Download Annual Report 2008/2009 - Mauritius Oceanography Institute

Annual Report 2008/2009
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Contents
Chairman’s Letter
1
Vision and Mission Statement
2
The Board
3
Staff of the Institute
5
Projects
8
Staff Training
21
Participation in International Conferences and Meetings
23
Cruises
27
Events
28
Report of the Director of Audit
31
Financial Statement
33
ISSN 1694-0377
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Chairman’s Letter
June 2010
Dr. The Hon. Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM, G.C.S.K., F.R.C.P.
Prime Minister
Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications
Republic of Mauritius
In accordance with the provision of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute Act of 1999, I am hereby
submitting the Annual Report of activities and accounts of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute for the
Financial Year which ended on 30 June 2009.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. S. C. Seeballuck, G.O.S.K
Chairman
Annual Report 2008/2009
1
Vision and Mission Statement
The Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI) was established under the Mauritius Oceanography
Institute Act (Act No. 24 of 1999).
The objectives 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 in
respect to oceanography and related aspects,
•
to coordinate, collaborate and co-operate with other institutions, agencies and persons on
national, 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 of interest and
activity related to oceanography,
•
to demonstrate and communicate to the scientific community and the public at large the results
and the importance of oceanography in the conservation, maintenance, management, utilisation
and 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 Vision
To contribute towards the advancement of oceanography at the national, regional and international level
for the welfare of the people of the Republic of Mauritius.
Our Mission
To develop and strengthen oceanographic research, using an integrated scientific approach, to enhance
understanding of ocean and coastal processes, for rational development of marine resources, within the
maritime zone of the Republic of Mauritius.
2
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
The Board
The Mauritius Oceanography Institute is managed by a Board, consisting of a Chairperson appointed by
the Prime Minister and senior representatives of different ministries and institutions. Sections 8 to 10 of
the MOI Act of 1999 lay down the overall responsibility of the Board.
The composition of the Board for the year 2008-2009 was as follows:
(a)
Chairman of the MOI Board:
Prof. I. Fagoonee (up to May 2009)
Mr. S. C. Seeballuck (as from June 2009)
(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 is
assigned:
H.E. Mr. J. Koonjul, Ambassador
(d)
A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of Finance is
assigned:
Mrs. S. Rama, Principal Financial Management Analyst
(e)
A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of economic
development is assigned:
Vacant
(f )
A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of environment is
assigned:
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, Director of Fisheries
(h)
A representative of the Ministry to which the responsibility for the subject of lands is assigned:
Mr. M. Roojee, Ag. 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 (up to September 2008)
Mr. B. Boyramboli, Permanent Secretary (as from October 2008)
(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
Annual Report 2008/2009
3
4
(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, Deputy Director General
(n)
The General Manager of the Outer Islands Development Corporation or his representative:
Mr. P. Davay, General Manager
(o)
Members having wide experience in oceanography or international law appointed by the
Minister:
Dr. A. Chan Chim Yuk, Associate Professor, University of Mauritius
Mr. S. Ho Man Cheong
Mrs. A. Narain, Assistant Solicitor General, Attorney General’s Office
Mr. S. Ragoonaden
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Staff of the Institute
Dr. M. Bhikajee, B.Sc. [Zoology], M.Sc.
Director
[Fisheries Management], Ph.D. [Marine Biology]
Scientific Staff
Mr. M. R. Badal, Graduate Stat., M.Sc.
Project Officer (up to March 2009)
[Applied Maths and Modelling], M.Sc. [Oceanography]
Principal Research Scientist (as from April 2009)
Dr. D. E. P. Marie, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Chemistry with
Project Officer (up to March 2009)
Environmental Studies], Ph.D. [Chemistry],
Principal Research Scientist (as from April 2009)
Post Doc. [Chemistry]
Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay, B.Sc., M.Sc. [Marine Ecology and
Project Officer (up to March 2009)
Fisheries Biology], Ph.D. [Fisheries Science]
Principal Research Scientist (as from April 2009)
Mr. E. Martial, B.Tech. (Hons.) [Computer Science and
Project Officer (up to December 2008)
Engineering], M.Sc. [E-business]
Systems Administrator (as from January 2009)
Mr. J. I. Mosaheb, B.Sc. [Marine Biology and Biochemistry]
Research Scientist
Mr. M. Singh, B.Sc. [Physics and Geology], M.Sc. [Geology]
Research Scientist
Mr. B. A. Motah, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Physics with Environmental
Associate Research Scientist
Science] M.Sc. [Sustainable Environmental Management]
Mr. P. Mussai, B.Sc. [Zoology], M.Sc. [Marine Biology and
Associate Research Scientist
Oceanography] M.Sc. [Project Management]
Mr. P. D. Bissessur, Master 2 Recherche, DESS
Associate Research Scientist
[Télédétection-Imagerie-Numérique]
On study-leave-without-pay
Mr. V. Ramchandur, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Physics]
Associate Research Scientist
Mr. O. Sadasing, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Biology with Environmental
Research Assistant (up to October 2008)
Science], M.Sc. [Marine Biology and Oceanography]
Associate Research Scientist (as from November 2008)
Mr. S. Bacha-Gian, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Biology with Plant Science] Research Assistant (up to September 2008)
Associate Research Scientist (as from October 2008)
Dr. H. Runghen, B.Sc. (Hons.) [Mathematics]. Ph.D.
Research Assistant (up to December 2008)
[Numerical Modelling and G.I.S.]
