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Annual Report 2007/2008Mauritius Oceanography Institute

Chairperson’s Letter 1

Vision and Mission Statement 2

The Board 3

Staff of the Institute 5

Projects 8

Staff Training 19

Participation in International Conferences and Meetings 23

Events 28

Report of the Director of Audit 30

Financial Statement 32

ISSN 1694-0377

Contents

Mauritius Oceanography Institute

June 2009

Dr The Hon Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM, G.C.S.K.

Prime MinisterMinister of Defence and Home AffairsRepublic of Mauritius

In accordance with the provision of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute Act of 1999, I am hereby submittingthe Annual Report of activities and accounts of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute for the Financial Yearwhich ended on 30 June 2008.

The Chairperson

Mauritius Oceanography Institute

Chairperson’s Letter

Annual Report 2007/2008 1

The Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) was established under the Mauritius Oceanography Institute Act(Act No. 24 of 1999).

The objects of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, as spelt out in the Act, are:

• To foster interest in research and development in relation to oceanography.

• To advise Government on the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes inrespect to oceanography and related aspects.

• To coordinate, collaborate and co-operate with other institutions, agencies and persons onnational, regional and global issues within its field of interest, and to assist any organisation,body or person in creating sustainable research and development programmes in areas ofinterest and activity related to oceanography.

• To demonstrate and communicate to the scientific community and the public at large the resultsand the importance of oceanography in the conservation, maintenance, management, utilisationand development of resources based on marine and coastal ecosystems.

• To manage and optimise the use of funds and other resources for the purpose of this Act.

Our VisionTo contribute towards the advancement of oceanography at the national, regional and international level forthe welfare of the people of the Republic of Mauritius.

Our MissionTo develop and strengthen oceanographic research, using an integrated scientific approach, to enhanceunderstanding of ocean and coastal processes, for rational development of marine resources, within themaritime zone of the Republic of Mauritius.

Vision and Mission Statement

Mauritius Oceanography Institute2

The Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) is managed by a Board, consisting of a Chairperson appointedby the Prime Minister and senior representatives of different ministries and institutions. Sections 8 to 10 of theMOI Act of 1999 lay down the overall responsibility of the Board.

The composition of the Board for the year 2007–2008 was as follows:

(a) Chairman of the MOI Board:Professor I. Fagoonee

(b) The Secretary for Home Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, or his representative:Mr. S. C. Seeballuck, Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service

(c) A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of foreign affairs isassigned:Mr. K. Jingree, First secretary (up to March 2008)H.E. Mr. J. Koonjul, Ambassador (as from April 2008)

(d) A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of economicdevelopment is assigned:Vacant

(e) The Financial Secretary, or his representative:Mrs. S. Rama (as from August 2007)

(f) A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of environment isassigned:Mr. S. Seebaluck, Permanent Secretary

(g) A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of fisheries is assigned:Mr. M. Munbodh, Chief Fisheries Officer

(h) A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of lands is assigned:Mr. M. Roojee, Acting Chief Technical Officer

(i) A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of Rodrigues is assigned:Mr. P. Bonomaully, Permanent Secretary

The Board


(j) The Executive Director of the Mauritius Research Council or his representative:Dr. A. Suddhoo, Executive Director

(k) The Vice Chancellor of the University of Mauritius or his representative:Dr. R.T. Ramessur, Associate Professor

(l) The Director of the Mauritius Meteorological Services or his representative:Mr. Y. Boodhoo, Director

(m) The Director-General of the Mauritius Ports Authority or his representative:Captain P. Ponambalum, Port Master

(n) The General Manager of the Outer Islands Development Corporation or his representative:Mr. P. Davay, General Manager

(o) Four Members having wide experience in oceanography or international law to be appointed bythe Minister:Mrs. A. Narain, Ag. Assistant Solicitor GeneralDr. C. W. Chan Chim Yuk, Associate Professor, University of MauritiusMr. S. Ho Man Cheong

Mr. S. Ragoonaden

The Board


Dr. M. Bhikajee, B.Sc. [Zoology], M.Sc. Director[Fisheries Management], Ph.D. [Marine Biology]

Scientific StaffMr. M. R. Badal, Grad. Stat., M.Sc. [Applied Maths Project Officerand Modelling], M.Sc. [Oceanography](On secondment to Intergovernmental Coordination Group for Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System for The Indian Ocean Office in Perth, Australia (up to April 2008)

Dr. D. E. P. Marie, B.Sc. (Hons.)[Chemistry Project Officerand Environmental Science], Ph.D. [Chemistry]

Mr. E. Martial, B.Tech. (Hons.) Project Officer[Computer Science and Engineering], M.Sc. [E-business]

Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay, B.Sc., M.Sc. Project Officer[Marine Ecology and Fisheries Biology], Ph.D. [Fisheries Science]

Mr. S. Persand, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Physics], Project Officer (up to January 2008)M.Sc. [Physical Oceanography]

Dr. A. D. Poonyth, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Biology], Project OfficerPh.D. [Marine Biology], M.Sc. [Oceanography]

Mr. J. I. Mosaheb, B.Sc. Research Scientist[Marine Biology and Biochemistry]

Mr. B. A. Motah, B.Sc. (Hons.) Associate Research Scientist[Physics with Environmental Science]

Mr. P. Mussai, B.Sc. [Zoology], M.Sc. Associate Research Scientist[Marine Biology and Oceanography]

Mr. P. D. Bissessur, Master 2 Recherche, DESS Associate Research Scientist (on study-leave-[Télédétection-Imagerie-Numérique] without-pay as from August 2007)

Staff of the Institute


Mr. M. B. Muddhoo, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Chemistry] Associate Research Scientist (up to December 2007)

Mr. V. Ramchandur, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Physics] Associate Research Scientist

Mr. O. Sadasing, B.Sc. (Hons) Research Assistant (as from October 2007)[Biology with Environmental Science], M.Sc. [Marine Biology and Oceanography]

Mr. S. Bacha-Gian, B.Sc. (Hons.) Research Assistant (as from October 2007)[Biology with Plant Science]

