Characterization of aquaculture sites in the Republic of Mauritius
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Abstract
In line with its Programme 2015-2019 and its Vision 2030, the Government has through its Budget Speech 2016-2017, reiterated its strong intention of making the Ocean a pillar of its Economy. As referenced in paragraph 117 of the Budget Speech, the Government has tasked the Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) with the responsibility of fully characterizing the aquaculture sites around mainland Mauritius. During the Financial year 2015-2016, MOI responded to a request from the Board of Investment to provide preliminary physical data at about 10 of prioritized sites. Amongst the parameters investigated were temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, bathymetry and current profiles.
In order to fully characterize the aquaculture sites, however, further analyses will include pH, salinity, turbidity, fluorescence, chlorophyll a, sediment and nutrient analysis, as well as analysis of pollutants. The MOI is soon to survey two offshore earmarked aquaculture sites at Anse La Raie and Trou aux Biches, with the collaboration of the Hydrography Unit of the Ministry of Housing and Lands.
Data on bathymetry, temperature, salinity, conductivity, fluorometry, current pattern, and turbidity are available at the sites marked in green in the map below.
Requests for data should be addressed to the Director of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute.