Fish worries aired at Fisherman’s Day Celebrations

While the annual Fisherman’s Day celebration brought with it much joy and excitement for fishers, data from the Ministry of Agriculture show a cause for concern as there is a significant decline in local fish catch and revenue earned in 2024.

On Monday, June, 9, 2025, the Calliaqua Fisheries Complex was a buzz with activity as members of the public came out to see who would take home the coveted Fisherman of the Year title. When the waters cleared, Clare Valley resident, Eli Slater was awarded this year’s winning title after hauling in 988.8 pounds of fish which included a yellow fin tuna weighing 123.6 pounds. Slater’s massive catch contributed to the almost 5,500 pounds landed by the over 100 competitors on Monday, Whit Monday.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Saboto Caesar, described the day’s events as a “certain show of resilience” considering the severe blow the fishing industry suffered last year as a result of the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July, which resulted in many vessels being damaged and destroyed.

He disclosed that within the next two weeks, the Ministry intends to distribute $1.8 million in support for fisherfolk, adding that  they are also moving ahead with the Fleet Expansion Programme.

In the feature address, Acting Prime Minister, Montgomery Daniel, provided statistics which showed a steady decline in the sector throughout 2024, as compared to 2023.

“The year 2024 was particularly challenging for the fishing industry. The first and second quarters of 2024, fish production decreased drastically due to adverse weather conditions, rough seas, lack of bait, and limited markets for fish products; and in the third quarter, Hurricane Beryl, which caused widespread destruction to the fisheries infrastructure, personal properties- boats, engines and gears – all of that devastated the livelihoods of many Vincentians.”

Last year, 1,723,689 pounds of fish were recorded as landed and marketed in SVG which was approximately 646,000 pounds less than what was recorded in 2023. Earnings from 2023 were $18,333,138 while 2024 earnings were $14,761,565. These figures represent a 23.7 percent decrease in weight and a 19.5 percent decrease in earnings year-on-year.

Minister Daniel noted that over the years, conch and lobster has dominated the market, but these species saw an almost 50 percent decline in weight.

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