Mr. V. Bhoyroo, B.Sc. Botany, M.Sc. Botany Research Assistant (as from April 2008)[Spec. in Plant Biotechnology]

Mr. A. Rawat, Ingénieur en Modélisation Research Assistant (as from February 2008)Mathématique et Mécanique

Mr. H. Runghen B.Sc. (Hons.) [Mathematics] Research Assistant (as from January 2008)

Technical StaffMr. C. Samyan Technical Assistant/ Senior Technical Assistant

Administrative StaffMs. L. Seeballuck B.Sc. [Public Administration Assistant Administrative Officerand Management]

Mrs. N. Tegally Confidential Secretary

Mrs. C. Persand Public Relations Officer (on leave without pay as from September 2007)

Ms. R. Boyjoonauth Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer

Ms. A. Ramanah Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer

Ms. S. Jogarah Receptionist/Word Processing Operator

Staff of the Institute


Accounts and Finance DepartmentMr. I. Kalloo Senior Finance Officer

(part time from PMO)

Mrs. R. Sobha, ACCA Accounts Clerk

Ms. M. Babajee Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer

Ms. L. Nundram Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer

Support StaffMr. D. Munsah Driver/Office Attendant

Mr. V. Coopen Driver/Office Attendant

Mrs. M. Rajiah Cleaner (on contract up to January 2008)Handy Worker (as from February 2008)

InternsMs. Stephanie Wong 02 June 2008–16 July 2008

Mr. Nissar Sumodhee 17 June 2008–18 July 2008

Trainees under the Student Work Experience Programme(SWEP) of the University of Mauritius

Mr. Kader Bathia Wasiim 09 June 2008–01 August 2008

Ms. Dhanisha Gopaul 09 June 2008–02 August 2008

Ms. Bhavna Ramdenee 16 June 2008–25 July 2008

Mr. Nooruddin Rotbully 17 June 2008–26 July 2008

Ms. Reshma Raghoobur 18 June 2008–27 July 2008

Trainees under the Government Empowerment ProgrammeMr. Suraj Bacha Gian Up to September 2007

Ms. Anupama Deerpaul Up to October 2007

Mr. Mytheelesh Ramgobin As from October 2007


Continental Shelf ProjectAn important task of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute(MOI) is to assist the Government of Mauritius in preparinga submission to the United Nations Commission on theLimits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) for an extensionof the marine resource base of the Republic of Mauritiusaccording to the provisions of the United NationsConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

This process started in 2000 with the setting up of the MOI.Among its first objectives, the Institute had the responsibilityto prepare a technical document in order to substantiate theclaim. In this regard two geophysical surveys wereconducted in 2003 in the regions of the Mascarene plateauand the Chagos Archipelago to acquire bathymetric andseismic data. The extension of the deadline for thesubmission of the claim to the UNCLCS to May 2009 andthe decision by Government to undertake a joint partialsubmission together with the Republic of Seychelles in theregion of the Mascarene plateau required a new approach.

Following the agreement on a median line boundary betweenthe EEZ of the two coastal states, the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles started formaldiscussions on a joint partial submission for an extended continental shelf during the second quarter of 2008.

The continental shelf project has been jointly managed by teams from the two coastal states. In addition, theCommonwealth Secretariat has generously provided technical and legal advice. The Mauritius delegationwas led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation and consisted of representatives of thePrime Minister’s Office, the Attorney General Office, the Ministry of Housing and Lands, the MOI and the ex-representative of Mauritius in the UNCLCS. It isexpected that the joint partial submission wouldbe ready for submission to the UN by thebeginning of December 2008.

A technical team led by the Director of the MOIand consisting of Messrs M.R. Badal. B.A.Motah, H. Runghen, A. Rawat, V. Ramchandurand M. Singh worked on the project.

Projects


The extended continental shelf of Mauritius and Seychelles.

The joint technical team from Mauritius and Seychelles with theCommonwealth Secretariat consultants.

Modelling and mapping oceanic processes of South-WestIndian Ocean: A satellite-based approach

The modelling and mapping project has as main objective the characterisation and identification of oceanicprocesses in the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) in terms of its biological production and general oceancirculation, their relationship to the primary production of the ocean and their link with physical andenvironmental parameters. Data from the region is obtained through existing satellite-based sensors.

Oceanic datasets like Chlorophyll Concentration, Sea Surface Temperature, Sea Surface Slope and SeaSurface Currents were utilised to produce maps and charts. In the initial phase of the project a lot of time wasdevoted to data mining, downloading and processing in order to develop a database.

The early results showed areas of enhanced primary production around the island of Mauritius and theMascarene Plateau. A prevalence of a seasonality pattern between Sea Surface Temperature and ChlorophyllConcentration around the Mascarene Plateau was also demonstrated. The formation of oceanic eddies andfronts were also revealed.

The project was carried out by Mr. M.R. Badal and he was assisted by Mr. B.A. Motah. Following thesecondment of Mr. Badal to the IOC/UNESCO office in Perth in 2007/2008, Mr. Motah followed up on theproject during his absence.


Satellite image mapping chlorophyll concentration in South West Indian Ocean (red patches are higher concentrations), June 2008.

Bioprospecting Mauritius waters

Bioprospecting for marine natural products is a fastgrowing research field all over the world. It involvesefforts from scientists of different countries with theaim of developing new drugs to combat diseasessuch as cancer and HIV/AIDS. The novelty ofcompounds isolated, the complexity of the chemicalstructure of the isolates and the newness of themechanisms of actions exhibited by marine naturalproducts have created a flux of interest in thechemicals which can be extracted from marineanimals and plants. The Mauritius OceanographyInstitute (MOI) initiated a project four years backwhich aimed at evaluating the anticancer propertiesof the extracts of marine sponges of Mauritius. This

project was carried out in collaboration with the CentreNational de Recherches Scientifique (CNRS) of Paris, France, and the University of Amsterdam. In the firstphase of the project the extracts of six sponge specimen were obtained and four of them were tested foranticancer activities at the CNRS. One exhibited strong anticancer activities (96% cancer cell death). Twocompounds and several semi-purified fractions were produced. The characterisation of the two isolatedcompounds was performed using techniques such as NMR and Mass Spectrometry. Additionally, 15 othercompounds were isolated from two other sponge specimens. The compounds isolated from one of the localsponges are new to science and their structures resemble those which have already proved to possessanticancer properties. Part of these results have already been presented in the Fourth European Conferenceon Marine Natural Products held from 12 to 16 September 2007 at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle,Paris, as a poster entitled ’A Cocktail of Scyllo-Inositol Glycolipids in the Sponge Dragmacidon species’.

