Thank you. I thank the hon. Member for putting this question. Madam Speaker, I am informed that on 15 November 2024, while inspecting the fishing vessel Chang Fong II in Port Mathurin, officers of the National Coast Guard and the Fisheries Protection Service of Rodrigues had discovered several shark fins measuring between 7 and 57 cm on board the vessel. As a party to the South Indian Ocean Fisheries Association and Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, Mauritius cannot remain indifferent and insensitive to the worst form of cruelty. A sharp knife was used to slice the fin, and the bleeding shark was thrown into high seas to die. Unfortunately, the fine for this serious offence is a fixed penalty of Rs5,000 only. I will seek advice from the State Law Office to review the fine. Since we have a national plan for the conservation of sharks, the killer should not get away. A contravention has been established against the vessel for breach of section 28 of the Fisheries Act 2023, namely for Prohibition on Removal and Sale of Shark Fins. The shark fins have been seized, and the matter will be prosecuted before the Court of Justice in Rodrigues. If proved guilty, the operator will be liable to pay a fine not exceeding Rs40 m. or five years of imprisonment.

55 I am further informed, and I was rather shocked and flabbergasted, to learn that the vessel left Rodrigues on 16 November 2024 and reached Port Louis Harbour on 21 November 2024 after a fishing campaign on the Hawkins Bay. On its arrival in port, the vessel was inspected, and this exercise revealed the presence of toxic fish, namely barracuda, on board. In this respect, the master of the vessel was issued a fixed penalty notice under section 202 of the Fisheries Act 2023. The master has up to 12 December 2024 to pay the fixed penalty, failing which the matter will be prosecuted in court. Moreover, it was also noted during the inspection that the information contained in the logbook was inaccurate and incomplete. As this is an infringement under section 46(2) of the Fisheries Act, my Ministry has initiated an investigation in view of prosecuting the operator. If found guilty, the latter again will be liable to pay a fine not exceeding Rs40 m. or five years of imprisonment. Madam Speaker, I am also informed that on 23 November 2024, Froid des Mascareignes Ltd had refused to take part of the fish that was on board the vessel as it did not meet the temperature for preservation of frozen fish which is equal or less than -18 degrees celcius. The Ministry of Health investigated the matter and determined that the fish was deemed to be unfit for human consumption in breach of section 143 (1) (b) of Food Regulations 2024. The fish was accordingly disposed of at sea at a distance of about 9.3 nautical miles from Port Louis. This operation was supervised by officers of my Ministry and the Ministry of Health. The fishing vessel is moored in the port of Port Louis and will not be allowed to sail for fishing expeditions. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister. Hon. First Member for Montagne Blanche…

Madam Speaker.

I am sorry, you did not catch my eye. I have already called… I am so sorry; we have only 30 minutes to go. Let us give a chance to everybody. We will not

56 reach the end. So, let us move on with Mr Baboolall, hon. First Member for Montagne Blanche and Grand River South East! LATE MINOR E. K. G FAMILY – PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT & ASSISTANCE