Thank you very much. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that the number of fishermen cards allocated to the aforementioned regions for the past three years, that is, from 2022 to 2024 are as follows – (i) Baie du Tombeau: 64 (ii) Pointe aux Piments: 6 (iii) Trou aux Biches: 34 (iv) Grand Baie: 30 As regards Mont Choisy, I understand that the hon. Member is referring to Pointe aux Cannoniers Fish Landing Station. I am informed that two fishermen cards have been issued for that region in the year 2022. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (b) of the question, I have been apprised that for the five sites under reference, two persons have been booked and contravened for illegal fishing from 2022 to 2024.

74 Moreover, four persons have been booked and contravened for the period January to February 2025 for illegal fishing at those sites. Regarding the last part of the question, any unlicensed fisherman who wishes to regularise his or her situation should submit an application for fisher’s card. In case an applicant fisher fulfils the set criteria – it was circulated when a question was put to me some time back –, he will be granted a fisher card.

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Is the Minister aware that there is a yearning demand of many unlicensed fishermen who go to fish and catch for us on a daily basis and to earn for their families, but who still have not been considered for a license. Will his Ministry consider allocating proper licenses to these fishermen in the near future?

The hon. Member should be aware that none of us is insensitive to the plight of a fisher. There are some who, unfortunately, do not have a fisher card. Therefore, they are involved in what we call illegal fishing activities. But certainly, we will entertain as and when required. You cannot have far too many fishers also because we have to think of the stock that is in our lagoon. But certainly, we will give due consideration.

Is the Minister aware that these cards have been delivered on the eve of the last general elections without any control and good vetting? Will the Minister ensure the House that the few cards that will be delivered will have a better vetting? Also, after issuing the cards, can regular verifications be done to ensure that real fishermen receive their cards?

This exercise has been carried out. But, of course, as a responsible Government, we are not going to disrupt the system violently. The deserving cases will certainly be entertained. But in relation to those who have obtained fisher’s card against the set criteria, certainly, appropriate actions will be taken.

The hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière! ACTIVE MAURITIUS – FUNDS ALLOCATED & COACHES EMPLOYED