The first phase of the three-year project ended inNovember 2007 and the encouraging resultsobtained so far has prompted the Institute to start asecond phase of the project. Several objectives areset in this second phase to accelerate research inthe discovery of new compounds to treat cancer. Inthis context, MOI is setting up a unit for biologicaltesting of the sponge extracts.

The project was carried out by Dr. D. E. P. Marie withthe assistance of Mr. M. B. Muddhoo.

Projects


Collection of sponge specimens.

Processing of the sponges in the Mauritius Oceanography Institute laboratory.

Genetic connectivity and its implications for the designand management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in theEast African ecoregion

This project is an international collaboration between scientists from CORDIO East Africa (Kenya), theInstitute of Marine Science (IMS, Tanzania), Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI, Mauritius) with advisorysupport from SodertonUniversity (Sweden) andAcademia Sinica (China). Thescientists involved in theproject form part of a MarineGenetics Network, known asthe Western Indian OceanMarine Genetics Network(WIOMAGnet).

The primary aim of the projectis to investigate populationstructure of Scleractiniancorals and reef fish along theEast Africa mainland, as wellas some of the western IndianOcean Islands so as togenerate background data ongenetic connectivity. The information generated could then be fed into existing or proposed managementsystems at a national and regional level. Other objectives are (1) to gain a better understanding of how theSouth Equatorial Current influences the dispersal of marine species in the region and (2) to obtain baselineinformation on stock structure of some commercially important fish species. Besides the scientific objectives,the project also aims at setting up infrastructure in terms of laboratory space and equipment at each regionalnode and building capacity in molecular genetics in the region. .This three-year project started its formal activity in March 2007 and is due to end in December 2009. Duringthe first year, a workshop was held at CORDIO, Kenya to plan the execution of the project. Field work startedin June 2007 in each participating country. Thirty tissue samples of the Scleractinian coral Pocilloporadamicornis and an equal number of samples of the reef-associated fish Scarus ghobban were collected fromeach of three sites in Mauritius, Tanzania and Kenya. Due to the non-availability of a genetics facility at thattime at IMS and MOI, extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of the samples were carried out bythe three regional investigators at the laboratories of CORDIO from July to August 2007. The products werethen sent to the laboratory of Prof. M. Grahn for Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) andmicrosatellite analyses and to Dr. A. Chen’s laboratory for sequence analyses.


The genetics facility at the Mauritius OceanographyInstitute has been largely set-up with the project funds.

The sequence and AFLP data obtained from S. ghobban and microsatellite data obtained from P. damicorniswere analysed during the second project meeting held at IMS in Zanzibar from 10 to 21 March 2008. Thepreliminary results indicated that in order to strengthen the conclusion on genetic connectivity in the region,there was a need to (1) extend the sampling area to include Mozambique, Madagascar, Comores andRodrigues and (2) sample a second fish species, Siganus sutor.

A total of 90 tissue samples of S. sutor have been collected from the region of Mahebourg, Tamarin and Pointeaux Piments in 2008. DNA extraction and PCR of S. sutor are being undertaken at the genetics facility set-up at the MOI in 2007–2008 from the project funds.

The project was carried out by Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay with the assistance of Mr. S. Bacha-Gian andMr. V. Bhoyroo.

Projects


The genetics team ready for the collection of specimens

Development of a pilot project for coral farming fortourism, export, education, research and conservation

This project aims primarily to investigate optimal nursery conditions for growth of various coral species inland-based nurseries (ex situ) with the ultimate goal of mass producing corals for the restoration andrehabilitation of degraded reefs, for the creation of coral gardens in front of tourist resorts, for the propagationof rare/threatened/endangered species, for maintaining an on-land stock of corals, for providing source

materials to investors involved in the marine aquarium trade and for the establishment of a coral aquarium.Ex situ culture of corals is preferred over wild collection or propagation at sea (in situ) as this prevents over-exploitation of the reefs. The transplants are sampled only once from-mother colonies at sea for further onland propagation thus minimising exploitation from the wild. Moreover, corals in land-based nurseries are lessinfluenced by coral bleaching, diseases, cyclones, pollution, physical damages and oil spill. In addition,physico-chemical parameters can be manipulated for enhancing coral growth.


The MOI team preparing to dive for inspection of the ocean-based nursery.

After a trial phase of three months, the project per se started in January 2008. A land and an ocean-basednursery have been set-up at Albion, the latter serving as control to the main experiment. Various coral speciesnamely Acropora austera, Acropora formosa, Acropora selago, Acropora nobilis and Pocillopora damicornisare under culture at the nurseries.

During the first three months of the study, the transplants were in a lag phase and grew slowly. However, afterthis initial acclimatisation period, a constant growth rate was registered among the transplants at both theocean and land based nurseries. Survival rate was high for all the species that were transplanted at both the

nurseries. Overall, thepreliminary results indicatethat inland farming ispossible for various coralspecies. This provides theopportunity to maintain astock of corals on land forpreservation of biodiversity,to restock the lagoons incase of coral loss due tobleaching, diseases andphysical damages, to createcoral gardens and for thecoral trade.

During the course of this project, various experiments will be conducted in an attempt to accelerate coralgrowth in the land-based nurseries. The growth potential of other coral species will also be investigated exsitu. A wet laboratory is being set-up for carrying out water analyses, coral transplantations, coralmeasurements and feed preparation. A set of aquaria for the culture of corals in a closed system is also beingset-up.

The project is carried out by Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay with the assistance of Mr. S. Bacha-Gian andMr. V. Bhoyroo.

Projects


Underwater image of the ocean-based nursery.

