Fishing is crucial to islands

Local, regional and international representatives gathered at the Kingstown Fish Market from November 7-9 in an effort to do more for the marine environment through a Coastal Fisheries Resource Management and Enhancement workshop.

At the opening ceremony on November 7, Chief Fisheries Officer Raymond Ryan noted that although many small scale and rural fisherfolk make up the industry they generate significant earnings to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP.{{more}}

Ryan said that fishing is crucial to islands in the region because it is a source of food, employment and foreign currency earnings.

He noted that while the demand for fish products continues to grow, some resources have become depleted and over exploited. Ryan said this was why emphasis was placed on proper assessment and management to ensure that the aquatic life populations are maintained and where necessary re-built.

The Chief Fisheries Officer stressed that issues affecting coastal fishing communities and the impact of globalisation must also be addressed through the sharing of information and technology.

Government aims at achieving effective management and development of the fisheries sector in consultation with stakeholders.

Chairing the event, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Pam Browne wished the participants every success, while Ambassador of Japan to St.Vincent & the Grenadines, Shigenobu Kato and President of Overseas Fisheries Consultants Association, OFCA, Toru Morikawa pledged their continued assistance to improving the fishing industry.