A Fishery for Flying Fish

10.JULY.09

Editor: Flyingfish consumption is not popular in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. However, literature can be found that indicates its potential as a valuable food source in our nation.{{more}}

There is a particular book, ‘Biology and Management of Eastern Caribbean Flyingfish,’ that contains an article about the great abundance of the resource in our waters. Page 31 of the book (published in 2007) states: “A potential fishery for flyingfish does therefore exist off mainland St. Vincent although at present the resource is under-utilised, with large oceanic and schooling inshore pelagics being taken in preference.” It further makes reference to the fact that vessels from Barbados have for the last three years (prior to publishing) been applying for foreign fishing licences with none being approved.

In a country facing economic hardships, we should not leave it up to non-residents to see the value of a resource that we have here. Instead, we should find ways of utilizing it to ease our financial burdens.

The book claims that at present about 50 per cent of the fish consumed locally comprises imported canned or dry-salted fish. It also claims that whilst many species may have been over-exploited (for instance the shallow reef demersals) (Matthes 1984), the pelagic species probably remain under-exploited. In particular, flyingfish, which is a major component of the total fish catch in islands such as Barbados, St. Lucia and Grenada.

According to the book, what is needed most at this time for an increased production in flyingfish here is a market survey. There is no reason why Vincentians would not enjoy the consumption of flyingfish. We do not consume it because it is not a cultural norm. However, it is something that we should look into, especially as we move forward as a nation that intends to take its food security seriously.

Shamal Connell