Associate Research Scientist (as from January 2009)
Mr. A. Rawat, Ingénieur en Modélisation Mathématique
Research Assistant (up to February 2009)
et Mécanique
Associate Research Scientist (as from March 2009)
Annual Report 2008/2009
5
Scientific Staff
Mr. V. Bhoyroo, B.Sc. Botany, M.Sc. Botany [Spec. in
Research Assistant (up to March 2009)
Plant Biotechnology]
Associate Research Scientist (as from April 2009)
Mr. G. Beedessee, B.Sc. [Chemistry, Zoology,
Associate Research Scientist (as from August 2008)
Biotechnology], M.Sc. [Molecular Biology]
Mrs. R. Surnam-Boodhun, B.Sc. [Chemistry]
Associate Research Scientist (as from August 2008)
Technical Staff
Mr. C. Samyan [PADI Dive master]
Technical Assistant/Senior Technical Assistant
Administrative Staff
Ms. L. Seeballuck B.Sc. (Hons.) [Public Administration
Assistant Administrative Officer
and Management]
Mrs. N. Tegally
Confidential Secretary
Mrs. C. Persand
Public Relations Officer (Retired October 2008)
Ms. R. Boyjoonauth
Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer
Acting Public Relations Officer (as from November 2008)
Mrs. A. Moonesawmy
Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer
Ms. S. Moothoosawmy
Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer (as from June 2009)
Mrs. S. Sukai
Receptionist/Word Processing Operator
Accounts & Finance Department
Mr. I. Kalloo
Senior Finance Officer
(Part time from PMO)
Mrs. R. Sobha, FCCA
Accounts Clerk (up to December 2008)
Accountant (as from January 2009)
Mrs. M. Joyram
Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer.
Acting Accounts Clerk
Ms. L. Nundram
6
Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Support Staff
Mr. D. Munsah
Driver/Office Attendant
Mr. V. Coopen
Driver/Office Attendant
Mrs. M. Rajiah
Handy Worker
Interns 2008-2009
Ms. Christina Devi Peron Engutsamy
As from June 2009
Trainees under the Student Work Experience
Program (SWEP) of the University of Mauritius
Mr. Kader Bathia Wasiim
Up to 01 August 2008
Ms. Dhanisha Gopaul
Up to 02 August 2008
Ms. Bhavna Ramdenee
Up to 25 July 2008
Mr. Nooruddin Rotbully
Up to 26 July 2008
Ms. Reshma Raghoobur
Up to 27 July 2008
Mr. Nicolas Arnaud
As from 15 June 2009
Mr. Nadeem Nazurally
As from 15 June 2009
Mr. Aftaab Meethoo
As from 15 June 2009
Ms. Nitasha Baldew
As from 15 June 2009
Ms. Poongavanam Pouveni
As from 15 June 2009
Annual Report 2008/2009
7
Ongoing Projects
Continental shelf project
In 2008-2009, the Mauritius Oceanography Institute pursued its task of preparing the technical
submission of the Republic of Mauritius to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the
Continental Shelf (UNCLCS). According to the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea, a coastal
state shall establish the outer limits of its continental shelf wherever it extends beyond 200 nautical miles
from the territorial sea baseline, securing access to additional seabed area. The United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea is a multilateral treaty that establishes a framework of rules and
principles to govern all ocean space. The Convention has been ratified by more than 158 countries,
including some 47 Commonwealth member countries. The Republic of Mauritius, which is party to the
Convention, ratified it in 1994 and consequently had to abide by the deadline of May 2009 for its
submission to the UNCLCS.
Joint Mauritius-Seychelles Submission concerning the region of the Mascarene Plateau
Following technical and
diplomatic negotiations led
by the Prime Minister’s Office
and the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Regional Integration
and International Trade,
Mauritius and Seychelles
became the first two Island
States to make a joint
submission to the UN
Commission on the Limits of
the Continental Shelf, when
they lodged their submission
concerning the Mascarene
Plateau in December 2008.
The Republic of Mauritius and
the Republic of Seychelles
made an official presentation
of their submission at the
United Nations Headquarters
in March 2009. They are jointly
requesting to secure 387,000
square
kilometres
of
additional seabed in the
region of the Mascarene
Plateau.
The
Mauritius
Oceanography
Institute
contributed in the specialised
technical support required for
the submission.
8
The extended continental shelf in the region of the Mascarene Plateau
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Submission concerning the region of Rodrigues Island
Another important task of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute was the formulation of the submission
in the region of Rodrigues Island. This concerned the seabed area beyond 200 nautical miles east of
Rodrigues Island. After lodging the submission in May 2009, the Republic of Mauritius made its official
presentation in August 2009.
The Republic of Mauritius has established under Article 76 of the Convention that the outer edge of the
continental margin in the relevant land territory of the Republic of Mauritius in the region of Rodrigues
Island extends beyond 200 nautical miles measured from the territorial sea baselines. It has therefore
delineated using the constraints as provided in the same Convention the limits of its Extended
Continental Shelf (ECS) in the region of Rodrigues Island. It is to be noted that the ECS comprises only of
the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone
throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to its outer limits. The outer limits of the
extended continental shelf of Rodrigues Island enclose an area of approximately 123,000 square
kilometres extending beyond 200 nautical miles from the territorial sea baselines of the Republic of
Mauritius and are defined by an outer limit line composed of 398 fixed points.
Preliminary Information concerning Chagos Archipelagos
The Mauritius Oceanography Institute also provided technical support to Government for the
submission of preliminary information on the outer edge of the continental margin in the relevant land
territory in the Chagos Archipelago (Egmont and Diego Garcia Islands) which extends beyond 200
nautical miles from the territorial sea baselines. The indicative outer limits of the ECS cover an
approximate area of 180,000 square kilometres.
For the three submissions, the Republic of Mauritius will be invited by the UNCLCS at its headquarters in
New York for supporting the data and information provided to the Commission. The Mauritius
Oceanography Institute is assisting the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional
Integration and International Trade and the Attorney General’s Office by providing the specialised
technical support required.
The technical part of the project is carried out by a team consisting of Mr. R. Badal, Mr. E. Martial, Mr. M.
Singh, Mr. B. A Motah, Mr. V. Ramchandur, Mr. A. Rawat, and Dr. H. Runghen under the supervision of the
Director. The overall project committee is under the chairmanship of the Secretary to Cabinet and Head
of the Civil Service, Mr. S. C. Seeballuck. Working sessions, negotiations with Seychelles and missions
abroad are led by Ambassador J. Koonjul of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and
International Trade. Technical support is provided by Mr. Joshua Brien, Legal Adviser, Commonwealth
Secretariat, Dr. Karl Hinz and Dr. Andre Chan Chim Yuk former commissioners to the UNCLCS and Dr.
