After skillfully maneuvering through the turmoil of the health crisis, the Réunion fishing company addresses, her too, this year with several tricks up its sleeve : revalued fishing quotas, attractive new products and positive commercial prospects.
With its activities combining toothfish fishing, processing of seafood, their packaging and export, Cap Bourbon is both a shipowner and an integrated sector offering a multi-service offering to seafood professionals in Reunion Island.. Society could therefore legitimately be concerned about the economic context impacted by the global health crisis.. Or, despite the storm, Cap Bourbon knew how to stay afloat. The year 2021 was marked by advantageous fishing campaigns, allowing the shipowner to reach his quota within three trips, when four are usually needed. Optimizing fishing efforts and efficiency has enabled Cap Bourbon to limit its carbon impact and use the time saved to better prepare its vessel for the new 2021 season.- 2022, notably by training a new crew (captain and second promoted internally), following several retirements.
The wind is in its sails again
As the market starts to rise again, society can be pleased to see its lights green. Starting with its new quotas, up about 5,5% compared to last year. An increase due in particular to good practices carried out by the captain in environmental matters during the fishing phases (avoid bycatch, baseline losses, interactions with birds…) and participation in scientific protocols. Export side, the company has, there too, managed to keep his head above water, thanks in particular to the support of historic customers, who showed great solidarity in the midst of a global crisis : “Since 1998, Cap Bourbon builds very strong relationships with its customers, declares Tugdual Poirier, chief operating officer of the company. When they encountered difficulties, we have been there. This, times, they are the ones who helped us stay afloat during these uncertain times. »
On the ground, promising prospects
Océane Production aims to double production in 2022 and thus strengthen its positioning as an integrated sector in Reunion and as an international exporter.. An extension project is also underway, which would make it possible to double the negative cold storage capacity at -24°C and would offer a versatile tool for professionals in the sector. Besides the quantitative aspect, the qualitative is also highlighted. The toothfish filleting technique (technique of lifting the nets) was thus acquired by the Océane Production team and represents unique know-how in the Indian Ocean on this exceptional fish. It responds to new consumption needs resulting from the Covid crisis : the appeal of ready-to-cook products, to prepare at home rather than discovering in a restaurant.
TOOTHOGINA EGGS : A GASTRONOMIC SUCCESS
Sold in small quantities at the end of 2021, Cap Bourbon toothfish eggs exceeded all company expectations. It took barely two weeks to sell the several hundred jars of 80 g eggs., exclusively distributed in delicatessens on our island. The collection of toothfish is highly regulated by regulations and the toothfish eggs come from occasional fishing.. Sometimes, some remounted females are grained with these “pearls of the southern seas”. Their marketing in Reunion Island was a world first.
