In the port of Saint-Gilles, on the west coast of Reunion, Fernand Léone is a local figure. And for good reason: despite his 93 years, this professional fisherman continues his activity. Alone, on his seven-meter boat, he goes fishing several times a week.
Returning from several hours at sea that Sunday, Fernand Léone looked grim. The fishing was bad. Only two small mullets took the bait. “Not even enough to feed my cat, if I bring him that, he might scratch me. So this time, it's me who will be the cat, I'm saving them for my dinner tomorrow!“He adds with a smile that”without being chauvinistic, red mullet is the best fish in the world. Besides, it sells for 50 euros per kilo.“.
The old fisherman's eye is laughing. At first glance, he is not talkative, but between two silences, he finally tells his story. He explains that if he still fishes, despite his 93 years, it is first and foremost for the pleasure of being at sea, in contact with nature: “At sea, I feel good, far from worries“. But also for “put butter in the spinach, because fishermen's pensions are not fantastic“. Like all professional fishermen, once retired, he continues to benefit from the advantages of the profession: he can always sell the fish he catches, the fuel he consumes is tax-free, and he has preferential rates. for the space in the port intended for his seven-meter boat, as well as a small room to store his equipment, a stone's throw from the harbor master's office.
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©Reunion the 1st
Born in Tunisia, of Sicilian origin, the fisherman has worked his way up. He traveled the globe, passing through Guadeloupe and Martinique, before arriving in 1976 in Reunion.
Here I found the atmosphere of my childhood, nice people, who immediately put me in the bath. Who are not secretive, they help you, they are very nice. This is paradise. Many countries should send a delegation to see how we live together.
From his 50 years of fishing practice in Reunion Island, Fernand Léone explains that the sector is doing badly, due to the scarcity of fish. “Before, it was a profession in which you could earn money, a lot of money. Those who are still doing well are those who take tourists for big game fishing. That's what I did before. But in recent years, it’s been very hard for professional fishermen.”
The fish resource was falling before, but now it is plummeting. We are not reasonable. The huge nets (“seine boats”) can collect tens of tons of fish, it's a waste. Purse seiners are weapons of mass destruction.
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©Reunion the 1st
Going out to sea alone doesn't scare him, despite his 93 years. “A glitch can happen, even on land. Just be careful“. He explains that as long as he feels physically capable of continuing to go to sea, he will continue. “But it’s true that I go out a little less than before. I'm waiting for the good weather“. With a smile he philosophizes: “When the good Lord calls me, I will go to his call“.
From this Monday, November 4 and until Thursday evening, find a large format report every evening on fishing in Reunion in the 7 p.m. news.