Harald Brekke, present Commissioner to the UNCLCS.
During Financial Year 2008-2009, several rounds of discussion on the Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)
between the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Mauritius were held alternatively in Victoria,
Seychelles and at the seat of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute in Quatre Bornes. The meetings were
co-chaired by Mr. Raymond F. Chang-Tave, Special Adviser at the Ministry of National Development of
Seychelles, who headed the Seychelles delegation and His Excellency Ambassador Jagdish Koonjul, who
headed the Mauritian delegation. The other members of the Mauritian delegation were Mrs A. Narain,
Assistant Solicitor-General, Attorney-General’s Office (AGO), Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director, Mauritius
Oceanography Institute, Mr. A. Pursunon, Principal Assistant Secretary, Prime Minister’s Office and
Annual Report 2008/2009
9
The technical teams from Seychelles and Mauritius with the Commonwealth Secretariat consultants
Dr. A. Chan Chim Yuk, former Mauritian Commissioner to the UNCLCS. Depending on the agenda, the
following members also joined the delegation for specific meetings: Mrs G. Topsy-Sonoo from the AGO,
Mr. R. Badal and Mr. Motah from MOI and Mr. N. Luchoo from the Ministry of Housing and Lands.
10
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Biological activities of marine
natural substances from
Mauritius waters
This second phase of the project aims at the isolation of additional bioactive molecules having medicinal
properties from marine sponges and development of new laboratory facilities for testing the extracts on
human cancer cells. The project team consists of one Principal Research Scientist and three Associate
Research scientists. The three staff members are receiving in-house training; in addition, one staff
member, who holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, received advanced training in Mammalian
Cell Biology at the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute of the Marmara Research Centre in
Turkey.
Sampling for sponges
One sponge which showed interesting anticancer activities was fractionated further and part of this work
was presented during the National Ocean Science Forum 2009. An overview of the whole project was
also presented during the symposium of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association held in
Réunion Island in August 2009. More sponge collections and extractions were carried out during this
year.
This project is carried out by Dr. Daniel Marie with the assistance of Mrs. R. Surnam-Boodhun and Mr. G.
Beedessee.
Annual Report 2008/2009
11
Genetic connectivity and its
implications for the design and
management of Marine
Protected Areas (MPAs) in the
East African Ecoregion
A project workshop was held in September 2008 at the Molecular Ecology Laboratory of Södertörn
University, Huddinge, Sweden. During the workshop, the investigators were familiarised with the
Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) technique using Siganus sutor samples collected from
Kenya, Tanzania and Mauritius. Moreover, a set of objectives were identified during the meeting to plug
some major gaps in the study and especially to try and understand the possible role of the South
Equatorial Current in the transport of larvae from the islands in the western Indian Ocean to the
mainland. Comoros, Seychelles and Rodrigues were hence included in the sampling design. The
responsibilities for sampling in these three countries were assigned to Dr. Sadri of Institute of Marine
Science in Zanzibar (for Comoros samples), to Dr. S. Visram of CORDIO (for Seychelles samples) and to Dr.
K. R. Moothien Pillay of MOI (for Rodrigues samples).
Sampling caudal fins of Siganus sutor (cordonnier) for molecular genetics analyses
As from June 2008, sampling, DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of Siganus sutor were
undertaken by each participating institution. In Mauritius, a total of 90 tissue samples of Siganus sutor
were collected from the region of Mahébourg, Tamarin and Pointe aux Piments from June to July. In
Rodrigues, 30 tissue samples each of Siganus sutor and of Scarus ghobban were collected around the
12
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
island in November 2008. At the time of collection, each specimen was digitally photographed, weighed
and its caudal length measured.Tissue samples were then clipped from caudal fins of each fish, preserved
in 76% ethanol and kept refrigerated.
DNA extraction and PCR of the samples were carried out within each participating country’s genetics
facility. In Mauritius, total DNA was extracted from 90 samples of Siganus sutor collected from Mahébourg,
Tamarin and Pointe aux Piments and from 30 samples of Siganus sutor and Scarus ghobban collected from
Rodrigues. The control region of the mtDNA was amplified for all the samples of Siganus sutor from
Mauritius and for Siganus sutor and Scarus ghobban from Rodrigues. Due to the unavailability of
sequencing facilities at the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, the PCR products were sent to overseas
facilities for sequencing.The AFLP analyses of the samples were undertaken during the workshop held at
the Molecular Ecology Laboratory of Södertörn University.
The preliminary results of this study have been presented at the 11th International Coral Reef Conference
in Florida, USA (July 2008), at the conference ‘Meeting Global Challenges in Research Cooperation’ in
Uppsala Sweden (May 2008) and at the National Ocean Science Forum held at the University of Mauritius
(June 2008).
The project is carried out by Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay with the assistance of Mr.V. Bhoyroo and Mr. S. Bacha
Gian. This three-year regional project is due to end in December 2009.
Annual Report 2008/2009
13
Development of a pilot project
for coral farming for tourism,
export, education, research and
conservation
This project, which started in January 2008, aims at investigating optimal conditions for growth of various
coral species in ex-situ nurseries.The ultimate goal is to mass produce corals for restoration efforts, for the
creation of an on-land coral sanctuary for preserving biodiversity and for producing corals for a
sustainable marine aquarium industry.The growth of various coral species is being monitored in on-land
nurseries and more recently, in a closed aquarium system. Ex- situ coral growth is also being compared
with the growth of the same species cultured at sea. At the beginning of the experiment, four species of
corals namely Acropora austera, Acropora selago, Acropora formosa and Pocillopora damicornis were under
culture at the nurseries. After the severe coral bleaching in January 2009, whereby more than 50% of
corals bleached and died in some lagoons, the culture of bleaching resistant strains of Acropora austera,
Acropora formosa and Pocillopora damicornis and of bleaching resistant species such as Montipora
digitata, Porites palmata, Pavona decussata, Pavona cactus and Pavona danai was started.
