Fishery stakeholders address marine conservation at workshop in Calliaqua

Marine stakeholders from several fishing communities across the mainland came together in Calliaqua last Wednesday, November 6, 2024 to examine conservation issues within the South Coast Marine Conservation Area (SCMCA). The workshop, conducted by technical officers within the Fisheries Division, involved fishers, vendors, and processors in sessions aimed at emphasising sustainability, and was held under the theme: ‘Protecting Today’s Fisheries, Securing Tomorrow’s Catch’.

Fisheries Officer within the Biology and Research Unit, Chimelll Martin, who moderated last Wednesday’s workshop also led the first presentation.

She outlined that the department is carrying out two initiatives- their fisheries workshop series, and a trivia competition and expo. Martin explained that individuals who take part in the trivia competition, set for Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Russells Auditorium, can win US $500 in groceries, US $500 in boat repairs, gas vouchers, gear, and equipment.

To give a sense of how the trivia competition will be done, Martin encouraged those attending to listen attentively during the workshop. At the end of the workshop, there was a quiz on everything that was covered.

Martin’s presentation focused on the SCMCA because of its ecosystems that must be conserved and protected. The stakeholders heard how to conserve marine resources for future use and why it is important.

“We want to practice sustainable fishing methods so that many years down the line, we will continue to have fish,” Martin outlined.

When asked about their opinion on the importance of marine conservation, one fisher said, “For future generations”, another said “Protect the species”.

Attendees learnt as well how the marine environment can be used to enhance the tourism product of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the number of lives- both marine and human, that depend on this environment. Much emphasis was placed on water pollution and respecting conservation laws and guidelines. This session was led by Kellishia George, a Senior Fisheries Assistant in the High Seas Unit.

The problem with spearfishing and hunting prohibited marine wildlife both in and out of season drew much discussion among the fishers and fisheries officials.

According to the attendees, more fishers should be made aware of spearfishing, which is prohibited in the area. There was light back and forth about whether laws surrounding turtles—which are endangered, and lionfish—an invasive species, should be relaxed to encourage consumption.

“De meat does sweet though”, said a voice in the crowd.

The interactive workshop among other things, covered rules, and the history of the SCMCA, and seemed to have been well-received, according to an evaluation board that was filled out by the participants at the end of the workshop.

The Fisheries Department has carried out workshops in four of SVG’s six fishing zones. Wednesday’s workshop was for communities that are part of Fishing Zone 1 and involved fishers, vendors and processors from Kingstown, Questelles, Campden Park, Great Head, Indian Bay, and Calliaqua. The workshop, originally slated to take place at another location in the Fishing Town, had to be relocated to the Calliaqua Fisheries Complex due to the reluctance of some fishers to move from the complex to the Calliaqua Town Hall, causing a delayed start.