Planning for the future of marine resources in the Grenadines

We have come to depend heavily on the sea for a number of uses, whether it be for our livelihoods or for recreational purposes. The marine environment is being used every day for fishing, water taxi services, diving, the yachting community and much more.{{more}}

If we are not careful in our use and planning of our marine environment and its resources, we may face the possibility of adverse effects, like depletion of our fishing stocks.

Considering the importance of the sea and its resources there is a need for proper planning and management for future sustainability.

On February 16 and 17 stakeholders from across the Grenadines gathered in Hillsborough, Carriacou, at a workshop to discuss this issue. Workshop participants included government officials from St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, academics, community-based organizations and marine resource users.

It was part of a project that aims to develop a Marine Zoning Plan for the Grenadines. The objective of the plan is to identify areas within the marine environment that will be best suited for a specific use, whether it is fishing, conservation, or tourism among other uses.

The Marine Zoning Project is being implemented by Sustainable Grenadines Inc. (SusGren.) The project already has eighteen months of work behind it, which this workshop built on.

One of the major outcomes from this workshop was a refined draft zoning design that better reflects the needs and interests of the Grenadines people. It includes zones for: conservation, offshore fishing, nearshore fishing, general use, mariculture and transportation. Participants also provided input on the types of activities they would like to see permitted or restricted in each of these zones.

The design will be presented in a series of community meetings on each Grenadine Islands, between February 20 and March 4.

SusGren has received funding to support this project from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

For more information please contact SusGren (susgrenpm@vincysurf.com, telephone 784.485.8779).