Various species of corals being cultured in a closed system.
14
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Digital photography and the buoyant weight technique are used to monitor growth of each coral
transplant. Submersible temperature data loggers and Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) meters
have been placed in the on-land and ocean nurseries to monitor water temperature and PAR,
respectively. Water samples from both nurseries are analysed on a weekly basis for calcium, nitrate and
phosphate levels, as well as for pH and salinity.
A coral culture laboratory with a closed aquarium system has also been set up. Various coral species are
being cultured in a controlled environment in the closed aquarium system.The survival and growth rates
of these species will then be compared between a semi-closed (on-land nursery), completely closed
(closed aquarium system) and a natural environment (ocean nursery). Moreover, the closed aquaria
system is being used to study the effect of artificial feeding on coral growth.
A mobile laboratory has also been set up near the land nursery for coral transplantation and coral
measurements. Moreover, a marine aquarium which displays a coral reef ecosystem has been installed in
this laboratory. This set up is being used to strengthen environmental awareness of the community and
to emphasize the significance and conservation aspects of corals and coral reefs.
The capacity of the ocean nursery has been increased to serve as repositories for corals (small colonies
and fragments) damaged by human activities and cyclones. After recovery, they are returned to the reef
and cemented to the reef structures.
The first phase of this project is due to end by mid 2010. During the second phase of the project, mass
culture of bleaching-resistant coral strains will be carried out and appropriate techniques for the
restoration and rehabilitation of some degraded lagoon reef areas will be developed.Work with the hotel
industry to create coral gardens in front of tourist resorts is also planned. If adequate infrastructural
facilities are made available, an on-land stock of corals will be maintained for providing source materials
to those who would be involved in the export of corals for the marine aquarium trade. This will ensure
the sustainability of this industry by preventing exploitation of reefs and loss of critical habitats. The
project could also provide the opportunity to propagate rare/endangered species and to maintain a
coral sanctuary for preservation of biodiversity.
The project is carried out by Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay with the assistance of Mr. S. Bacha-Gian and Mr. V.
Bhoyroo.
Annual Report 2008/2009
15
Bathymetric survey of the
shallow lagoons of Mauritius
and Rodrigues
With a view of producing maps showing the depth contours of the shallow lagoons, bathymetric data
were acquired at various sites using a high frequency single beam echo sounder. This equipment has a
minimum depth range of 0.2 metres and is therefore appropriate for this kind of work given the
shallowness and the tidal regime (± 0.75 metres maximum) prevalent in the lagoons of the island.
Placing the wave and tide recorder prior to bathymetry data collection
Depending on the bottom topography and the geomorphology of the lagoon investigated, the surveys
consisted, in general, of running 25 metres spaced transects using a boat adapted for this activity. For real
time collection of data the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the echo sounder were synchronised.
These data were also tide corrected using a tide recorder placed at the site of survey. Further processing
was effected using a Geographical Information System (GIS) software. For ease of reference, various land
marks were also incorporated in the map.
During the financial year 2008-2009 surveys in the lagoons of Péreybere and Grand Baie were completed
and the data are being processed. Surveys have started in the vast lagoons of Poudre d’Or, Roches Noires
and Pointe des Lascars in the north east of Mauritius. At the end of the project an atlas and a CD with data
in GIS format will be published.
The project is being run by Mr. J. Mosaheb and Mr. V. Ramchandur.
16
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
African Monitoring of the
Environment for Sustainable
Development (AMESD)
The European Union and African Union jointly launched the AMESD programme under the framework of
the 9th EDF in 2007 in order to equip African countries with a mean to better monitor the environment
for a sustainable development and also to help the planning for land development. This was in response
to the urgency expressed during the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in
Johannesburg in August 2002.
This continent-wide project which is financed to the tune of 21 million euro is destined to the Regional
Economic Communities in Africa, namely ECOWAS, IGAD, COI, CEMAC and SADC.The main partners of the
AMESD programme are the European Commission, EUMETSAT as the expert group, the African Union
Commission, ACP and the five Regional Economic Communities.The AMESD programme aims at creating
an information network under five main themes that uses Earth Observation (satellite data) and
technologies as a tool to decision making.
Under each thematic area, a Regional Implementation Centre (RIC) has been identified. The Commission
de l’Océan Indien (COI) theme which relates to the coastal and marine environment management has
been entrusted to the Mauritius Oceanography Institute for its implementation. As a RIC, the role of the
Institute is clearly defined in terms of its responsibility for implementing and managing the project
theme on a regional basis. To this effect, a contract-grant to the tune of 1.2 million euro over three years
has been signed between the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, the European Union and the African
Union in September 2009. This marked the official starting date of the project.
Among its main activities for the period 2008-2009, the Mauritius Oceanography Institute inaugurated
the first AMESD satellite receiving station on its premises during the holding of the fifth thematic expert
meeting that was held in Mauritius. The receiving station provides access to ocean, climate and weather
data. These data are important for building the products and services that will be generated during the
implementation phase.
The products and services definitions were further elaborated during the thematic meeting and two
main operational services that use satellite ocean observation data will be developed with the support
of EUMETSAT:
• management and control of fishing activities and of fishing resources through the identification
of Potential Fishing Zones;
•
a regional database in physical oceanography and marine climatology which can be used for
management of marine hazards.
The AMESD-COI theme will be implemented on a regional basis and to date focal institutions and
persons have been identified in Madagascar, Seychelles, Tanzania, Mozambique and Kenya for
collaboration with the MOI to implement the services in their own countries.
The AMESD-COI theme contains an important component of capacity building. In this aspect, a regional
training in Physical Oceanography and Ocean Colour was organised at the Regional Meteorological
Training and Research Centre (RMTRC) in Vacoas. A total of 20 scientists, both from the partner countries
and from local institutions were trained.
Annual Report 2008/2009
17
The AMESD-COI project is managed by a team led by Mr. R. Badal and consisting of Mr. E. Martial, Mr. B. A.
Motah, Mr. V. Ramchandur, Dr. H. Runghen and Mr. A. Rawat. Technical assistance is provided by Mr.
