The Mauritian Ministry of Agro-industry has allocated an 800-tonne quota for the importation of Capitaine fish in 2026, distributing it among 35 beneficiaries. This move follows a revised allocation process aimed at enhancing transparency and addressing logistical challenges faced in previous years. The quota was initially divided into two periods but is now allocated throughout the year to ensure a steady supply.
The allocation process involved inviting 99 operators to express interest in importing Capitaine fish. Out of these, 39 requests were received, and 35 dossiers were examined by an evaluation committee. The committee comprised several high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Permanent Secretary and the Assistant Director of Fisheries. The evaluation was based on a demand of 4,739 tonnes against an available quota of 800 tonnes.
The evaluation committee applied specific criteria to allocate the quotas. New applicants received 15 tonnes, companies with previous infractions got 15% of their requested quota, and other registered companies could obtain 25% of their solicited quantity. Eco-Tropic Co Ltd, led by Karl Elysée, a former Senior Advisor at the Prime Minister's Office, was among the companies allocated a quota under these criteria.
Eco-Tropic Co Ltd was one of 22 enterprises recommended for 25% of their requested quantity. The ministry asserts that the quota granted to Eco-Tropic Co Ltd was not part of any special procedure but resulted from applying the same criteria as other companies in the same category. The allocation aimed to ensure food security and equitable distribution.
The committee recommended importing a total of 834.75 tonnes, slightly above the initial quota of 800 tonnes, to ensure a buffer for food security and fair distribution. After evaluation, an approval for 822.25 tonnes, distributed among 35 companies, was obtained on July 17, 2026. The beneficiaries were informed to secure an Import Permit and ensure shipments arrived by December 31, 2026.
The allocation of quotas has not been without controversy. The process has raised questions, particularly regarding the allocation to Eco-Tropic Co Ltd and its connection to Karl Elysée. In response, the Minister of Agro-industry, Arvin Boolell, emphasized that the process was designed to be transparent, fair, and in line with established criteria, ensuring adequate supply to the Mauritian market.
The issue extends beyond the Capitaine fish quota, with concerns raised about agricultural land allocations. Since January 2025, 311 agricultural land requests have been processed and allocated, totaling 661.91 arpents. Karl Elysée's allocation of nearly three arpents in Pointeaux-Piments has also sparked questions, highlighting the need for transparency in land and resource allocations.
Key points
- The Mauritian Ministry of Agro-industry allocated 800 tonnes of Capitaine fish import quota to 35 beneficiaries through a revised process aimed at enhancing transparency.
- Eco-Tropic Co Ltd, led by Karl Elysée, was among the beneficiaries, with its quota determined by the same criteria applied to other companies in the same category.
- The allocation process and subsequent controversy highlight the need for transparency in resource and land allocations in Mauritius.
