Red drum and goldlined seabream from Ferme de Mahebourg proved sustainable following independent audit
Ferme Marine de Mahebourg, Mauritius (FMM) (www.fmm.mu) was conceived and planned by a group of Mauritian Entrepreneurs with a vision to establish in Mauritius tropical paradise a top class aquaculture operation. The two farm sites are located on the eastern coast of the Island of Mauritius close to Pointe aux Feuilles within the pristine sheltered lagoon that surrounds the island between the coast and the coral reef.
The two sites were both selected after extensive surveys and an Environmental Impact Assessment, to ensure excellent water quality whilst protecting the environment. Both sites are approximately 3km from the coast where the water depth is 25m and where the current is driven by the prevailing Trade Winds. Cages’ nets are checked daily for maintenance preventing any possible escapes. Friend of the Sea has requested analysis of further water quality parameters, which have been carried out positively prior to certification.
The stock in the cages is fed at regular intervals during the day using also Friend of the Sea certified sustainable feed from Coop Agricole Le Gouessant (www.legouessant.com). The feed is certified free from all artificial additives and genetically modified ingredients ensuring excellent quality of the fish.
The Company has a state of the art hatchery producing up to two million fingerlings annually on a closed system to ensure bio-security of the operations. The hatchery operations are entirely geared towards the quality of the product in strict compliance guidelines pertaining to organic fish farming (non-use of antibiotics, growth boosters or Genetically Modified Feed Ingredients).
“A key consideration in all aspects of our company is to protect and enhance the environment to ensure the long-term future of the business.” comments Mr Graham Benjamin, Processing and Marketing Manager of FMM “for this reason and in order to have international recognition of our environmental conservation efforts, we have undergone Friend of the Sea audit for certification”.