Bathymetric survey of the shallow lagoons of Mauritius

This project consists in acquiringbathymetric data of selected lagoonsof Mauritius. During financial year2007–2008, bathymetric data werecollected from Belle Mare, Palmar,Trou aux Biches and Choisy using ahigh frequency single beamechosounder Navisound 215 with adepth range of 0.2– 600 m. Thesurveys consisted in running closetransects in the lagoons with theequipment attached to a boat for realtime collection of the data. Theechosounder also logged in longitudeand latitude data using an attachedGlobal Positioning System (GPS). Thedata were corrected for tide level usinga wave and tide recorder at the sites ofinvestigation. All the data were furtherprocessed using the GIS software,

incorporating various land marks for ease of reference. An example of an already processed map is shownabove. Additional lagoons will besurveyed and the collected data willbe made public through a publishedatlas and CD.

The project was carried out by Mr.J. I. Mosaheb with the assistance ofMr. V. Ramchandur.


The bathymetric chart of Flic en Flac generated by the project.

The bathymetry team preparing their equipment for the survey.

Development of tsunami preparedness map

Within the framework of the setting of a tsunami early warning system for the Republic of Mauritius, theMauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) was mandated by the Prime Minister’s Office to develop a tsunamipreparedness map to identify areas of the coastal zones that would be at risk in the event of a tsunami.

A first version of thepreparedness maps wasproduced and circulated tomajor stakeholders. In thecase of the island ofMauritius, the map is beingused by the Mauritius PoliceForce to develop anevacuation strategy. Thisproject had been carried outby Mr. M.R. Badal andassisted by Mr. B.A. Motah.

A team composed ofrepresentatives of theMauritius MeteorologicalServices, MOI and theSpecial Mobile Force alsoplan to visit the Island of Rodrigues in August 2008 with the objective of assisting the local authorities inpreparing standard operational procedures in case of a tsunami and for indicating coastal areas at risk.

Pilot project for the culture of Spirulina

The utilisation of unconventional sources, particularly microalgae, for the production of feed, food, foodadditives, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals is growing in importance. With multiplicity of its application, onesuch source is the Spirulina, which has a long history of human use. Latest developments have establishedthe potentiality of microalgae for the production of a variety of chemicals of economic value. In this respect,Spirulina is one of the most promising being especially high in the polyunsaturated fatty acid gamma-linoleicacid (GLA) and in pigments such as polycocyanin, myxoxanthophyl and zeaxanthin. The present project onSpirulina culture is based on a technology transfer scheme, currently at its incipient stage, it initially aims atdetermining the biomass production for a land-based culture system. Following the procurement forlaboratory and survey equipment, investigation to establish the presence/absence of marine Spirulina strainswill be initiated. The project is being developed by Mr. P. Mussai.

Projects


Wave propagation model from Indonesia to Mauritius for estimating local wave height.

African Monitoring of Environment for SustainableDevelopment (AMESD)

The African Monitoring of Environment forSustainable Development (AMESD) was set-up in2002 in Dakar with the objective of promoting thesustainable management of the Africanenvironment. This regional project funded by theEuropean Union and coordinated by the AfricanUnion aims at providing a platform on an operationalbasis whereby remotely sensed data will be used formonitoring, preparedness and adaptation toenvironment change, including sustainabledevelopment of the environment. The projectAMESD covers five regional thematic actions whichhave been identified by the Regional EconomicCommunity (RECs) represented by the followinggroups for the African region: CommmunautéEconomique des Etats d’ Afrique Centrale (CEMAC),Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS), Inter-Governmental Authority onDevelopment (IGAD), Indian Ocean Commission

(IOC), Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). These thematic actions include:• management of water resources (CEMAC),• water management of cropland and rangeland management (ECOWAS),• land degradation mitigation and natural habitat (IGAD),• coastal and marine management (IOC),• agricultural and environmental resource management (SADC).

The Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) representing the Regional Implementation Centre (RIC) for theTHEMA: Coastal and Marine Management is the focal point for the AMESD programme execution. It intendsto develop capacity for:

• determination of Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ), • ocean characterisation,• marine hazards.

This four-year project will also be conducted in Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, Kenya, Tanzania andMozambique. In Mauritius the project will be carried out by a technical team composed of Mr. M.R. Badal, Mr.B.A. Motah, Mr. V. Ramchandur, Mr. H. Runghen and Mr. A. Rawat under the overall responsibility of theDirector and assisted by the ‘Assistant Technique’ Mr. François Carnus.


Feasibility of pearl culture in Mauritius

The main aim of this project is to undertake a feasibility study of pearl culture with a view to attract investorsto set-up a farm. Pearl farming can be done on many economic levels using various approaches ranging fromfamily or community arrangements to commercial-scale enterprises. Certain aspects of pearl farming do notrequire large capital outlay and use low technology and sustainable methods.

Pearl culture is a thriving business for coastal village communities in many parts of the world. Pearl farmingbegins with conducting a feasibility study to determine whether the proper conditions that allow pearl farmingto be profitable exist.

The abundance, distribution and biology of pearloyster species in the Mauritian waters are poorlyunderstood. In this respect, studies includingassessment of pearl oyster species and evaluationof their culture potential are being undertaken.

All pearl farms need a steady supply of young pearloysters (spat) to keep farm in operation. Spatcollection is one of the main sources of young pearloysters. In that context, spat collectors have beendeployed at potential spat collection sites. Thecollection is the process of attracting larval pearl

oyster onto spat collectors. The ability to collect spat effectively is probably going to be important to thedynamic growth of the industry.

After preliminary studies, a pilot farm will be set-upas a demonstration of a full-fledged farm inMauritius. Positive results of the feasibility study willlead to the selection of a site for the establishmentof a farm. A provisional set-up has been placed atPointe aux Feuilles for the grow-out of collectedjuveniles of pearl oysters.

The project is carried out by Dr. A. D. Poonyth withthe assistance of Mr. O. Sadasing.

Projects


Juvenile pearl oysters in the MOI pilot farm.

Fixing of spat collectors.

