Teams from the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) have, so far, counted more than 3,600 vessels from 110 fishing beaches on the island. Data collected comes through the ongoing Vessel Census, which aims to count all fishing vessels islandwide. Principal Director, Fisheries Compliance, Licensing and Statistics Division at the NFA, Dr. Zahra Oliphant, told JIS News that the census will also...

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is encouraging fishers across the island to cooperate with officials from the Authority as the vessel census continues. The census aims to capture and update data related to the number of fishing vessels currently on the island. Principal Director, Fisheries Compliance, Licensing and Statistics Division at the NFA, Dr. Zahra Oliphant, said that data from...

Jamaica has taken a major step towards reducing transnational organised crime in the fisheries sector, as well as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with the regional launch of Blue Justice Caribbean Hub. Jamaica is the regional Blue Justice Hub for the Caribbean, with the National Fisheries Authority as the focal point. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd...

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has called for a collective effort to combat praedial larceny, which has plagued the nation for years. State Minister, Hon. Franklin Witter, made the appeal during a Public Health Inspectors Sensitisation Session at Hibiscus Lodge in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, on October 24. He argued that it will take State agencies, the private...

Jamaica will observe World Food Day with a ceremony and exposition at the Newell High School in St. Elizabeth on Thursday, October 19 commencing at 10:30 a.m. The event involves collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The exposition aims to raise awareness about the importance of managing water...

Legislation to amend the Praedial Larceny (Prevention) Act to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement to go after farm thieves is expected to go before Parliament shortly. Addressing a sensitisation session on October 5 at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston, State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Franklin Witter, said the amendment will provide further deterrence against the criminal...

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, has been elected Chairman of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC). He was elected during the staging of the 19th WECAFC session, held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from September 6 to 8. The Minister said Jamaica is honoured to be the Chair of WECAFC. “WECAFC continues to be essential in our...