River Species Identification Card launched in SVG

A first of its kind project has been completed here in St Vincent and the Grenadines and will provide crucial information about the species found in rivers across the island.

The Freshwater Fish, Crayfish and Crab Identification Card was launched on October 17 following a project led by researcher and former Principal of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, John Renton.

Through funding from the St Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund (SVGEF) and collaboration with the Forestry Department, Renton and his team surveyed 14 rivers and 40 stations within the rivers. The stations, ranging from Calliaqua in the south to Owia in the north, were used as a spread of the various habitats.

Eighteen species of fish were found in the river with the most common fish species found being the sycidium plumieri more commonly known as the macack. Renton noted that this species, which is the parent of the tri tri is an economically important species considering that the sale of tri tri in SVG is a major source of income for many.

For crustaceans there were 10 species of crayfish identified, with the most common one being the bookie, as well as three species of crab.

Renton explained that the data will be compiled into a report which is expected to be made available to the public, allowing interested persons to have information “in one place”. The cards are designed so that they can be taken to the river and used in the field. The cards list 11 species of fish, 10 species of shrimp crayfish and two species of crab.

Executive Director of SVGEF, Louise Mitchell said the project provides a baseline study of the species found in the island’s rivers and helps to build an awareness about the need to protect the rivers.

“Rivers in SVG have been used for many things… including as a garbage dump. In many communities we take unwanted litter and put it into our rivers. One of the main reasons why the SVGEF wanted to support a project like this is that if certain things are unknown we can’t really value or appreciate it.”

Identification cards were also distributed to the Forestry Department, the Fisheries Division, National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority and the Ministry of Education.

Chief Fisheries Officer, Jennifer Cruickshank Howard described the launch of the identification cards as necessary considering that students and educators have often requested this information from the Division.

She also said that since the eruption of La Soufriere volcano, many have recognized the importance of the tri tri fishers whom she said have been neglected over the years.

She added this project places renewed interest in this “special group of fishers”.