Biological survey of Port Louis harbour for identificationof introduced species by ballast water

In response to the threats posed by invasive marine species, the United Nations Conference on Environmentand Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, in its Agenda 21 called on the International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) and other international bodies to take action to address the transfer of harmful organismsby ships. During the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) which took place in South Africa in2002, the WSSD had re-affirmed its commitment to Agenda 21. The International Convention for the Controland Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments was adopted by consensus at a DiplomaticConference at IMO in London in 2004. Given the importance of the threats posed by invasive marine species

and reaffirming the pledge of the Republic of Mauritius to adhere to its international legal commitment, theMinistry of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport and Shipping has set up a National Task Force, incollaboration with other institutions including the Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) with the aim ofpromoting and facilitating scientific and technical research on ballast water management. The MOI has beenentrusted the responsibility of carrying out the biological survey of Port Louis Harbour for introduced species.The project is being developed by Mr. P. Mussai.

Staff Training


Mytilopsis sallei (Recluz, 1849) one of the invasive species from ballast water (Source: CRIMP, CSIRO Marine Research)

Attachment to the laboratory of CORDIO East Africa in connection with theRegional Genetics Connectivity Project, Mombasa, Kenya

Dr. R. Moothien Pillay, Project Officer, was on attachment to the laboratory of CORDIO in Mombasa, Kenyafrom 16 July 2007 to 3 August 2007 in connection with the regional project ’Genetic connectivity and itsimplications for the design and management of marine protected areas in the East African Ecoregion‘. Theproject is funded by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) under its MarineScience for Management (MASMA) scheme.

Attachment at the University of Tokyo following the cruise of Hakuho-Maru KH-06-04

Mr. P.D. Bissessur, Research Assistant, participated in a research cruise on board R/V Hakuho–Maru. Thecruise scientists principally focused on advancing the understanding of the Rodrigues Segment (Segments15 and 16) of the Central Indian Ridge (CIR) where the previous geological and geophysical studies wereongoing as part of UK and French programs. The research team conducted several operations: geophysicalmapping by SeaBeam, magnetics and gravity, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) dives, CTD hydrocastsand rock samplings.

Following the research cruise, Mr. Bissessur was invited by the Chief Scientist, Prof. K. Tamaki, to participatein the post cruise data processing of the SeaBeam bathymetry data at the University of Tokyo from 25 July2007 to 6 August 2007. The work at the University of Tokyo implied data processing using the GenericMapping Tools (GMT) software and production of bathymetric and topographic maps relative to the MOIinterests using the bathymetric data acquired by the R/V Hakuho-Maru and the Etopo2 ’Smith & Sandwell’database.

Training course on the Preparation of the Submission to the Commission on theLimits of the Continental Shelf, Cape Town, South Africa

Mr. S. Persand, Project Officer, participated in a training course on the Preparation of the Submission to theCommission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in Cape Town, South Africa from 13 to 17 August 2007.

The modules covered included: Legal Framework, Geodetic Methodologies, Hydrographic Methodologies,Geomorphological Methodologies, Geological Methodologies, Geophysical Methodologies, Sea Floor Highs,Planning and Management of a Submission, Procedure for Preparation and Presentation of a Submission.

Staff Training


Ocean Colour 2007 Africa, Mombassa, Kenya

Mr. B.A. Motah, Associate Research Scientist, participated in a training course organised by the JointResearch Centre (JRC) and the Kenya Marine Fisheries Institute (KMFRI) on ’Methods and Applications ofOcean Colour using Remote Sensing in African Coastal and Regional Seas‘ from 24 September 2007 to5 October 2007 in Mombassa, Kenya. The course was supported by the Partnership for Observations of theGlobal Oceans (POGO) and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS-Africa).

The course was designed to provide participants from Africa and Western Indian Ocean with the necessaryskills and background knowledge for ocean colour satellite measurements as well as key application inmonitoring and managing the coastal zone and in protecting marine ecosystems and resources.

Workshop on ‘Capacity Building for Research Leaders and Senior Role Playersinvolved in the Management and Protection of the Ocean and Coastal Zones’,Oceanographic Research Institute, Durban, South Africa

Mr. J.I. Mosaheb, Research Scientist, participated in a team building workshop organised by IOC ofUNESCO at the Oceanographic Research Institute in Durban, South Africa from 28 to 31 October 2007.Participants were from South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius and Tanzania. The objectivesof the workshop were to revitalise and build the ability of candidates to participate in high impact scientificteams, to cultivate and strengthen innovative networks of science leadership in the region, to foster greaterteamwork within institutions and the region and to increase the sustainable impact of scientific research anddevelopment through greater collaboration and integrated projects that build capacity and address significantregional needs. The participation of Mr. Mosaheb was sponsored by the Intergovernmental OceanographicCommission of UNESCO.

Training workshop on ‘Scientific Methodologies in Marine Ecology’, Pemba-Mozambique

Mr. P. Mussai, Associate Research Scientist, participated in the Western Indian Ocean Marine ScienceAssociation (WIOMSA) training course on Scientific Methodologies in Marine Ecology at the Coastal andMarine Environment Research Centre, Mozambique from 2 to 17 December 2007. The purpose of theworkshop was to train regional young scientists in scientific methods in marine ecology. Twenty participantsfrom the Eastern African countries were selected for the training. The two-week training course was dividedinto theory sessions and field practicals in the tropical coastal environment. Mr. Mussai was sponsored bythe WIOMSA.


IOC-UNESCO International Training Course on Numerical Modelling, Course II:Tsunami Inundation Modelling, Seychelles

Mr. B.A. Motah, Associate Research Scientist, participated in an International Training Course on NumericalModelling organised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, theIntergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (ICG/IOTWS) PerthSecretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) from 21 to 28 January 2008 inSeychelles. Emphasis was laid on the application of the Community Model Interface for Tsunami (ComMIT)modeling software developed by Dr. V. Titov at the NOAA centre for Tsunami Research. The particularity ofthis software is that ii incorporates preset earthquake sources and depending on the magnitude set, it cansimulate tsunami waves for different scenarios. Sea floor dislocation due to rupture along a fault is expressedin terms of deformation rectangular area. To model a real-world seismic fault, multiple deformations of the unitrectangle which are contiguous and not overlapping were simulated.

