishers who do not meet the entry level
requirements of the Maritime Training Academys skipper programme
Guidance and support to fishers in developing business plans for new projects
An infrastructure needs assessment and ensuing project implementation plan for
artisanal and bank fishers, such as providing dry-ice facilities at landing stations.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SHALLOW WATER

DEMERSAL FISH SPECIES OF THE SAYA DE MALHA AND
NAZARETH BANKS
Exploitation of the demersal fishery resources on the Saya de Malha and the
Nazareth banks has been carried out over the last five decades. The banks fishery
has a potential of around 5000 tonnes annually with revenue averaging MUR 1
billion and providing employment to about 700 fishermen. However, the fishery
is currently under-exploited due to various reasons. To address these issues the
Ministry of Fisheries will implement the Banks Fishery Management Plan (BFMP)
for the management of the fishery on the Saya de Malha and Nazareth banks.
The BFMP will revitalize the banks fishery while ensuring that the fishery is within
biologically acceptable levels.
Through the installation of dry-ice machines which are in line with HACCP
requirements for the preservation of seafood, a promoter will be able to offer a
commercially viable service to fishers at landing stations. Dry ice prevents
wastage and loss of fish quality. These dry-ice facilities can also be extended
to small-scale aquaculture projects.
Procurement of small fish cages

Procurement and maintenance of off-lagoon fishing vessels
Training courses: safety at sea, handling and conservation of fish, aquaculture
techniques
33
Age of Deep Sea Water

Carbon 14 Dating in Perth, Australia (94.18% MC)
500 Years Old / 5 Centuries
6.3
Deep Ocean Water Applications
Objectives:The Ocean should account for a major share of renewable energy sources
and become a significant pillar of our renewable energy policy.
Mauritius straddles the Great Conveyor Belt that moves massive undercurrents around
the globe and is positioned at a vantage point to exploit the mineral and nutrient-rich,
cold deep sea water flowing in these undercurrents.The temperature of the water which
drops to about 50 C at a depth of 1,000 meters is also ideal for the implementation of
cost-efficient sea-water air-cooling projects that contribute to the reduction of
green-house emissions.
Nutrients - Mauritius
Nutrients (mg/L)
Deep Seawater (Average)
Nitrate
0.390
Phosphate
0.048
Silicate
3.00
34 Deep Ocean Water Applications
Mineral content - Mauritius

MINERALS (mg/L)
DEEP SEAWATER
(Averaged)
Calcium
Magnesium
400
1,367
Sodium
10,667
Potassium
420
Bicarbonate
Sulphate
137
2300
Chloride
Nitrate
Nitrite
19,670
0.37
< 0.005
Trace elements - Mauritius

TRACE
DEEP SEAWATER
ELEMENTS (mg/L) (Averaged)
Boron
Copper
Gold
Iron (soluble)
Manganese
Selenium
Strontium
Zinc
Fluoride
Iodide
3.67
0.009
< 0.001
< 0.05
< 0.001
< 0.005
8.37
0.017
0.8
<1
Mauritius
Toronto Deep Lake Water Cooling
Deep Sea Water Quality
Deep Ocean Water Applications

Favouring a private-sector driven approach and providing investors with the flexibility to
choose their project location, the Deep Ocean Water Applications (DOWA) sector has
the potential to create numerous new industries and job prospects. Activities developed
under DOWA can be categorised as upstream and downstream.
Upstream activities
DOWA upstream activities relate to the extraction of deep sea water for commercial
applications as well as green cooling.
Properties
Mauritius
Applications
Temperature
o
o
5 C-6 C
Air Conditioning
Bacterial Count
1 - 1300
Pathogenic Bacteria
pH
7.8
Minerals
Present
Trace Elements
Present
Phosphate (P)mg/L
0.048
Nitrate (N) mg/L
0.39
Ratio N/P
Silicate mg/L
Bottled Mineral Water

High Purity Marine Salt
Thalassotherapy
Pharmaceutics
Aquaculture
Salmon/Abalone
Pearl Culture
Seaweed
Cosmetics
Deep Ocean Water Applications 35
Downstream activities
Downstream activities optimise on the properties of the nutrient-rich deep sea water
for premium products such as high-end aquaculture and seaweed culture, cosmetics
and pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, water bottling and thalasso therapy, among
others.
Currently there are two upstream projects, one in the Port Louis area and another in
the south of the island, in the vicinity of the airport. The Port Louis project has a strong
component of green cooling, approximately 20MW of office and industrial buildings in
the shor t term, and downstream activities to follow in a second phase. The second
project proposes to simultaneously develop green cooling for datacentres and office
buildings as well as downstream activities, particularly aquaculture, cosmetics and bottling.
Port Louis
Mahebourg
Airport Area
Unique value proposition for green data centres using DOWA, broadband capacity
and redundancy, and local IT skills
Developing unique premium products such as high-end aquaculture, seaweed and
algal culture, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, water bottling and
thalassotherapy, supported by the luxury tourism brand of Mauritius
Real estate development opportunities with the expansion of downstream DOWA
activities as from 2015
Professional services relating to patent filing expected as from 2016
36 Deep Ocean Water Applications
Potential Sites for LBOI/DOWA Park in Mauritius
Enablers
Deep Ocean Water Application

Finalising the model DOWA concession agreements and other operational parameters
Enforcement of maritime safety policies through sensors and security of extraction zone
Amendment of the CWA Act to allow the sale of water by other operators apart from the
CWA that is currently the sole legal entity authorised to sell water
Development of a District Cooling Act for energy efficiency purposes

Strategies
Promoting Mauritius as a location for green cooling and encouraging local players to adopt
green cooling
Promoting the luxury DOWA brand of Mauritius for downstream activities

Training and skills development of marine works engineers, marine archaeologists,

marine biologists and marine technicians, among others, needed for the sector

Fiscal Regime
Linkages with the development of Ocean Business Park (see building blocks section)
International and bilateral collaborations on DOWA for research, capacity-building and

