For both Mauritians and tourists, the sharks are certainly the greatest attraction of the Aquarium Mauritius, inaugurated last Wednesday at Pointe-aux-Piments by the minister of tourism, Anil Gayan, but certainly not the only one.

With the various types of fish that can be seen at the new aquarium, this initiative will entertain tourists, teach young children and adults about the beauties of marine life or simply give a new kind of pleasure to visitors. Walking on sand surrounded by a pleasant garden, all of you will enjoy the experience Jean-Paul Bouquet is offering to the public.

Like his uncle Arnold before him, Jean-Paul Bouquet is a lover of the sea. This is how, after the death of Arnold and the closure of the famous aquarium in Trou-aux-Biches, Jean-Paul ? with his father, Mario ? followed the family tradition and set up his own aquarium. After a long period of administrative procedures, his dream finally became reality.

What is good about this aquarium is its ecological aspect. A biologist specialising in marine species explained that, as an ecologist, he is in favour of such an aquarium in Mauritius as it will help people learn more about the life in the sea all around them. However, it is also important to avoid taking too many species out of their natural environment.

Pioneers of qualitative change

?This aquarium is the first of its kind as it uses a closed system and the sea water is recycled. This is an ecological aspect that fits in with our efforts to preserve the environment,? declared the Minister of tourism in his speech.

He also reminded those present that the number of tourist arrivals is constantly going up. With the new marketing plan set up by the Minister of finance in his budget, this number is expected to rise even more. As a result, such initiatives should be welcomed and encouraged so as to offer even more to tourists coming to Mauritius. ?We are ready to support the pioneers of a qualitative change in our economy,? he said.

The aquarium has already had 8,000 visitors so far and intends to continue in the right direction. It is open every day and the entrance fee is Rs 95 for children under twelve and Rs 195 for others.