Training sessions were conducted by Prof. C. Pattiaratchi, Dr. V. Titov, Dr. C. Moore and Dr. U. Kanoglu.Lectures covered the theory behind the modeling and tsunami physics and a copy of the ComMIT softwareand documents were handed out to the participants.

Workshop on ‘Safety and Health Legislation and Risk Assessment’ organised by theMauritius Employer’s Federation

Ms. L. Seeballuck, Assistant Administrative Officer, participated in a workshop on ‘Safety and HealthLegislation and Risk Assessment’ organised by the Mauritius Employer’s Federation on 3 and 4 March 2008.

This workshop was designed to introduce participants to the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2005 whichreplaces the Occupational Safety, Health and the Welfare Act 1988. The objectives of the workshop were toconsolidate and widen understanding of the scope of legislation on safety, health and the welfare ofemployees at work, to understand the legal framework within which occupational safety and health operates,to understand the rules and responsibilities of both management and employees and on application of thelegislation in the workplace.

Staff Training


Occupational Safety and Health workshop – ‘Implementing the Occupational Safetyand Health Act 2005: The Role of Supervising Officers in the New Paradigm’

Ms. L. Seeballuck, Assistant Administrative Officer, participated in a workshop organised by the Ministry ofCivil Service and Administrative Reforms on Occupational Safety and Health on 10 April 2008 at Domaine LesPailles.The objectives of the workshop were to expose the supervising officers to the new paradigm set by theOccupational Safety and Health Act 2005, to help the supervising officers through their respective statutoryduties and responsibilities to provide and maintain safe and secure working environments and to update thesupervising officers on their new roles with respect to an effective management of safety, health and welfareresponsibilities under the new Act.

The Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem (ASCLME)Oceanographic Training Course and Cruise, Cape Town, South Africa

Mr. O. Sadasing, Research Assistant, participated in a training course organised by the ASCLME projectfrom 23 June 2008 to 16 July 2008. The course focussed on the basic principles, concepts, methods andtechnologies applied in collection of near-shore oceanographic and biological data.

The first week of the training was dedicated to theory sessions and included topics on Agulhas currentsystem, global climate change, introduction to techniques for acquiring and analysis of hydrographic data,fisheries management, introduction to remote sensing, fisheries ecosystem, fish identification and planktontaxonomy, biomass and productivity.

The second week of the training was devoted to shipboard training onboard the SA Africana. The aim of thiscomponent was to gain a practical level of knowledge in the development and operation of instruments suchas CTD, ADCP, plankton nets and trawl nets. Real time acquisition and processing principles were introduced.In addition, the sampling and analysis techniques for dissolved oxygen, salinity and chlorophyll were studied.

The third week consisted in hydrographic data collection along the Cape. The objective of the field practicalwas to provide hands-on experience to the handling and deployment of oceanographic instruments. The finalsession was dedicated to analysis of data.


Application of Earth Observations for Management and Sustainable Development ofCoastal and Marine Resources, Commission de l’Océan Indien Headquarters, Quatre-Bornes

Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI and Mr. B.A. Motah, Associate Research Scientist, participated in aregional workshop on Application of Earth Observations for Management and Sustainable Development ofCoastal and Marine resources at the secretariat of the Commission de l’Océan Indien in Quatre Bornes,Mauritius on 18 and 19 September 2007.

The aim of this regional workshop was to identify country needs and requirements in terms of remotelysensed data acquisition both at national level and institutional level as well as infrastructural requirements soas to develop a common strategy and prepare a plan of activities for submission to the AMESD SteeringCommittee. Participants included representatives from Comoros, Madagascar and Seychelles, the EuropeanUnion and the Commission de l’Océan Indien.

Sixth Meeting of the Marine Science for Management (MASMA) Grantees inDurban, South Africa

Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay, Project Officer, participated in the Sixth Meeting of the Marine Science forManagement (MASMA) Grantees in Durban, South Africa from 19 to 21 October 2007 back to back with theFifth Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Scientific Symposium. The meeting washeld for monitoring the performance of MASMA’s funded projects. Dr. S. Visram, CORDIO East Africa (Kenya)and Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay, Principal Investigators of the project ’Genetic connectivity and its implicationsfor the design and management of marine protected areas in the East Africa Ecoregion’ presented the resultsof the project achieved to date. Dr. Visram presented the scientific design of the project, research questionsand hypotheses to be tested, study sites and the rationale for site selection, methodologies used andconstraints. Dr. Moothien Pillay presented the planned analyses of the sequence data and their use formanagement applications. The cost of participation of Dr. Moothien Pillay was borne by WIOMSA.

Fifth Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) ScientificSymposium, Durban, South Africa

Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay, Project Officer and Mr. J.I. Mosaheb, Research Scientist, participated in the FifthWestern Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Scientific Symposium in Durban, South Africafrom 22 to 26 October 2007. The focus of this fifth symposium was on ’Advances in Marine Science in EasternAfrica: Science, Policy and Management: Pressures and Responses in the Western Indian Ocean region’.The symposium was organised jointly by WIOMSA and the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) andbrought together social and natural scientists, practitioners as well as decision-makers so as to shareexpertise, experience and solutions to aspects related to the theme of the symposium. The specific objectivesof the symposium was to present current knowledge on disciplines related to the theme of the symposiumand to provide a forum for discussion and exchange of information and experiences on coastal and marine

Participation in International Conferences and Meetings


science issues in the Western Indian Ocean region. Approximately 350 participants from the Indian Oceanregion as well as outside the region attended the symposium.

Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay made an oral presentation on the ’Population genetic variation of Pavonadecussata (Cnidaria; Scleractinia) in the Indian Ocean (Mauritius and Thailand) and west Pacific Ocean(Taiwan and Japan) inferred from the ribosomal ITS DNA sequences’. She also participated in the specialsession entitled ‘Coastal Oceans Research and Development’. Mr. Mosaheb presented a poster on ‘ShallowBathymetric Surveys at Flic en Flac – Republic of Mauritius – A case study’ and one on the ‘Database ofMarine Organisms in Mauritian Waters’ on behalf of Dr. Poonyth, Mr. Mussai and Mr. Martial. Dr. Moothien

Pillay was fully sponsored and Mr. Mosaheb was partly sponsored by WIOMSA.

