Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Biodiversity of the Indian Ocean Mascarenes Expedition (BIOME), the first 100% Mauritian Oceanographic Expedition to St Brandon, was launched, yesterday evening, in presence of the Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, and the Private Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Nand Prakash Ramchurrun, at La Balise Marina Black River.
The expedition is being organised by the Ministry and the Non-Governmental Organization Oceanyka in collaboration with the Mauritius Oceanographic Institute and the University of Mauritius.
The expedition comprises six members and will set out on Sunday 22 May 2022. Minister Maudhoo underlined that the aim of BIOME is to further develop and foster a sustainable blue economy.
The expedition, he said, is geared towards the exploration and protection of coastal and marine biodiversity in the region of Mauritius and St Brandon.
He dwelt on the various measures that the Ministry has come forward with in a bid to protect the maritime ecosystem and to support fishermen especially those involved in artisanal fishing.
The fisheries sector, Minister Maudhoo stated, has enormous potential and there are many resources in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Mauritius that are yet to be exploited, hence the need to carry out an expedition.
The expedition will provide young researchers with an opportunity to widen their knowledge and better contribute in developing the blue economy as a key pillar as well as discover new opportunities from the ocean, he added.
The Minister expressed his thanks to the Agence Française de Développement and the sponsors who have provided their support and assistance to the project.
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