GHG reduction agreements
Deep Ocean Water Applications 37
6.4
Objective: The Ocean Economy should serve as a major platform for playing out our
efforts to make of Mauritius a high value-added services economy, by harbouring a
regional platform for marine finance, ICT and ship registration based on successful
country models.
While the array of professional services that use or support the ocean are vast, this
section looks at prominent ones such as marine-based tourism and leisure activities,
marine ICT, marine finance, ship registry and marine biotechnology. For coherence,
port-based services are included in the seaport section.
Marine-based tourism and leisure
Emerging marine-based leisure activities have significantly increased over the years and
they currently contribute nearly MUR 1.26 billion to the national economy with
employment estimated at 2,800 jobs.
With new activities to be developed, this is projected to increase to MUR 1.84 billion by
2015 and attract private sector investments of MUR 4.3 billion.
By 2020, a marina development, a marine park and thalassotherapy centres should
create above 700 new jobs and private sector investments of approximately MUR
1.6 billion. The long-term potential of this sub-sector is estimated at MUR 5.2 billion
supported by the expansion of new activities.
38 Marine Services
Marine Services
The Tourism Industry and Ocean Economy
The Mauritian tourism industry is predominantly coastal, with flagship
hospitality brands and luxury resorts. By definition, it follows that this
industry, which has played a pivotal role in the overall development of Mauritius and
currently contributes 8.2 per cent to GDP, should also be encompassed in the
Ocean Economy. However, with its dedicated Ministry and institutions, the tourism
industry has its own strategic plan. Only new or emerging marine-based tourism and
leisure activities are included in this Ocean Economy Roadmap.
Mont Choisy
Marinas
Yachting Stations
Caudan
Poste de Flacq
Marina development
Mauritius is strategically positioned to capture part
of the high-end nautical tourism market through
marina development. A chain of 7 marinas in
Mauritius can be developed with immediate
opportunities for a city marina and a marina
village at Vieux Grand-Port. Mooring buoys
around tourist attractions will assist in developing
new commercial activities.
Tamarin
Vieux Grand Port / Bois des Amourettes
Petite Rivire Noire
Souillac
Marine Services 39
Attract one marina developer by 2015 and additional marinas in the medium and
long term
Creation of a commercial sailing school in 2015 and with the possibility of attracting
a second player
Creation of high-end aquarium and inland marine leisure park as from 2016
Setting up of a first thalassotherapy centre as from 2016 with other centres to follow
Promotion of marine archaeological expeditions in our region which has a rich
maritime history to be followed with spinoffs for tourism and education
Sea angling: from 76 licenses in 2013, 9 new licences by 2015 to reach 85 big game
fishing operators, 100 in 2020 and 120 in 2025
Gradual increase in number of operators till 2025 for sailing, kite surfing and
parasailing, towing, scuba diving, kayaking, excursions
Licence 8 sea karting operators by 2014
Creation of a floating restaurant, casino, night club and wedding platform by 2015
with further opportunities in the medium and long term
Organise a sailing competition to neighbouring islands
40 Marine Services
Enablers
Marine Services (Tourism)

Guidelines for:
- sea angling equipment and materials
- non-motorised sailing craft operations, towing
- operation of glass-bottom and whale/dolphin watching boats
- sea karting
- thalassotherapy centres
System of licence allocation for preservation of diving spots
Regulatory framework for floating restaurants, night clubs, casinos, wedding platforms
Zoning of our lagoon with earmarked areas for various activities

Strategies
Hosting of international fishing, sailing and kite surfing tournaments in Mauritius on a regular
basis

Capacity Building
Studies on implementation of new leisure activities

Capacity building for marina regulations

Fiscal Regime
Development of the necessary suppor t infrastructure such as the construction of jetties,

buoys, embarkation points and mooring areas
Facilities to attract a sailing school to Mauritius
Regional Collaboration to market the Iles Vanilleconcept
Marine Services 41
Marine ICT
The ICT Sector and the Ocean Economy
Mauritius has the potential to emerge as a centre for ocean technologies by leveraging
the technical skills and ICT infrastructure available locally to support the development of
the Ocean Economy and provide services for export.
Launched in the late 1990s, the ICT sector in Mauritius has experienced
exponential growth for the past decade. It currently contributes some 6.4 per cent
to GDP. The sector has witnessed a shift from basic service delivery such as call centre operations to high value-added activities such as software and mobile application
development, data and disaster recovery centres. Mauritius services the following:
The integration of enabling technology platforms and the convergence of ICT and
marine-related sectors represent significant opportunities for Mauritius and its promising
ICT industry economic space for IT start-ups, SMEs and multinationals.
With the ambitious Government strategy for the Ocean Economy, major projects
in port activity, in science and technology, in deep-sea water extraction and seabed
exploration which are detailed in this Roadmap will require niche technological
expertise. Studies, applications and technological infrastructure will be sought by industry
bodies, academia, State agencies and Government.This will provide opportunities for our
ICT sector to gear up to the ocean technologies and develop niche, high-value solutions
for the global market.
In addition, as the Mauritian ICT sector experiences exponential growth, risks linked to
the lifespan of submarine cable connections should be assessed and mitigated. There will
also be the need to cater for additional broadband capacity.
BPO Voice
o Horizontal: Inbound & Outbound calls, Helpdesk & Technical support,
advisory
o Vertical: Retail, Telecom, Travel & Hospitality, Banking and Finance
BPO Non-voice
o Horizontal: Back Office, Finance & Accounting, HR, pre- press
o Vertical: Retail, Telecom, Travel & Hospitality, Banking & Finance
ITO
o Software Development, Web Design & Development, Content
Development, Animation, Game Development
o Remote Infrastructure Management, Cloud Computing, Data Centre,
Disaster Recovery centres, BCP
Business Intelligence & Consultancy
o Data Mart, Data Warehousing, Enterprise Applications, Business Analytics,
Market Research
KPO & R&D Offshoring
o Legal Process Outsourcing, Finance Process Outsourcing, Engineering
services, Medical services
o Product development, IP services
Currently, Mauritius is connected to two fibre optic submarine cables. Strong
synergies can be developed between our local ICT industry and marine ICT service delivery
in niche activities such as in wireless and fibre communication platforms and
Geographical Information System (GIS).
42 Marine Services
Specialised knowledge process, IT outsourcing and business process activities serving
the niche markets for global Ocean Economy
Software Development including ecosystem and wave modelling tools as well as
applications to support monitoring of surface oceanographic data and ocean buoy data
Fish Habitat Monitoring and a Sustainable Fisheries Resource Management System for
the fishing, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture industry
Monitoring of trade-related maritime transport in view of data collection for strategic
commercial forecasts
Integrated database with data mining capabilities to allow for detailed analysis to
support decision-making
Marine Satellite Surveillance for our maritime zones with the potential to serve 5,500
vessels by 2015, 8,000 by 2020 and 15,000 by 2025
In-situ sensor networks, data management and visualisation, advanced simulation,
modelling and forecast technologies
Environmental status monitoring and Environmental Impact Assessment systems for

new marine segments such as Hydrocarbon & Mineral and Port related Activities
Applications to evaluate damages caused by natural disasters such as tsunamis,
cyclones, tidal waves or floods and support efficient management of crisis situations
arising from marine pollution or accidents resulting in the need for search and rescue
operations
Enterprise applications, business analytics and market research for marine services and
other Ocean Economy clusters
Systems to track assets at sea, Fleet management, Ship control Systems and Data
Management
Connection to Seganet by 2015 and two more submarine fibre optic cables by 2025,
with direct broadband connection to the BRICS countries
Weather forecasting and Water Quality Monitoring systems to cater for Marine
Tourism
Enablers
Marine Services (Marine ICT)

Formulation of a list of national ocean technology projects with timelines and earmarked budget
Review of the Data Protection Act

Strategies
Attracting ocean technology leaders to set up in Mauritius

Capacity Building
Research on life span of the submarine cable systems to determine when new systems need
to be replaced or added to the network
Support training to IT professionals for handling ocean-related hardware and technologies,
including marine satellite surveillance tools and other specific tools

Fiscal Regime
Provide incentives to IT start-ups to develop skills in ocean technologies

Identify training courses for marine satellite surveillance services
Cost-sharing agreement among Indian Ocean countries regarding the Seganet submarine cable
Strengthen cooperation with the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and neighbouring East
African countries as well as Seychelles, Comoros and Reunion to coordinate marine satellite
surveillance in the region and share information on maritime movement patterns with a
view to taking efficient safety measures in the EEZ
Marine Services 43
Marine Finance
The financial services sector accounts for over 10 per cent of GDP (2012). The sector
currently comprises major players in banking, insurance, capital markets, fund
administration and management, international legal services, brokerage houses, wealth
management and investment advisory services. It directly employs some 12,000 highly
skilled professionals.
Over the last few years, Mauritius has reviewed and adopted a number of new
laws with a view to enhancing its competitiveness as a high value-added services
platform. In order to transform the Mauritius International Financial Centre into a
provider of higher value-added services, new laws and a wide spectrum of financial
products have been introduced.
The marine financial services such as fund management, ship management, leasing and
insurance are already in place in Mauritius and are supervised according to international
standards. In 2012, the largest contributor to marine finance was the marine hull and cargo
transportation insurance premium. However, at MUR 330 million, this represented less
than 5 per cent of insurance contribution. There is, therefore,a wide scope to extend
the financial services capabilities of Mauritius to the marine sector.
In addition, given the increasing interest in carbon exchange trading platforms and the
possibilities offered by the Ocean as one of the three major sinks for CO2 emissions,
Mauritius with its huge maritime zone is well placed to consider trade on the carbon
emissions exchanges - electronic marketplaces for buying and selling carbon credits.
Ship management
Ship and yacht leasing
Marine insurance including insurance for extraction activities
Trading on carbon exchange trading platforms
44 Marine Services
Enablers
Marine Services (Marine Finance)

Tracking marine financial activity

Modernising the Insurance legislation for marine covers
Tailoring the existing protected cell companies to hold international patents

Strategies
Development of a marine services portal which will list procedures and marine service providers
Targeting resident Global Business Companies which own or operate foreign-flagged ships to
move the control and management of its fleet to Mauritius

Capacity Building
Training and attracting professionals in the marine finance and other specialised fields
Study to position Mauritius as a financial centre for marine related services

Fiscal Regime
International collaboration on development in marine finance
Incentives for foreign ships registering in Mauritius to be insured in Mauritius

Exemption of tax for chartering activities and foreign flagged ships
Withholding tax exemption should be extended to charter payments to non-residents
A Marine Finance Incentive (MFI) to enable the packaging of innovative financing products
for ship-owners and investors
Targeted incentives for the ship investment manager
An Approved Shipping Logistics Enterprise scheme to be developed to encourage freight
management and logistics companies to use MRU as a base for the provision of ancillary
logistic services
A Block Transfer Scheme (BTS) to be introduced as a volume discount scheme for ship
registration fees
Marine Services 45
Marine Biotechnology
Ocean Genome
Our marine ecosystem provides a unique environment with a vast pool of untapped
biological resources.
Indian Ocean marine microorganisms are especially valuable because they have been
poorly studied in a scientific sense up to now.
Marine biotechnology is a nascent industry in Mauritius, with Omega 3 production as

well as plans to derive high-value fish oil from fish by-products.
The number of marine species used as a source of genes with commercial

interests grows at a rapid rate every year. The biotechnological potential of
marine organisms is immense. Genes collected in our ocean may open the door to
multiple biotechnological applications in fields such as pharmaceuticals,
nutraceuticals, bioenergy and food.
Mauritius has the necessary technologies, industrial framework and a pool of human
resources for the development of the marine biotechnology sector. The scope to position
Mauritius as an international marine biotechnology centre is wide.We can promote,
inter alia, research on micro-algae and sponge, academic training, industrial production of
amino acids and acidic extraction of active molecules.
The development of marine biotechnology research hinges on finding new molecules
that can be commercially exploited. International scientists will be motivated to conduct
this research from Mauritius should there be an affordable means to register the patent
for the international market. Moving forward, focus will now be laid on strengthening
the public and private cooperation for better coordination on research and tertiary
education in Marine Biotechnology.
46 Marine Services
We will have to build up a genomic database from our ocean and have an
adequate legal framework which allows research applications.
Drive growth of the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and agrochemical industries

through the identification of commercially viable molecules using the genetic pool of
indigenous marine flora and fauna such as algae, sponges and fish species
Patenting research for commercial exploitation
Private sector participation in marine biotechnology R&D infrastructure

Establishment of a fund to support entrepreuneurs and spin-offs
Enablers
Marine Services (Marine Biotechnology)

Establishment of legal and regulatory frameworks for marine biotech activities based on
jurisdictions with a strong biotech industry
Promulgation of the complete GMO Act
Legal framework to initiate the development of cancer cell lines from Mauritian patients

Strategies
Promotion of Mauritius as a hub for biotechnology research by emphasizing the potential of

the marine biological resources
Active participation of Mauritius in key international marine biotechnology conferences and
exhibitions

Creation of synergies between public and private sector for marine biotechnology R&D
infrastructure
Capacity building catering for screening of marine resources and evaluation of utilisable marine
biomass
Creation of a central database for technology transfer
Bio prospecting of Mauritius waters, trial for micro-algal biomass cultures
Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for the development of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals,
neutraceuticals and cosmetics

Fiscal Regime
Establishment of Mauritian Biotech agency and training of relevant personnel from export
certification institutions on novel biotech products to facilitate exports
Upgrading and opening up marine biotechnology R&D infrastructure to public and private
researchers
Accreditation and affiliation with international quality testing agencies