IOGOOS Fifth Annual Meeting and Second High-Level Review Meeting of theIndian Ocean Panel, Phuket, Thailand

Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, participated in the fifth annual meeting of the Indian Ocean GlobalOcean Observing System (IOGOOS) and the second high-level review meeting of the Indian Ocean Panelfrom 30 November to 3 December 2007 in Phuket, Thailand. The meeting brought together the officers ofIOGOOS, Heads of institutions, IOC of UNESCO officials and high level scientists who are working on oceanobservation in the various Indian Ocean countries.

The topics which were discussed included the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System and linkages withIOGOOS, the recently established Australian Integrated Marine Observation System, capacity buildinginitiatives, BLUELink and its relevance to IOGOOS member nations, OCEANSAT-2 mission and itsapplications; and the Indian Ocean Real Time Chlorophyll Mapping Project and its application to marinefisheries. Participation was partly sponsored by IOGOOS.

First Project Steering Committee and Inception Workshop of the Agulhas andSomali Current Large Marine Ecosystems (ASCLME) Project, Durban, South Africa

Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, participated in the First Steering Committee Meeting and the InceptionWorkshop of the ASCLME Project on 22 and 23 January 2008 in Durban, South Africa.The objectives of the meetings were to ensure that all parties were familiar with the objectives of the projectin delivering a comprehensive Transboundary Diagnostic Analyses (TDA) and a Strategic Action Plan (SAP)for each of the LMEs. In order to meet the above objective, the Inception Workshop provided all parties withan update of the project status in terms of achievements to date and requirements as deliverables andrequested the countries to review the priorities for data capture within the LME so as to ensure that allappropriate priorities were addressed by the project whilst maintaining the agreed deliveries from the signedproject document. The cost of participation was borne by the ASCLME project.


First AMESD Programme Progress Meeting, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr. E. Martial, Project Officer and Mr. B.A. Motah, Associate Research Scientist, participated in the FirstAfrican Monitoring of Environment for Sustainable Development (AMESD) Programme Progress Meeting atthe African Union Commission in Addis Ababa from 6 to 14 February 2008. Participants includedrepresentatives of AUC, EC Delegation, JRC, EUMETSAT, WMO, FAO, UNEP, IRD, THALES ALIENASPACE-France, the five Directors of the AMESD Regional Implementation Centres (RIC), five RIC technicalrepresentatives and the AMESD technical assistance team. All costs were borne by AMESD.

Nineteenth meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Western Indian Ocean MarineScience Association, Johannesburg, South Africa

Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, participated in the nineteenth meeting of the Board of Trustees of theWestern Indian Ocean Marine Science Association in Johannesburg, South Africa on 1 and 2 March 2008.

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) groups more than 1000 qualified marinescientists from the eastern African and western Indian Ocean region. It manages projects, coordinatesregional activities and provides funding for collaborative regional programmes. It is financially supported bythe Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The cost of participation of all the members of theBoard of Trustees in the above meeting was borne by WIOMSA.

The present members of the Board of Trustees are: President – Dr. N. Muthiga, KENYA; Vice President – Dr.

M. Bhikajee, MAURITIUS; Treasurer – Dr. R. Johnstone, AUSTRALIA; Executive Secretary – Dr. J. Francis,TANZANIA; Member – Dr. N. Shah, SEYCHELLES; Member – Dr. S. Bandeira, MOZAMBIQUE; Member –Dr. M. Ngoile, TANZANIA; Co-opted Member – Dr. I. Hewawasam, World Bank, Washington.

Second Project Meeting of the Regional Genetics Connectivity Project, Zanzibar,Tanzania

Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay, Project Officer, participated in the second meeting of the regional project ‘Geneticconnectivity and its implementation for the design and management of Marine Protected Areas in the EastAfrican Ecoregion’ at the Institute of Marine Science, Zanzibar, Tanzania from 11 to 21 March 2008.

During the meeting, the project investigators were introduced to different softwares and techniques foranalyses of the project data. Analyses were carried out on Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms(AFLP), microsatellite and DNA sequence data obtained so far from the samples collected during the first yearof project (2007).



Second round of Technical Negotiations on EEZ Delimitation and PreliminaryDiscussions on the Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) between the Republic ofSeychelles and the Republic of Mauritius, Seychelles

A delegation consisting of H. E. Ambassador J. Koonjul (Head of Delegation), Mrs. A.D. Narain, Dr. M.

Bhikajee, Mr. A. Pursunon and Mr. N. Luchoo participated in the Second Round of Technical Negotiations onEEZ Delimitation and Preliminary Discussions on the Extended Continental Shelf between Seychelles andthe Mauritius in Mahé, Seychelles on 27 and 28 March 2008.

The negotiations on EEZ delimitation started with the agreed minutes of the first round held on 25 and 26 April2002 in Mauritius. Both sides exchanged their respective legislation on the Maritime Zones and details oftechnical information which had remained outstanding since the First Round of Technical Negotiations.

In the light of discussions on the Extended Continental Shelf (ECS), it came out that both sides had reachedan advanced stage for preparedness for an ECS submission. Since a potential overlap could exist betweenthe ECS of Seychelles and that of Mauritius, both sides agreed to consider the possibility of a joint submissionto the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. In the event the proposal for a joint submission wasendorsed by both Governments, both countries would be called upon to continually exchange information andhold meetings as frequently as required. For that purpose, both countries would need to agree on a commonroad-map in order to meet the deadline of May 2009.

Third Workshop for Directors of Centres for Marine and Allied Sciences in EastAfrica Region, Maputo, Mozambique

Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, participated in the Third Workshop for Directors of Centres for Marineand Allied Sciences in the East Africa Region in Maputo, Mozambique from 10 to 14 April 2008. It wasorganised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO in collaboration withInstituto Nacional do Meteordogia (INAM) of Mozambique and sponsored by SIDA and Western Indian OceanMarine Science Association (WIOMSA).

The objectives of the workshop were to connect the directors of the region so that they are better acquaintedwith research and development being carried out in the region, to share best practices among CEO’s of theresearch institute of the region and beyond and to provide formal leadership and management techniques tothe directors of the region.

