Mauritania's economic capital, Nouadhibou, hosted a meeting between fishing sector professionals, union representatives, and Fisheries Minister Isata Lam on Saturday. The discussions centered on pressing concerns, including the expansion of the Gulf of Raha port, which is currently overcrowded with traditional fishing boats, and the review of sailors' salaries. Minister Lam held two separate meetings with stakeholders, including representatives from the Mauritanian Agency for News.
The fishing sector professionals emphasized the need to address the overcrowding at the Gulf of Raha port, either by expanding it or building a new port dedicated to traditional fishing. They also highlighted the need for sailor training and qualification in maritime safety, review of biological rest periods, and the establishment of support funds for professionals. Furthermore, they raised concerns about the shortage of fuel and water and called for improved marketing policies for fish products and their export.
The union representatives focused on reviewing wages, updating the collective agreement, and reforming the pension system. They also emphasized the need to enhance health insurance and social security, accelerate the "morthernization" of maritime jobs, and limit fish exports to ensure a stable local market supply. Minister Lam stated that the meetings aimed to listen directly to the workers and investors, assuring that all concerns would be studied and prioritized to find solutions.
The meetings took place at the end of a tour that Minister Lam began on Thursday in Nouadhibou, where she visited the Mauritanian Institute for Ocean and Fisheries Research, the proposed site for the deep-water port in Kansado, and the Gulf of Raha port. At the Gulf of Raha port, over 8,000 active boats have been digitized. On Saturday, she also inspected the Regional Fisheries Administration.
Nouadhibou is the economic capital of Mauritania and the primary center for fishing activities in the country. The fishing sector plays a vital role in Mauritania's economy, and the meetings reflect the government's efforts to engage with stakeholders and address their concerns. Minister Lam emphasized the importance of involving professional and union representatives in sector decisions.
The concerns raised by the fishing sector professionals and union representatives highlight the challenges facing the industry, including infrastructure constraints, labor issues, and market management. The government's response to these concerns will likely have a significant impact on the sector's future and the livelihoods of those employed in it.
Key issues discussed during the meetings include the need for port expansion or construction, review of sailors' salaries and working conditions, and improved marketing and export policies for fish products. The government's commitment to studying and prioritizing these concerns is seen as a positive step towards addressing the challenges facing the sector.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government is taking steps to address the concerns of the fishing sector professionals and union representatives.
- The expansion of the Gulf of Raha port or construction of a new port is a key priority for the fishing sector professionals.
- The review of sailors' salaries and working conditions is a critical issue that needs to be addressed to improve the livelihoods of those employed in the sector.