Marine Services 47
Ship Registration
Ship registration is one of the mainstays of a shipping hub.
A Mauritian Ship Registry is already established and it is governed by the Merchant
Shipping Act 2007 and the Merchant Ship Registration Regulations 2009. Recently,
internationally recognised classification societies such as American Bureau of Shipping
and Bureau Veritas have been authorised to survey Mauritian ships and issue tonnage,
safety and pollution prevention certificates.
The vision of a ship registry on a par with current global players is founded on the principles
of attracting high quality ships. The registration of such ships would boost ancillary
activities such as maritime financing, banking and insurance, employment opportunities
for Mauritian seafarers and other professionals, generating in its wake foreign exchange
earnings.
As at date, there are 160 ships registered under the Mauritian Flag. Direct revenue from
licencing amounts to MUR 8 million. The revenue from ancillary activities such as ship
finance and leasing, marine insurance and ship management could generate up to MUR
500 million by 2015 to MUR 1 billion in the long term.
Technical services for ship surveying and other related activities
Training of seafarer and ship-related services
Enablers
Marine Services (Ship Registration)

Publication and circulation of the new Guide to Ship Registration

Consolidation of the law pertaining to ship registration by incorporating provisions of the
international conventions ratified by the Republic of Mauritius into national legislation
Establishment of a Maritime Safety Authority

Strategies
Opening of offices in strategic locations abroad for registration, surveys and to promptly
address concerns of ship-owners flying the Mauritius flag

Capacity Building
Recruitment of technical officers and capacity building for the maritime administration

Fiscal Regime
Developing a favourable regime for ship registration service
Ratification of International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions

Participation in IMO Technical Meetings and Assembly Meetings
Accession to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast
Water and Sediments
48 Marine Services
6.5
Objective: To develop Mauritius into a major hub in the region for petroleum products,
container transhipment and port services.
Strategically located at the crossroads of Asian and African sea routes, the Seaport of
Mauritius contributes about 2 per cent to the countrys GDP and supports 99 per cent
of the countrys external trade. With increased south-south trade, Port-Louis Harbour
will be called to play a major role in the region.
Seaport-Related Activities
New equipment is to be procured by Cargo Handling Corporation Limited (CHCL)
with a view to increasing port productivity and making Port Louis Harbour more
attractive for container transshipment at a total cost of over MUR 1,250 million.
In addition, it is proposed to embark on Phase II of the upgrading of the Mauritius
Container Terminal (MCT) project with the extension of the berth and increasing stacking
capacity from 750, 000 TEUs to 1 million TEUs at a cost of about MUR 1.7 billion.
Container Transshipment
In 2011, the Seaport handled some 231,168 transshipment containers (TEUs) which
increased to 316, 608 TEUs in 2012, an increase of 37 per cent. The direct revenue
to MPA & CHCL from transhipment activities is around MUR 300 million for 2012.
Transhipment traffic throughput is expected to increase by about 9 per cent annually to
reach 315,000 TEUs by 2015 and 350,000 TEUs by 2016.
Currently, the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA) is proceeding with the extension and
strengthening of the Mauritius Container Terminal berth and associated dredging works
so as to accommodate large container vessels of over 8,000 TEUs. Work has started
in June 2013 and will be completed by mid-2016. The total investment by MPA is in
the order of MUR 4.5 billion and the throughput capacity at the Mauritius Container
Terminal will increase from 550,000 TEUs to more than 750,000 TEUs.
Seaport-Related Activities 49
Cruise
The Cruise segment registered an improvement during the period 2010/2011 with 27
calls and 26,751 passengers. Global economy in 2011 and 2012 registered sharp decline
in the GDP growth of advanced economies, in particular, the euro-zone countries. As a
result, year 2011/2012 has recorded a decrease in the number of cruise vessels calling at
Port Louis with 21 calls, and traffic of 17, 865 passengers.
Revenue for MPA through bunkering activities in 2011 and 2012 amounts to MUR 41.3
million and MUR 45.5 million, respectively. The revenue to the Oil Industry, STC and
Government, however, was estimated at around MUR 700 million in 2012 for a total
turnover of MUR 7.4 billion. An objective of 1 million tonnes is attainable given the
market potential estimated at 8.6 million tonnes annually.
Besides port revenue from cruise ships, a significant boost to the economy is provided
by cruise passengers expenditure. For the season 2010/ 2011, some MUR 6.5 million
were derived by MPA from Costa cruise while some MUR 500 million were injected
in the economy in terms of air travel fare, airport tax, taxi services, tour operators, ship
chandling and other indirect activities. To increase the number of cruise passengers with
short and medium-term targets of 20,000 and 50,000 visitors, Mauritius will aggressively
market the region as a cruise destination and position Port Louis for home porting and
also invest some MUR 150 million in the construction of a cruise terminal building by
2016 with a view to improving the reception facilities for cruise passengers.
MPA extended the Port Limits in June 2013 to enable anchorage of large vessels for
bunkering. The application of new tariffs with attractive incentives for shipping lines using
Port-Louis for bunkering activities is also being implemented in the Port Fees Regulation
to be gazetted shortly.
Petroleum Hub
Storage capacity at Port Louis will increase from 120,000 MT to over 270,000 MT
with a throughput capacity of about 2.7 million tonnes. One of the promoters has
proposed to develop a storage farm of about 100,000 tonnes of petroleum products for
re-export. In addition, it is proposed to earmark 4 Ha to be reclaimed at Fort George
in 2015 for storage of petroleum products, representing an additional storage capacity
of 80,000 tonnes.
In 2011, a total of 268,213 MT of bunker has been supplied to ships, out of which some
141,861 Metric Tonnes (MT) have been supplied to vessels at anchorage by barges. In
2012, the bunker supplied to vessels increased to 283,644 MT. The number of vessels
calling for bunkering at Port Louis has increased from 240 in 2010 to 353 in 2011 and
377 in 2012.
Currently three companies are offering bunkering services by barges.
50 Seaport-Related Activities
Promoters have also expressed interest to use Mauritius as a hub for re-export of
petroleum products, including LPG, to the region.
The constraint is, however, the limited storage tank capacity. In this respect, on a priority
basis, MPA is proceeding with the allocation of land in the port area for immediate
development for the construction of storage tanks for petroleum products.
A new Port Master Plan study will also be undertaken to take into consideration the
new opportunities offered by activities related to the Ocean Economy and address the
land use requirements for future port development projects.
Ship Repairs, Ship Building and Associated Services
Shipping Agents/Freight Forwarders/Ship Brokers
There are presently only two dry docking shipyards at Port Louis, namely Taylor Smith
& Co Ltd which was established in 1857 and Chantier Naval de lOcan Indien Lte, set
up in 2003.
Currently there are 35 shipping agents/ freight forwarding companies which are
duly registered with the MPA to operate in the port. Mauritius should enhance the
competitiveness of its port services including provision of ship stores, ship chandling
and ship spares among others. In addition, these ship services are expected to register
further growth with the increase in bunkering activities in the port.
The ship repairs sector employs some 400 people and is expected to grow at 5 per
cent per annum. Land availability around the port area is the main growth constraint
particularly given the increasing number of vessels calling at Port Louis. MPA is identifying
land for ship repairs in the port area and intends to earmark an additional area of about
5Ha out of the land to be reclaimed at Fort William for the setting up of ship repair yards
to accommodate large vessels as well as smaller crafts.
Seaport-Related Activities 51
Strategic Partner for Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd
Construction of a Cruise Terminal building in 2016 to service both cruise passengers
and inter island passengers
Upgrading of the Bulk Sugar Terminal (BST) to also accommodate cruise vessels
from the medium to long term
Expression of Interest in 2014 for the development of a third dry dock/ship repair
yard at Port Louis
Leasing of a supply vessel or helicopters for the transportation of ships stores, spare
parts and other heavy equipment to be delivered to ships plying in the region
Additional cold rooms at the port
A Cabotage Service for the region
A new Port Master Plan Study to focus on the business opportunities identified in
the Ocean Economy
Ballast treatment and cleaning
Yacht construction and servicing
Enablers
Seaport-Related Activities

Opening of importation of petroleum products which is currently the sole responsibility of

STC. This will enable importation of petroleum products at competitive prices by operators
Strategic positioning of Mauritius on new bunkering fuels (380 CST FO and LNG)
Risk mitigation strategy with regard to environmental concerns

Strategies
Sign long-term agreements for container transhipment with shipping lines

Aggressive marketing of the region as a cruise destination under the label Iles Vanille. The
main cruise lines, namely Costa Crociere, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruise, Carnival Corporation,
TUI Cruises and AIDA Cruises can be approached for home porting
Develop a dedicated port marketing website providing the necessary information and incentives
that are being offered at Port-Louis

Capacity Building
Study the transhipment potential in the region, including opportunities to increase

port-related services as part of the Master Plan Study
Undertake a feasibility for the development of the Island Container Terminal to cater for the
long-term requirement and increase the capacity to a total of over 2 million TEUs at
Port Louis Harbour

Fiscal Regime
Modernisation of infrastructure and cargo handling equipment for container handling

Together with the inbound/outbound cruise operations, the requirement to improve cruise
reception at Port-Louis Harbour shall be worked out
Provide facilities at the Cruise Jetty for the handling of passengers including Rodrigues and
inter island passengers
Regional cooperation to attract shipping lines and promote Inter Island Trade
Regional cooperation to market the Iles Vanille concept to cruise companies
52 Seaport-Related Activities
6.6
Marine Renewable Energies
Objective: The Ocean should account for a major share of renewable energy
sources and become a significant pillar of our renewable energy policy.
Marine renewable energies can amply contribute to our energy security and help in
exceeding the expected target of 35 per cent of our electricity production from
renewable energy sources.
Preliminary research on offshore wind and ocean-wave energies in the waters of
Mauritius and Rodrigues has yielded encouraging results. It is also believed that our
ocean contains a high potential for ocean current, ocean thermal energy conversion
(OTEC), and ocean saline energies which in the long term may also contribute to our
energy production.
Feasibility studies for wind, wave, current, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion and
ocean saline energy
Concept for offshore wave energy farm
1 MW Offshore wind demonstration plant by 2015
Marine Renewable Energies 53
Enablers

Framework for encouraging the testing of innovative marine renewable technologies in our
EEZ
Legal and regulatory frameworks for marine renewable energy projects, concessions and their
associated environmental impact assessments (EIAs)
Policy-binding targets for primary renewable energy supply to be considered

Strategies
Business-friendly policies governing licenses, permits and clearances as well as attractive fiscal
regimes. Pioneering status for first-mover advantages such as no license fees and concession fees

Capacity Building
Setting-up of a marine renewable energy information system regrouping ocean data collection
and satellite oceanography data

Fiscal Regime
Infrastructure for encouraging the testing of innovative marine renewable technologies in our
EEZ
Optimizing of benefits from bilateral, regional and international cooperation through MoUs and
Marine Renewable Energy agreements and setting- up of joint ventures in marine renewable
energy
Collaboration from donor agencies such as World Bank, EU, NORAD, IOC and IOR-ARC for
scientific and technical research funding
54 Marine Renewable Energies
6.7
Objective: Mauritius should become a centre of excellence for Ocean Knowledge
within the next 15 years, both as a support industry and an industry in its own right.
Mauritius will need to develop the right skills set to:

1. Enable the country to adopt a science-based Ocean Economy development policy
(pre-feasibility studies, exploration, socio-economic and environmental analysis of
impacts of proposed ocean-related economic activities); and
2. Ensure optimal benefits from ocean-related economic activities.
Ocean Knowledge Cluster

In order to create awareness and interest in the Ocean Economy from an early age,
the education programme should now be extended to the primary and secondary
education sectors with the inclusion of Ocean Sciences and related subjects in the
curriculum.
Technical and professional skills in the Ocean Economy should also be encouraged by
matching supply to demand. The underlying objective is to train a talent pool of local
and foreign students who can lead internationally on the Ocean Economy such as marine
engineers and technicians, marine biologists and lab technicians, ship surveyors, seafarers, marine environment and biodiversity experts, ocean economists, specialised lawyers,
financial intermediaries and marine archaeologists.
Training and Skills Development for the Ocean Economy

The development of the Ocean Economy will depend to a large extent on the availability
of the relevant skills set to respond to the requirements of operators.The current tertiary
educational and research infrastructure provided by the University of Mauritius and
other institutions have led to the training of 100 graduates so far in marine sciences and
aquaculture, with forthcoming taught and research-based postgraduate programmes
over the next three years. The basic foundation needed to enable the production of
a greater number and diversity of undergraduates and postgraduates in various ocean
sectors already exists. It can be further strengthened through training-of-trainer
programmes and upgrading of skills.
Ocean Knowledge Cluster 55
The Mauritius Knowledge Sector and the Ocean Economy

Over the years, the Mauritius knowledge hub has attracted international
education institutions to deliver courses to local and to 2,000 foreign students.
Mauritius has excellent hard and soft infrastructure, quality of life, bilingual resources and a
multi-cultural population which creates an enabling environment for education.
The Ocean Economy can benefit from this existing knowledge culture to make
Mauritius an excellent Centre of Learning for Ocean Studies.
Ocean Centre of Excellence

With a view to positioning Mauritius as a regional platform for Ocean knowledge, an
Ocean Centre of Excellence specialised in capacity building, research and advisory
services will be set up both to cater for the needs of the Mauritian Ocean Economy and
to service Small Island Developing States and coastal African countries.
The Centre will be responsible for the following:
Conducting scientific research on Ocean matters;
Exploring and disseminating information on funding opportunities for research in
priority areas;
Funding applied research projects which can be linked to technology and innovation
incubators;
Establishing and maintaining a regularly updated database of marine research in the
world, for use by local and international researchers and other stakeholders;
Publishing a biannual journal for local research on Ocean matters; and
Gathering marine data and information necessary for research and development
activities, e.g. bathymetry, hydrography, and marine life biodiversity, and making them
freely available to local researchers and other stakeholders.
56 Ocean Knowledge Cluster
Reputed international training institutions to offer courses in the Ocean
Economy
Venture capital funds to support commercially viable projects of the Ocean Centre
of Excellence
Third-party provision of marine data
Enablers
Ocean Knowledge

Mandate for training and research institutions to access the sea, conduct field-based research
and collect oceanic samples for research purposes
IPR mechanism to protect both academia and industry rights on new discoveries
Regulatory framework for the commercialization of research outputs

Strategies
Develop new undergraduate and postgraduates programme in Ocean Sciences (both physical
and social sciences)
Promote Mauritius as a world-class centre for ocean-based research

Capacity Building
Provision for scholarship awards for training the trainers at overseas universities
Capacity building through development of new relevant undergraduate and postgraduate
programmes
Conduct high quality research on ocean matters

Fiscal Regime
Lease of at least one aquaculture site to facilitate academia-industry collaboration

Setting up of adequate research and incubator infrastructure
Develop incentives for foreign students from SADC region, IOR and other regional groups
Develop funding/financing mechanisms with regional and international agencies (SADC/ IORARC, World Bank)
Ocean Knowledge Cluster 57
Rodrigues
RODRIGUES AND AGALEGA

Rodrigues Island
Marine Tourism and Leisure
Rodrigues is an autonomous outer island and the main dependency of the Republic of
Mauritius with a surface area of 108 km2 and a population of about 38,000 inhabitants. It
is situated at approximately 560 km to the east of Mauritius.
Rodrigues already has an established hospitality sector. The potential of Rodrigues in

coastal tourism and leisure can be further utilised, particulary in recreational activities
around the sea, such as marine archaeological expeditions for tourism purposes, sea
angling, sea karting, sailing, kite surfing and parasailing, towing, scuba diving, kayaking and
excursions. Infrastructure development opportunities exist for mooring stations and
eventually full-fledged marinas. Flagship projects such as a thalassotherapy centre and
the organisation of a leg of an international sailing competition can also be considered.
In 2001, the Mauritius National Assembly unanimously adopted laws giving Rodrigues its
autonomy. This allowed the implementation of a regional Assembly in Rodrigues headed
by a Chief Commissioner.
For 2012, the GDP of Rodrigues was estimated at MUR 2.7 billion, with hotels and
restaurants contributing MUR 202 million and fisheries MUR 132 million.
The hospitality sector is almost entirely coastal and, together with fisheries, the
contribution of the ocean-related activities to GDP is estimated at 12.3 per cent.
This Roadmap identifies numerous business opportunites which can be developed in
Rodrigues, particularly in the Fishing, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture cluster, the
Marine Tourism and Leisure cluster, the Marine ICT sector and Marine Renewable Energies.
Fishing, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture
There is a wide scope for developing this cluster in Rodrigues. Particularly, fish farming
and other high-value aquaculture and seaweed culture can flourish in the large shallow
lagoon expanse. Additional business opportunities exist in infrastructure building to
support the sectors growth.
58 RODRIGUES AND AGALEGA
Marine ICT
The nascent ICT sector in Rodrigues can be leveraged for the development of
a promising marine ICT sector with the opportunities relating to specialised IT and
business process outsourcing activities serving the niche markets for the global
Ocean Economy, partnerships on data collection for fisheries management systems,
environment monitoring, trade, weather forecasting and applied research among
others. Operators may also participate in the installation of in-situ sensor networks, in
developing modelling and forecast technologies, as well as in projects related to the
proposed submarine cable connection between Mauritius and Rodrigues.

The energy and water sectors in Rodrigues can both benefit with the creation of an
integrated marine renewable energy project that encompasses electricity production to
service the grid and desalination plants during off-peak periods.
Agalega
The atoll of Agalega is made up of two separate islands with a total area of 24 km2
situated at around 1,000 km north of Mauritius. Surrounded by coral reef, this
dependency of Mauritius has a total population of 300 inhabitants. The main
economic activities undertaken in Agalega are coconut processing and fisheries.
Agalega can benefit from the growth of the Fishing, Seafood Processing and Aquaculture
cluster as well as the Marine Tourism and Leisure cluster.
Agalega
RODRIGUES AND AGALEGA 59
THE BUILDING BLOCKS

The building blocks for the foundation of the Ocean Economy are as follows:
National Taskforce on Ocean Economy
1. Governance through a National Public Private Sector Taskforce to ensure a

participative approach on Ocean management and oversee the implementation of
the Roadmap
A National Taskforce will be appointed to oversee the Ocean Economy and to

ensure the smooth and concerted implementation of the Ocean Economy Roadmap.
The National Taskforce will be supported by an Advisory Council with dedicated teams for building blocks, economic clusters and new activities.
2. Develop avenues of international cooperation on Ocean matters, through diplomatic

initiatives and concerted actions at international forums and engage with States
as well as regional and international institutions dealing with Ocean issues.
3. Develop a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for the Ocean Economy which
provides the necessary legal framework for efficient, ecological, equitable and
transparent use of resources
4. An Ocean Centre of Excellence providing the necessary infrastructure and facilities
for research, training and skilling, ensuring the development of Mauritius as an
international centre for ocean studies and to encourage publication in international
academic journals
5. Creation of an Ocean Fund in collaboration with the private sector to make financing
available for commercially viable projects
6. Earmarked space for the development of ocean projects through the Ocean Business
Park concept
7. Capacity building for surveillance, disaster management, safety and conservation of
our Maritime zone
8. A National Development Programme, including a skills development programme for
the Ocean Economy, an economic indicator for the oceans and an awareness
campaign to ensure that Mauritians at large are aware of the Ocean Economy and the
opportunities that Mauritius has as an Ocean State
60 THE BUILDING BLOCKS
The Advisory Council teams will consist of representatives of key institutions, policy
makers, private sector, civil society and other stakeholders. They will make
recommendations on the development and promotion of the Ocean Economy.
The National Taskforce will work closely with BOI in monitoring, facilitating and
promoting the Ocean Economy.
The terms of reference of the Taskforce will include the following:
Ensuring an ecosystem approach regarding exploitation of our marine resources

Master planning and zoning of our ocean to accommodate specific activities
Earmarking of marine protected zones and proclamation of marine protected area
Considering projects linked to the regeneration of marine flora and fauna
Setting up an Observatory for Strategic Forward Planning & Intelligence with
scientific information on fisheries, marine resources and renewable energy
Enhancing information sharing and strategic alignment between all stakeholders on
ocean matters
Developing a global brand for the Mauritian marine products
Develop avenues of international cooperation on Ocean matters,

through diplomatic initiatives and concerted actions at international
forums and engage with States as well as regional and international
institutions dealing with Ocean issues
The National Taskforce