The workshop was attended by 25 Directors/CEOs of research institutes or Heads of sections from Comores,Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania, Cameroon, China, Ghana, Nigeria, Korea and USA.Dr. Bhikajee was sponsored by WIOMSA.


Forty-first Session of the Executive Council and Twenty-fourth Session of the Assemblyof the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, Paris

Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, participated in the Forty-first Session of the Executive Council andTwenty-fourth Session of the Assembly of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)from 24 June to 1 July 2008 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Topics discussed included IOC’s Biennial Strategy and Operating Plan for 2008–2009, report on the GlobalEarth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects ofMarine Environmental Protection (GESAMP), General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), IOC andthe United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, follow-up of the Eighth Session of the IOC AdvisoryBody of Experts on the Law of the Sea (IOC/ABE-LOS VIII), IOC and the United Nations FrameworkConvention on Climate Change (UNFCC), IOC and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB), WMO-IOCJoint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) ProgrammeImplementation, the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Programme Implementation, the WMO-ICSU-IOC World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the Census of Marine Life (CoML), the InternationalOceanographic data and Information Exchange (IODE) Programme, the IOC Capacity DevelopmentActivities, the IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning andMitigation System (ICG/IOTWS) and the Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards related to Sea LevelWarning and Mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG).

Thirteenth Southern African Marine Science Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa

Mr. O. Sadasing, Research Assistant, attended the Thirteenth Southern African Marine Science Symposiumin Cape Town, South Africa, from 29 June 2008 to 3 July 2008. This event, which is held every three years,attracted more than 400 oceanographers and marine biologists from southern African and internationalmarine science institutes. Attending the symposium provided Mr. Sadasing with valuable exposure on thelatest trends in marine science, as well as a unique opportunity to network with marine researchers.Mr. Sadasing was sponsored by ASCLME project.



The National Ocean Forum 2007, Paul Octave Wiéhé Auditorium, Réduit

The Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI), in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office and theUniversity of Mauritius, organised the Fourth National Ocean Science Forum (NOSF) on 11 and 12 July 2007at the Paul Octave Wiéhé Auditorium, Réduit.

The main objectives of the NOSF were:

• to communicate new marine research and ocean development activities to the scientificcommunity and interested public;

• to offer a platform for interdisciplinary discussion amongst scientists, academics and policymakers on scientific needs and economic potential of oceanographic research;

• to promote understanding and public appreciation of the ocean.

The Forum was opened by Hon. A.R. Beebeejaun, Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Public Infrastructure,Land Transport and Shipping on Wednesday 11 July 2007. The opening also included an award ceremonyfor best papers and best poster. The paper entitled ‘Spatial distribution and size structure of Pavona cactus(Forskal, 1775) and Pavona decussata (Dana, 1846) in Mauritius by Dr. K.R. Moothien Pillay and J. Mainawon the best paper award. The paper entitled ‘Hydrodynamic Circulation Model for the Coastal Waters ofMauritius by H. Runghen, M.D. Fragaso, M. Bhuruth, S.D.D.V. Rughooputh won the second best paperaward. The poster entitled ‘Crustaceans (brachyuran crabs and zooplankton) associated with a mangrove-dominated and muddy shore in the east of Mauritius by B.S. Sadally, C. Appadoo and A.D. Poonyth won thebest poster award.

The Chairman of the MOI launched the ‘Electronic Database of Marine Organisms of Mauritius’ during theopening ceremony. This database, developed by the staff of the Institute, is an electronic compilation of themarine flora and fauna of Mauritius which has been reported in scientific literature. It is available on CD-ROMand through the internet on the MOI website.

The keynote address was given by Prof. K. Tamaki of the University of Tokyo, Japan and was entitled ‘TheBreakup of Gondwana continent and formation of the Indian Ocean—its full history and origin of Mauritius’.The address was on the geological history of the Indian Ocean and its evolution starting 200 million yearsago.

Sixteen papers representing the results of original research were presented by representatives of the Ministryof Agro-Industry, the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, the University of Mauritius, the University of Tokyo,Beach Authority and the following NGOs: Shoals Rodrigues, Mauritius Marine Conservation Society andEnvironmental Protection and Conservation Organisation.

Events


On-going institutional research projects were presented by the Ministry of Agro Industry and Fisheries, theMinistry of Environment, the MOI, the University of Mauritius and UNDP-GEF/SGP.

A discussion panel on ocean hazards involved the participation of Mr. Y. Boodhoo, Acting Director,Meteorological Services, Dr. Pathack of Pathack Aerospace Services Ltd. and Commandant M. Negi,Commander of the National Coast Guard.

At the end of the session on Institutional Research Projects, the forum adopted the resolution for the creationof the National Oceanographic Committee under the aegis of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute forcoordinating oceanographic research at national level. (The MOI Act 1999 provides for the MOI to coordinateactivities related to oceanography and to advise Government on the formulation and implementation ofpolicies and programmes in respect to oceanography and related aspects.)

Events


TO THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE MAURITIUS OCEANOGRAPHY INSTITUTE

Report on the Financial StatementsI have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, whichcomprise the Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2008, the Income Statement and Cash Flow Statement for theyear then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial StatementsManagement is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements incompliance with the Mauritius Oceanography Institute Act 1999 and the Statutory Bodies (Accounts andAudit) Act 1972. This responsibility includes designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevantto the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement,whether due to fraud or error, selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies, and making accountingestimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s ResponsibilityMy responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on my audit. I conducted myaudit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those Standards require that I comply withethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financialstatements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in thefinancial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessmentof risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making thoserisk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fairpresentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in thecircumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internalcontrol. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and thereasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall statementpresentation of the financial statements.I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my auditopinion.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT


OpinionIn my opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the MauritiusOceanography Institute as of 30 June 2008 and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the yearthen ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Mauritius and comply with theMauritius Oceanography Institute Act 1999 and the Statutory Bodies (Accounts and Audit) Act 1972.

(R. JUGURNATH)

Director of Audit

National Audit OfficeLevel 14Air Mauritius CentrePORT LOUIS

REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS

16 March 2009


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