Mauritania's Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Infrastructure, Isata Lam, recently visited the port of Tanit in the Inchiri region to inspect new facilities being built to support the country's fishing industry. The minister was accompanied by local officials and stakeholders, and she reviewed the construction of fish processing and storage plants, as well as an ice factory. These new facilities aim to enhance the country's fishing capabilities and improve the sector's competitiveness.
The visit to Tanit port included a tour of the facilities and a meeting with port management to discuss the project's objectives and economic prospects. According to the Mauritanian News Agency, the minister's visit aimed to assess the sector's progress, identify challenges, and find swift solutions. The cost and capacity of the new facilities, as well as their expected completion date, have not been disclosed.
On the same day, Minister Lam also visited the Agency for the Development of Continental Fishing and Aquaculture in Nouakchott. The agency's general manager, Zeinab Bent Ai, presented a four-year report on the agency's activities since its establishment in October 2022. The agency was created to implement a presidential promise made in July 2022 in Tamskht.
Minister Lam emphasized the importance of continental fishing and aquaculture, highlighting the need for further development in the sector. She pledged to mobilize the necessary resources to support the agency and its partnerships. The minister's visits come as Mauritania's fishing agreement with the European Union is set to expire.
The new facilities in Tanit and the agency's efforts in Nouakchott demonstrate the Mauritanian government's commitment to developing the country's fishing sector. The sector is considered crucial for the country's economy and food security. The minister's visits aimed to boost the sector's growth and improve its competitiveness.
The development of the fishing sector in Mauritania is also seen as an opportunity to promote sustainable fishing practices and improve the livelihoods of communities dependent on the sector. The government is working to enhance the sector's infrastructure, including the construction of new ports and facilities.
As Mauritania's fishing sector continues to evolve, the government is expected to face challenges related to sustainability, climate change, and international cooperation. The country's fishing agreement with the European Union has been a significant aspect of its fishing industry, and its expiration will likely have implications for the sector's future.
Key points
- The new facilities in Tanit include fish processing and storage plants, as well as an ice factory.
- The Agency for the Development of Continental Fishing and Aquaculture was established in October 2022.
- Mauritania's fishing agreement with the European Union is set to expire.