(PMO)
Ocean Matters Unit
National Task Force
Special Envoy
Advisory Council
Private sector representatives

Civil society representatives
Ministries and public institutions
Dedicated Teams for priority areas and

building blocks:
Seabed Exploration
Fishing, Seafood & Aquaculture
DOWA
Marine Services
Seaport-related activities
Ocean Knowledge
Legal & Regulatory
Our diplomacy will seek to establish networks, trigger diplomatic initiatives and build
alliances at the international, regional and bilateral levels to advance national interests
around ocean matters as appropriate.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Special Envoy on Oceans will be tasked with
following international developments on ocean issues so that global initiatives can feed
into the Mauritian Ocean Economy action plan, ensuring concerted actions in respect of
ocean matters at international forums, and engaging with States, regional and
international institutions dealing with ocean issues.
A Comprehensive Legal and Regulatory Framework
In order to attract private sector investments in the Ocean Economy, the necessary
legal and regulatory framework will be put in place to provide clear and transparent
guidelines for promoters to engage in sustainable business activities in the Ocean
Economy. The following actions will be carried out under this umbrella building block for
a comprehensive framework relating to the ocean:
Legislation enabling the implementation and regulation of new activities such as
seaweed, pearl oyster and oyster cultures, deep ocean water applications (DOWA)
and renewable energy projects in line with the overarching philosophy of
international conventions, protocols and agreements that Mauritius has ratified
Environmental laws for marine-based activities taking in consideration the resulting
impact from new projects being considered
Enhance the IP legislation in order to ensure effective and affordable protection of
intellectual property rights on international markets
Creation of a structure for sharing of marine-based research findings
Mandate governing research activities in the Ocean
Defined time frame for obtaining permits for ocean-related projects
Surveillance, Safety & Conservation

National Development Programme
THE BUILDING BLOCKS 61
Ocean Centre of Excellence
Ocean Business Park
The Ocean Economy strategy can only be successfully achieved if the necessary
institutional support exists for continuous learning on the ocean resources. Mauritius
has the opportunity not only to use research infrastructure for its own needs but also
to become the regional centre of excellence for Small Islands Developing States (SIDS)
and coastal African countries. In order to achieve this objective, the functions of current institutions linked to ocean research will need to be clarified, rationalised and
harmonised. The objective is for a world-class ocean centre of excellence to emerge
rapidly in Mauritius.
Given the existing land constraints at the port, it is important for investors to have
an earmarked space for ocean-related developments although they should retain the
flexibility to choose where to locate their projects.
The need for a research vessel has been highlighted by various research institutions in
Mauritius including the Ministry of Fisheries, the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, the
Mauritius Research Council and the University of Mauritius. In the past, research projects
have been dependent on foreign visiting vessels to complete data collection. As Mauritius
fulfils its ambition of an Ocean State, the chartering or acquisition of an adequately
equipped research vessel will be considered. For the immediate future, we will enhance
cooperation with research institutions from friendly countries to explore and map our
resources. As an interim measure, we will also look into possible use of vessels and
helicopters of the National Coast Guard to provide limited support in this regard.
Ocean Fund
The creation of an Ocean Fund will substantially help in increasing investor confidence
and boost the development of the Ocean Economy. An attractive private-public sector
partnership will enhance its value and ensure that financing is readily available for technical
and financial feasibilities, proof of concept and seed capital for ocean-related activities.
The objective of the fund will be as follows:
Provide seed capital for ocean-based commercial activities

Invest in hydrocarbon and mineral exploration and exploitation
Invest in ocean-related sectors
Finance bankable ocean infrastructure developments
Fund commercially viable research in the Ocean Economy
It is proposed to earmark areas for the development of ocean business parks in the
vicinity of the port and airport. These parks will have the following characteristics:
Plug and play facilities

Necessary infrastructure for projects in Ocean Economy clusters
Dedicated sea spaces for research projects
An environment conducive to synergies and cross fertilisations of projects
It is believed that the early birds for the Ocean Business Parks will be from the Deep
Ocean Water Application (DOWA) downstream activities. Therefore, the parks should
be equipped with facilities to distribute the deep sea water.
Administration
Parking
Seaweed
Culture
Solar Panel
Garden
Cosmetic &
Pharmaceutical
Industry
Aquafarming
R&D Centre
Seafood Court
Ocean Shop
Pearls & Seahorse
Marine
Salt
Oceanarium &
Dolphin Park
Water
Treatment
Plants
Containers
Bottling Plants
SPA
Windfarm
Pumping Station
Depth 1000m
Coast 3km
The proposed land-based Oceanic Industry Complex

is to be built on the southern coast of Mauritius.
63
Capacity building for Surveillance, Disaster Management, Safety

and Conservation of our Maritime Zone
The development of the Ocean Economy warrants increased safety and security in
view of ensuring sustainable exploitation of our ocean resources and boosting investor
confidence in investing in ocean-based activities. This will be achieved through capacity
building and technology upgrading with regard to the surveillance of our maritime zone.
Additionally, risk mitigation measures will be required for unpredictable disasters such
as tsunamis or oil spills. Enforcement measures such as a requirement for bunker
supply companies to vet their clients will also minimise impact on the port environment.
Finally, the acquisition of new equipment will help address safety and disaster management
issues.
While science and technology will provide the necessary data on the ecosystems in
our maritime zone, capacity building will also be required to ensure that these data
are translated into management decision support tools for assessing the full social,
environmental and financial business cases when considering the development of economic
activities in the ocean.
training services from international companies involved in marine and oceanic activities.
Clusters that are more prospective in nature and that could be established in the
future would necessitate new skills sets that are not readily available. Under such
circumstances, skills could be imported within a pre-established framework.
Innovative skills development funding mechanisms from Government and private
investors would be contemplated.
Developing skills and career pathways across the various clusters of the Ocean
Economy to inform career choices of prospective employees.
Ocean Economy Indicator
An economic indicator will be developed by Statistics Mauritius to capture the GDP
contribution of ocean economic activities, based on global best practices. This indicator
will be an essential tool to monitor the performance of the various ocean economic
clusters over time and to support decision making.
National Development Programme
The indicator will include coastal activities using the ocean as input, seafood, ship building
activities, storage, sea transport and services, coastal hotels and restaurants, marine
leisure activities, ship stores, bunkering, ocean knowledge and training, and public funded
institutions among others. It will be important for this indicator to be retrofitted to
enable comparison with the previous years.
Skills Development Programme
National Awareness Campaign
The development of the Ocean Economy clusters should be supported by a comprehensive

