It gave me immense pleasure to be at Albion Fisheries Research Centre, Albion for the launching of the first seaweed experimental farm in Mauritius. On this occasion a workshop is being held to train the local personnel and local fisherman community in seaweed farming. It is a pleasure to learn that the participants for the workshop include members of the public and private sectors as well as parastatal bodies, academia and very importantly the fisherman’s community. At the end of this workshop I understand that the stakeholders will acquire the basic skills involved from site selection for seaweed farming to setting up of a seaweed farm including farming methods, addressing problems (both social and environmental), working with communities and managing a seaweed farm. I have no doubt that with the commitment shown by the various institutions to this program a new industry will pave its way to contribute towards economic growth and a better livelihood especially for the coastal communities. I welcome this effort towards innovation and a new local industry. This is a first step in a new field. Good luck and success to all institutions involved in this exciting new endeavor !