François Carnus from BRL Ingénierie
Fixing of antenna for reception of ocean satellite data
18
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Ballast water management
According to the International Maritime Organisation, shipping moves over 80% of the world’s
commodities but also transfers approximately three to five billion tonnes of ballast water internationally
each year. One consequence of this is the increased dispersal of marine species around the world in ships’
ballast water into environments they have not previously occupied. Invasive species are modifying the
marine habitats around the world at an alarming rate.
Taking this threat into account the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport and Shipping with the
assistance of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute is currently investigating the presence of marine
invasive species in Port Louis harbour in the project entitled ‘Biological survey of Port Louis harbour for
identification of introduced species by ballast water’.
The port is the major entry point for invasive species from ballast water
The focus, during the initial stage, has been the acquisition of equipment and the setting up of a mobile
laboratory that will significantly facilitate the operational component of the project. The next phase will
concentrate on developing a national list that will identify high risk species for our port and the
development of the port sampling design.
The ballast water project is managed by Mr. P. Mussai
Annual Report 2008/2009
19
Setting up of a pearl oyster
farm in Mauritius
Pearls are considered as one of the nine precious gems all over the world.There has been a lot of interest
in respect of pearl oyster culture in the Indian Ocean region in the past decade. The industry presents a
significant potential for economic development in coastal village communities and national economies.
Pearls are the ideal export commodity because they are non-perishable and have established lucrative
markets.
Starting and successfully running a fully integrated pearl farm generally requires a large commitment of
time and money. It takes two to four years to obtain the first harvest of pearls and the farmer must have
capital to sustain the farm through this time.
Amongst the oyster species that are
cultured for pearls, the highly priced
black-lip pearl oyster, Pinctada
margaritifera, has been reported
from Mauritius. Other Pinctada
species that have been reported
from Mauritius include Pinctada
maculata, Pinctada margaritifera
zanzibarensis, Pinctada mauritii,
Pinctada radiata, and Pinctada
vulgaris. However, the distribution
and abundance of these bivalves are
not known. A survey within near
shore habitats in Mauritius revealed
that Pinctada species are distributed
in shallow lagoons, bays and
channels, particularly in the eastern
region of the island. This major study
provided significant information on
the collection ground for the stock of
P. margaritifera for a pilot farm.
Unloading structures for the oyster farm
Spat collection is the most commonly used method to obtain black-lip pearl oysters as it is cheap and
easy to do. Spat collection is the process of attracting the free-swimming larval stages of pearl oysters to
settle on a substrate that is hung in the water. Different materials have been used to attract pearl oyster
spat but accordion-style black polyethylene shade cloth material seems to work best. Deployment of spat
collectors is considered as one of the first steps in the pearl culture farm.The studies, carried out in Pointe
aux Feuilles region, have revealed that black-lip pearl oysters generally spawn in a seasonal pattern with
one yearly peak in spat settlement. Determination of the spawning peaks would be beneficial to
potential investors as they can set their collectors to coincide with maximum spat fall. The juvenile
collected from the wild were transferred on to intermediate grow-out systems in the Bambous Virieux
and Pte aux Feuilles region, respectively.
The collected juveniles are presently being grown to adults. Nuclei will subsequently be inserted in the
oysters to allow the pearls to develop. Mr. O. Sadasing who is responsible for the project will follow an
intensive course in pearl oyster culture in October and November 2009 at the Central Marine Fisheries
Research Institute in Cochin, India.
20
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Staff Training
IOC-UNESCO Training Course on Tsunami Inundation Numerical Modelling, Tehran, Iran
Mr. R. Badal, Project Officer, participated as a resource person in the fifth IOC-UNESCO tsunami
inundation modelling course which was held in Tehran, Iran from 19 to 24 July 2008. The training course
which was hosted by the Iranian National Center for Oceanography (INCO) was organised following the
request of Iran to the IOC-UNESCO for capacity building in the field of tsunami inundation modelling.
Scientists from INCO, Tehran University and Iranian Port Authority attended the course. Prof. C.
Pattiaratchi, the lead trainer for the course was assisted by Mr. R. Badal.
Western Indian Ocean Marine Genetics Network (WIO-magnet) Workshop, Södertörn
University, Huddinge, Sweden
Dr. K. R. Moothien Pillay, Project Officer, attended a workshop at the Molecular Ecology Laboratory of
Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden, from 9 to 19 September 2008. The aim of the workshop was to
agree on standard laboratory techniques in population genetics for investigators of the WIO-magnet
Research Group.
Since technical capacity for undertaking research for the genetics connectivity project is not evenly
distributed among scientists of the Western Indian Ocean region, the main aim of the workshop was to
upgrade regional capacity in genetic research and analyses.
International Training Workshop for Marine Biotechnology, Qingdao, People’s Republic
of China
Dr. D. Marie, Project Officer, participated in the International Training Workshop for Marine
Biotechnology from 9 to 23 September 2008. This international training workshop is an annual meeting
where researchers from several countries get the opportunity to know more about the marine related
research that the Chinese scientists are undertaking. Twenty eight participants from 10 countries
attended this workshop.
Eighth EUMETSAT User Forum in Africa, Accra International Conference Centre, Accra,
Ghana
Mr. E. Martial, Project Officer, attended the 8th EUMETSAT User Forum which was held in Accra, Ghana,
from 6 to 10 October 2008.This biennial forum, which is a part of EUMETSAT’s initiative to strengthen links
with the user community in Africa, was organised in cooperation with the Ghana Meteorological Agency.
The purpose of the forum was to offer an opportunity for delegates to receive the latest information on
EUMETSAT programmes and activities in satellite meteorology, oceanography, atmosphere and climate
monitoring.
Over 100 participants from more than 60 countries representing African regional bodies, government
agencies and regional scientific institutions participated in the forum.
Regional Technical Workshop on Risk Management and Natural Disasters, La Réunion
Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, participated in the Regional Technical Workshop on Risk
Management and Natural Disasters in La Réunion from 22 to 23 January 2009. The aim of this workshop
was to regroup experts and stakeholders from Comoros, Réunion, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles
and potential collaborators for decision making concerning risk management and natural disasters.
