MOL (Mauritius) Ltd, in collaboration with local fishermen, public authorities, and community groups, organized a two-day clean-up operation at the Maison des Pêcheurs fish landing and processing station in Mahébourg on September 23-24. This initiative was aligned with World Clean-Up Day 2026 and is part of the company's broader "Fresh Fish!" project. The project aims to support artisanal fishing communities by improving fish handling and quality, cold-chain logistics, and the overall value chain of the fishing industry.
The clean-up operation brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from the Fisheries Protection Division, Grand Port District Council, Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service, Mauritius Fishermen's Cooperative Federation, local cooperatives, the Japanese Embassy, waste management services, and volunteers. Approximately ten local fishermen also joined the effort, which focused on the fish processing hall and outdoor areas of the station. The volunteers removed waste and unused materials, and the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service team provided personnel, time, and resources to support the operation.
As part of the clean-up, nets were installed to prevent birds from nesting in the area, thereby improving hygiene standards. This operation followed a meeting held on September 12 between MOL (Mauritius) Ltd, fisheries authorities, and four local cooperatives. The meeting laid the groundwork for the collaborative effort to rehabilitate the fish landing station. Further rehabilitation works are planned, including improvements to water connections and the processing zone, to provide fishermen with a cleaner and safer environment.
Yasuo Suzuki, Managing Director of MOL (Mauritius) Ltd, emphasized that the clean-up operation was a concrete step towards a larger goal. The company aims to work closely with fishermen and public partners to improve the conditions in which fish are landed, handled, and prepared, ultimately enhancing the value of local catches. The "Fresh Fish!" project seeks to build a long-term partnership with artisanal fishermen and public sector actors to find concrete solutions to the challenges faced by the fishing community.
The fishing community contributed to the initiative by providing fresh catches for a lunch prepared aboard the Kitchen Car, under the guidance of Chef Daisuke Nakashima from the Japanese Ambassador's team. This event brought together fishermen and project partners to enjoy locally caught seafood, highlighting the importance of collaboration and community engagement. The "Fresh Fish!" project aims to combine infrastructure upgrades with improved handling practices, cold-chain development, and value-chain reinforcement.
The ultimate goal of the "Fresh Fish!" project is to enhance fish quality and strengthen the livelihoods of local fishermen in the South-East region of Mauritius. By working together with local stakeholders, MOL (Mauritius) Ltd seeks to make a positive impact on the fishing industry and the communities that depend on it. The company's commitment to supporting artisanal fishing communities is reflected in its efforts to improve infrastructure, handling practices, and the overall value chain of the fishing industry.
The rehabilitation of the Mahébourg fish landing station is a key component of MOL (Mauritius) Ltd's efforts to support local fishing communities. The company's initiatives are expected to have a lasting impact on the livelihoods of fishermen and the quality of fish landed in the region. With the continued collaboration of local stakeholders, MOL (Mauritius) Ltd is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of the fishing industry in Mauritius.
Key points
- MOL (Mauritius) Ltd's "Fresh Fish!" project aims to support artisanal fishing communities by improving fish handling and quality, cold-chain logistics, and the overall value chain of the fishing industry.
