The Mozambican government planned to sign an agreement for satellite supervision of its rich fishing waters with British firm Racal by the end of this month, LUSA reported on Friday, quoting Fisheries Minister Cadmiel Muthemba. The US $1 million contract, he said, aimed to limit illegal fishing and over-catching and to help assess and protect the country´s fish stocks, especially prized shrimp.

One of Mozambique´s major economic resources, fisheries exports in 2000 reached 15,800 mt, worth US $109.3 million - 20.2 percent more than in 1999. In a second phase, Muthemba said patrol boats and vehicles would be purchased and deployed, in conjunction with the defense, interior and transport ministries, for added control.