Annual Report 2008/2009
21
Advanced Practical Course in Mammalian Cell Biology, Gebze/Kocaeli, Turkey
Mr. G. Beedessee, Associate Research Scientist, participated in the Advanced Practical Course in
Mammalian Cell Biology which was organised by Dr.Kemal Baysal, Director of the Genetic Engineering
and Biotechnology Institute (GEBI), TUBITAK-Marmara Research Centre and supported by the
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, (ICGEB) from 25 May to 4 June 2009.The
aim of the course was to train young scientists working in the field of cell culture. Twenty six participants
from 13 countries attended this course.
MOI/AMESD Regional training course in Physical Oceanography and Ocean Remote
Sensing, Mauritius
Mr. R. Badal, Principal Research Scientist, Mr. B. A. Motah, Mr. V. Ramchandur, Dr. H. Runghen and Mr.
A. Rawat, Associate Research Scientists and Mr. E. Martial, Systems Administrator, participated in a
regional training course in Physical Oceanography and Ocean Remote Sensing which was organised by
the MOI from 8 to 20 June 2009 at the Regional Meteorological Training and Research Centre at Vacoas.
This training was part of a series of capacity building programme that will be implemented within the
COI theme of AMESD. The main objective of the training was to provide participants with the principles
and tools in physical and regional oceanography, ocean remote sensing and earth observation tools.
Workshop on the Assessment of Climate Variability Impacts on Coastal Communities of
East Africa using Ocean Models, Cape Town, South Africa
Mr. B. A. Motah and Dr. H. Runghen, Associate Research Scientists participated in the Workshop on the
Assessment of Climate Variability Impacts on Coastal Communities of East Africa using Ocean Models in
Cape Town, South Africa from 29 June to 3 July 2009.
The objectives of the training course was to demonstrate the implementation of a high resolution coastal
model for application towards climate variability and change, show impacts along the east coast of
southern Africa, improve ocean modeling capacity in southern Africa and increase oceanography
collaboration, technology transfer and data between ASCLME countries.The training was mainly focused
on the application of Regional Ocean Model Systems (ROMS) which is a LINUX based model and the
principles governing this model were introduced. Participants from South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya
and Mauritius attended the workshop.
The participation of Mr. B. A. Motah was fully sponsored by START/PACOM, ASCLME, SAEON and the CSIR.
Dr. H. Runghen was sponsored by AMESD.
22
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Participation in International
Conferences and Meetings
Forty-first Session of the Executive Council and Twenty-fourth Session of the Assembly
of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Paris, France
Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, participated in the Forty-first session of the Executive Council and
Twenty-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 Global
Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of
Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP), General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO), IOC and
the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, follow-up of the Eighth Session of the IOC Advisory
Body of Experts on the Law of the Sea (IOC/ABE-LOS VIII), IOC and the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), IOC and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB),WMO-IOC
Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) Programme
Implementation, the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Programme Implementation, the WMOICSU-IOC World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), the Census of Marine Life (CoML), the International
Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) Programme, the IOC Capacity Development
Activities, the IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and
Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWS) and the Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards related to Sea
Level Warning and Mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG).
First AMESD Steering Committee Meeting and Second Technical Experts Meeting, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia
Mr. B. A. Motah, Associate Research Scientist and Mr. E. Martial, Project Officer, participated in the First
meeting of the AMESD Programme Steering Committee at the African Union Commission Headquarters
in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 7 to 9 July 2008. In parallel with this event, the AMESD second Technical
Expert meeting was held from 4 to 9 July 2008 at the AMESD premises in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Representatives from the following bodies participated during these events: AUC, EC Delegation, JRC,
EUMETSAT,WMO, FAO, UNEP, IRD,THALESALIENASPACE-France, the five Directors or representatives of the
AMESD Regional Implementation Centres (RIC), five RIC technical representatives, and the AMESD
technical assistance team.
Working Session for Tsunami Preparedness, Rodrigues
Following agreement between the Rodrigues Regional Assembly and authorities in Mauritius Mr. R.
Badal, Project Officer, participated in a working session on 31 July and 1 August 2008 for preparing
Rodrigues for a potential tsunami. The main purpose was to brief the Rodrigues Administration on the
tsunami emergency scheme and the need to adapt it to the local context.
AMESD Third Technical Experts Meeting, Accra, Ghana
Mr. E. Martial, Project Officer, attended the AMESD Third Technical Experts Meeting in Accra, Ghana from
2 to 4 October 2008. The purpose of this meeting was to decide on the AMESD training plan, possible
collaborations and to review the progress and management of the AMESD programme.
Annual Report 2008/2009
23
The meeting included representatives from five Regional Implementation Centres (AGHRYMET, BDMS,
CICOS, ICPAC and MOI) as well as participants from AUC, JRC and THALES ALIENA SPACE-France, the
respective technical experts and AMESD technical team in Addis Ababa.
Fish sampling in Rodrigues in connection with the project entitled ‘Genetic
Connectivity and its Implications for the Design and Management of Marine Protected
Areas in the East African Ecoregion’
Mr. S. Bacha Gian, Associate Research Scientist and Mr. C. Samyan, Technical Assistant/Senior
Technical Assistant, carried out fish sampling in Rodrigues from 20 to 22 November 2008 in connection
with the project on Genetics Connectivity and its Implications for the Design and Management of MPA’s
in the East African Ecoregion. All costs were borne by the WIOMSA/MASMA Genetics Connectivity
Project’s Grant.
IOGOOS Sixth Annual Meeting, Hyderabad, India
Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, participated in the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Indian Ocean Global
Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS) from 3 to 5 December 2008 in Hyderabad, India. The meeting
brought together about 20 participants from Australia, India, Japan, Iran, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka,
Tanzania, USA and from the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.