Skills Development and Support Programme (SDSP). The SDSP will be flexible and
pragmatic enough to cater for the staggered and prospective nature of the Ocean
Economy development and realize its value. The mainstay of the SDSP would hinge on:
The Ocean Economy will be a driver of future growth for Mauritius.The identified clusters
will provide employment to our youth, business opportunities to our small and medium
enterprises and open up new areas of development for the business community at large.
It is important for all Mauritians, from primary to tertiary education centres, from urban
to rural settings, from young to old, from laymen to investors, to be aware of these benefits
and for public, private and civil society stakeholders to be aligned on a shared vision for
the Ocean Economy. A national awareness campaign is therefore proposed with the
following key actions:
A qualification and quantification of the current status of technical knowledge and

skills available in existing and emerging ocean economic clusters, to identify and
characterize the skills needs. Here it is important to highlight that skills needs would
straddle marine and non-marine fields.
Innovative vehicles of skills development would be contemplated, including local
training providers, tapping into marine skill development networks, forging skills
partnership agreement with international and intergovernmental agencies, tapping
into marine training resource networks, collaborating with international marine
centres, professional body models, cooperative learning models and procuring
Organisation of an annual national ocean conference- science, investment and sustainable

development of oceans
Development of specialised awareness programmes for primary, secondary and
tertiary students
Community-based awareness campaign
Mauritius Oceanography Institute

Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI), a parastatal body falling
under the purview of the Prime Ministers Office, was officially established in
January 2000 by the proclamation of MOI Act (Act 24 of 1999). MOI has a
broad range of objectives relating to oceanography: foster interest and
coordinate R&D programmes, advise government, communicate on research
and conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems and manage and
optimise the use of funds and other resources.
Under an enhanced mandate, MOI could assist in promoting awareness on
the functions that the major marine ecosystems play in our maritime zone
and sensitise the public at large on the importance of protecting the marine
environment. It could also use its infrastructure, including its brand-new
research laboratory, for the following research activities:
1. Use of marine resources and its impact on the food chain.
2. Inventory of marine living and non-living resources.
3. Development of marine resources under the Precautionary Principle.
4.Training of researchers for new research activities.
In addition, MOI serves as a national linkage with other oceanographic
research institutions around the world and from science to governance.
THE BUILDING BLOCKS 65
IMPLEMENTATION TIME FRAME

The implementation time frame hinges on two key actions that will be accelerated:
1. Strengthening of the operational capabilities of the Ocean Matters Unit of the Prime
Ministers Office, and
2. Creation of the National Taskforce and appointment of its members.
Under the supervision of the National Taskforce, the Advisory Council will be set up with
dedicated teams to advise on implementation plans and cost estimates for the identified
building blocks and economic clusters and on development of new activities.
A consolidated implementation programme is expected before the end of 2013 with
an estimated half of the identified actions launched by mid-2014 and the remaining
staggered by quarter until the first quarter of 2015.
By end of 2014, Mauritius should have a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework
for the Ocean Economy. The Ocean Centre of Excellence would have been set up,
with clearly-defined research functions. The first Ocean Business Park should be under
detailed design. The skills development programme and the Ocean Economic Indicator
would both have been launched. And the implementation programme for each identified
cluster would already have been put into action.
66 IMPLEMENTATION TIME FRAME
CONCLUSION
The economic forecasts for the Ocean Economy can only be conservative.
The potential of hydrocarbons and mineral resources which can be prospective game changers
cannot be realistically included in the projections until their commercial viability is proven.
With the direction given to the Ocean Economy and the upgrading of ocean research
capabilities, new concepts and ideas should germinate and unleash economic activities
that can rapidly transform Mauritius into a high-income economy.
However, for the sake of a baseline, a projection of the short, medium and long-term
growth prospects for the Ocean Economy is provided in the adjacent table based on
estimates of GDP contribution and job creation for the clusters identified as possible
priority areas, excluding seabed exploration.
The related private and public sector investments, an early economic indicator, are also
expected to show a rapid increase, from an expected MUR 3 billion in 2013 to an
average of MUR 12 billion for the period 2014 to 2020.
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2013
2015
2020
2025
Contribution to GDP (%)
Job (000s)
It has taken us some 50 years to be where we are from a monocrop economy. It will take Mauritius longer to develop its Ocean Economy. This task is not for our generation only it
is a task for many more generations and it is a task that we need to accomplish. The Ocean Economy is the bridge to the future of our country. Setting strong foundations for its
development must become a proud legacy from us to future generations.
Dr The Honourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP
CONCLUSION 67
The Ocean Economy
A Roadmap for Mauritius
w w w. o c e a n e c o n o m y. m u

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Prime Ministers Office

The Ocean Economy

Dr the Hon Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP

Marine Services; Seaport-related Activities; Marine Renewable Energies and

Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Mauritius

The Ocean State in Figures

1.9 Million km2:

Government Programme 2012-2015

OCEAN ECONOMY POLICY IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT

Economy both at home and abroad.

Moreover, given the interconnectedness of oceanic issues, the international legal

THE PRINCIPLES UNDERLYING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE

6. Compliance with International Instruments

The Ocean Economy project aims at:

1. Providing an INTEGRATED approach to the development, management,

challenges, some of which are beyond our control:

The long-term objectives are:

Key Performance Indicators

Short term (2015)

Medium term (2020)

Long term (2025)

Bunkering and re-export of oil

280,000 Metric Tonnes

500,000 Metric Tonnes

1,000,000 Metric Tonnes

1,500,000 Metric Tonnes

Fishing, seafood processing &

Quantity (Tonnes): 178,500

Quantity (Tonnes): 241,000

Quantity (Tonnes): 265,000

Quantity (Tonnes): 280,000

Coastal tourism & ocean-based

Revenue (MUR BN): 1.26

Revenue (MUR BN): 1.84

Revenue (MUR BN): 3.6

Revenue (MUR BN):5 .2

High value-added services

Revenue (MUR M): 381

Revenue (MUR M): 582

Revenue (MUR M): 925

Revenue (MUR M): 1325

Prospection for hydrocarbons

Oil & Gas: 0

Oil & Gas: 1

Oil & Gas: 2

Fivefold increase in output

GDP contribution (%):11

GDP contribution (%):14

GDP contribution (%):17

GDP contribution (%): 20

Centre of excellence for

No. of targeted research

No. of targeted research

No. of targeted research

No. of targeted research

Mapping of living and non-living

Under 5% of maritime zone

10% of maritime zone

25% of maritime zone

Ecologically clean & safe EEZ

Identify baseline index

OCEAN-RELATED ACTIVITIES IN 2012

Figure1 : Sector contribution for ocean-related activities

Coastal Hotels and Marine Leisure Activities