The topics which were discussed included the elements of an observing and prediction system for the
west coast of India, the ocean observations in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, NOAA-MoES
partnerships, Oceansat-II Products and utilisation, predicting the Indian Ocean Dipole and its impacts, the
Indian Ocean Real Time Chlorophyll Mapping Project, IOGOOS ocean products, BLUELink, Sustained
Indian Ocean Biogeochemical and Ecological Research (SIBER), Ocean Modelling and Forecasting,
SEAGOOS and linkages with IOGOOS, AMESD project and its forthcoming activities for the SWIO region
and ocean data management. Participation was partly sponsored by the IOC.
Launching of the AMESD project activities in the COI region, Gold Crest Hotel, Quatre
Bornes, Mauritius
Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, Mr. R. Badal, Mr. E. Martial, Project Officers, Mr. B. A. Motah, Mr. V.
Ramchandur, Mr. H. Runghen and Mr. A. Rawat, Associate Research Scientists and representatives of
the Fisheries Division and Meteorological Services attended the stakeholders’ meeting for the launching
of the AMESD project activities in the COI region. The meeting was jointly organised by the COI and the
MOI on the 20 and 21 January 2009 at the Hotel Gold Crest, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius.
The main objective was to present the different components of the projects and on ways to implement
the following activities:
•
•
•
management of fishery resources;
monitoring and control of fishing activities;
mitigation of marine hazards.
Participants included representatives from Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius
and Mozambique.
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Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Fourth Technical Experts Meeting and Second Programme Steering Committee of
AMESD, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Mr. R. Badal, Project Officer, attended the fourth AMESD technical experts meeting from 11 to 13
February 2009 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting was attended by the technical assistance team and
the project coordinators of the Regional Implementation Centres as well as EUMETSAT and AU
representatives.
In its initial concept, AMESD consists of five thematic areas, namely: water resources management, under
CEMAC, water management for cropland and rangeland, under ECOWAS, land degradation mitigation
and natural habitat conservation, under IGAD, coastal and marine management, under IOC; and
agricultural and environmental resource management, under SADC.The main topics on the agenda were
discussions on the review of deliverables, receiving stations architecture, introduction to the concept of
E-stations and its adaptation.
The Second Programme Steering Committee of AMESD was held from 16 to 18 February 2009 and was
attended by representatives of the Regional Economic Centre’s, the Regional Implementation Centres,
EUMETSAT, African Union, ACP, Thales consortium and Technical Assistance, EU and EC. Dr. Johnson
Boanuh (ECOWAS) and Mr. Kennedy Masamvu (SADC) were elected chairman and vice chairman,
respectively.
Second Steering Committee of the UNDP/GEF Agulhas and Somali Current Large
Marine Ecosystem (ASCLME) project, Mahé, Seychelles
Dr. D. Marie, Project Officer, attended the UNDP/GEF Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine
Ecosystem project from 9 to 11 March 2009, in Mahé, Seychelles. In this context, a joint meeting of the
ASCLME, WIO-LaB steering committee members and SWIOFC representatives was held on 9 March 2009
to discuss issues that relate to all three projects.
The ASCLME steering committee which was held from 10 to 11 March 2009 included the following items:
•
•
•
•
•
•
data and information capture and management;
capacity building and training;
communications and participation (including newsletter, website, etc.);
governance and policy coordination and development;
review of revised activities and deliverables; amendments to activities;
work-plans and budgets, review of 2008 work-plan and achievements, review of 2008 budget
expenditure, 2009 work-plan and budget for endorsement.
Sixth Session of the CLIVAR-IOC GOOS Indian Ocean Panel, Météo-France, La Réunion
Mr. R. Badal, Principal Research Scientist, attended the sixth session of the CLIVAR-IOC GOOS Indian
Ocean Panel from 3 to 5 June 2009 in St. Clotilde, La Réunion.The objective of the meeting was to provide
scientific and technical oversight for the implementation of a sustained ocean observing system in the
Indian Ocean as well as to promote and implement basin scale mooring array.
The main topic of the meeting was a science review in the Indian Ocean and the progress with the
implementation of Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS). A status of the mooring arrays and drifters
were presented. The IndOOS data portal was introduced and a forward plan of observing system was
presented. Mr. R. Badal’s participation was sponsored by CLIVAR-IOC GOOS.
Annual Report 2008/2009
25
Land-Based Activities in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO-LaB) Project Meeting,
Mombasa, Kenya
Dr. D. Marie, Principal Research Scientist, attended the Western Indian Ocean Land-Based Activities
meeting from 9 to 12 June 2009 in Mombasa, Kenya.The main purpose of the meeting was to present the
final draft version of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) to the stakeholders in the Western Indian
Ocean Region with the aim of reaching a common agreement on the objectives, targets and strategic
actions defined in the SAP, including their relative priority and to define the modalities for the
implementation of the SAP.
Participants were from Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius, Réunion, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and
Kenya. Dr. D. Marie was sponsored by WIO-LaB.
Forty-Second Session of the Executive Council and Twenty-fifth Session of the
Assembly of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Paris,
France
Dr. M. Bhikajee, Director of the MOI, participated in the Forty-second session of the Executive Council
and Twenty-fifth Session of the Assembly of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of
UNESCO) from 15 to 25 June 2009 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
Topics discussed included consideration of the legacy of the International Polar Year (IPY) (2007-2009),
relations with the Convention on biological diversity, IOC collaboration with the Ocean Bio-geographic
Information System (OBIS), Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, IOC
role in standard settings and guidelines, mitigation of the impacts and adaptation to climate change and
variability, future of the IOC, preparation for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the IOC
(1960-2010) and the ministerial round table at the 35th general conference of UNESCO.
26
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Cruises
ASCLME Oceanographic Training Course and Cruise, Cape Town, South Africa
Mr. O. Sadasing, Associate Research Scientist, participated in the Agulhas and Somali Current Large
Marine Ecosystem (ASCLME) Oceanographic Training Course and Cruise in Cape Town, South Africa from
22 June to 17 July 2008.The aim of the course was to provide a comprehensive suite of training aimed at
developing integrated skills in offshore ecosystem monitoring and to provide the opportunity for
practising those skills on a state-of-the-art scientific research vessel. Participants were also trained in data
collection using smaller vessels, which are more readily available in the region. Participants also attended
the 13th Southern African Marine Science Symposium, which was held at the University of Cape Town
from 29 June to 3 July 2008.
ASCLME Oceanographic Cruise, Mauritius Survey
As a follow-up of the ASCLME Oceanographic Training Course, Mr. O. Sadasing, Associate Research
Scientist, participated in a six-day scientific research cruise on board R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen from 3 to 8
October 2008 in the context of the project.
The aim of the cruise was to determine how the deep-sea currents influence the island’s Exclusive
Economic Zone and its ecosystem. It was focused directly on the ecosystem of the island and it is
expected that knowledge developed can be used for the informed management of local marine
ecosystems.
ASCLME Oceanographic Cruise, Mascarene Plateau Survey
Mr. V. Ramchandur, Associate Research Scientist, participated in a 40-day scientific research cruise on
board R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen from 8 October to 17 November 2008. A key aim of the five-year ASCLME
project is to develop a series of well coordinated research cruises aimed at gathering baseline
information on the oceanography and ecology of the main marine ecosystems of the western Indian
Ocean region.
The main focus was to monitor the ecosystem and ensure that resource exploitation did not exceed the
carrying capacity of the system.The survey thus developed a new baseline which would enable Mauritius
and Seychelles to monitor subsequent changes in the resources and in the environment.
Hydrographic Survey off St. Brandon on board the INS Nirdeshak
Mr. A. Rawat, Associate, Research Scientist, participated in a hydrographic survey off St. Brandon on
board INS Nirdeshak from 13 to 30 March 2009.
The cruise was organised following a memorandum of understanding between the Government of
Mauritius and the Government of India and the overall objective was to produce a 1:75,000 hydrographic
chart of St. Brandon.
Annual Report 2008/2009
27
Events
The National Ocean Science Forum 2009, Paul Octave Wiéhé Auditorium, Réduit
Dr. Nick d’Adamo, Head of the IOC/UNESCO Perth Office gave the keynote address
The Mauritius Oceanography Institute organised its Fifth National Ocean Forum (NOSF) on 8 June 2009
at the Paul Octave Wiéhe Auditorium, Réduit. The organisation of the Forum coincided with the World
Ocean Day.
The main objectives of the NOSF were:
•
•
•
•
to commemorate World Ocean Day;
to communicate new marine research and ocean development activities to the scientific
community and interested public;
to offer a platform for interdisciplinary discussion amongst scientists, academics and policy
makers on scientific needs and economic potential of oceanographic research;
to promote understanding and public appreciation of the ocean.
The keynote address was given by Dr. Nick d’Adamo, the Head of the IOC Perth Office in Australia. He
talked about the role of IOC in the coordination of oceanographic activities among the member states
and about the Australian Bluelink programme. The opening ceremony also included the presentation of
awards for the best papers and poster.The paper entitled ‘Habitat use of Stenella longirostris and Tursiops
aduncus within the Dolphin Watching zone on the W. Coast of Mauritius’ by A. Cadinouche and I. Webster
from the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society won the best paper award. The paper entitled ‘A study
on encrusting organisms inhabiting rocky shores within the port limit of Port-Louis’ by J. Charles and
28
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
C. Appadoo from the Department of Biosciences of the University of Mauritius and A. Poonyth, ex-staff of
the Mauritius Oceanography Institute and the paper entitled ‘Chemical profiling of the cytotoxic extracts
of one sponge specimen using One Dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy’ by D. Marie
from the Mauritius Oceanography Institute won the second best paper award on an ex-aequo basis. The
poster entitled ‘Nemo abandons home following recent bleaching’by K. R. Moothien Pillay,V. Bhoyroo and
S. Bacha Gian from the Mauritius Oceanography Institute won the best poster award.
About 300 participants from various ministries, private organisations, parastatal bodies and secondary
schools were present and 13 papers representing the results of original research were presented by
representatives of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, the Ministry of Environment, the University of Mauritius,
the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society, UNDP-Port Louis,
Mauritius; the University of Warwick, UK; Södertön University College, Sweden; Fisheries Resource
Surveys, South Africa; Academia Sinica, the Institute of Oceanography, Republic of China; CORDIO, East
Africa and the Institute of Marine Science, Zanzibar.
Annual Report 2008/2009
29
REPORT OF THE
DIRECTOR OF AUDIT
On the Financial Statements
of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute
for the Year Ended 30 June 2009
NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE
30
REPORT OF THE
DIRECTOR OF AUDIT
TO THE CHAIRPERSON OF
THE MAURITIUS OCEANOGRAPHY INSTITUTE
Report on the Financial Statements
I have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Mauritius Oceanography Institute,
which comprise the Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2009, the Statement of Financial
Performance and Cash Flow Statement for the year then ended, and a summary of significant
accounting policies and other explanatory notes.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements
in compliance with the Mauritius Oceanography Institute Act 1999 and the Statutory Bodies
(Accounts and Audit) Act 1972.
This responsibility includes designing, implementing and
maintaining internal control relevant to 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 accounting estimates that are reasonable in
the circumstances.
Auditor’s Responsibility
My responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on my audit. I
conducted my audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those Standards
require that I comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements.
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers
internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial
statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An
audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the
reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
statement presentation of the financial statements.
I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
my audit opinion.
Annual Report 2008/2009
31
Opinion
In my opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the
Mauritius Oceanography Institute as of 30 June 2009 and of its financial performance and its cash
flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
Mauritius and comply with the Mauritius Oceanography Institute Act 1999 and the Statutory
Bodies (Accounts and Audit) Act 1972.
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Statutory Bodies (Accounts and Audit) Act 1972
I have obtained all information and explanations I have required.
In my opinion, proper accounting records have been kept by the Mauritius Oceanography
Institute as far as it appears from my examination of those records.
(Dr. R.Jugurnath)
Director of Audit
National Audit Office
Level 14, Air Mauritius Centre
PORT LOUIS
27 November 2009
32
Mauritius Oceanography Institute
Mauritius Oceanography Institute