Fishers Trained in Sea Moss and Oyster Production

Several fishers are being trained in sea moss and oyster production under the Promoting Community-Based Climate Resilience (PPCR) in the Fisheries Sector Project.

Funded by the World Bank in collaboration with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) the training aims to provide alternative livelihoods for fisher folk in communities across the island.

Project Manager, Selena Ledgister, told JIS News that over 20 fishers have benefited from sea moss production training.

She said that stock was taken from the mariculture facility in St. Thomas for planting.

“These plants were transferred over to St. Mary. Fishers from the Discovery Bay fishing village community [in St. Ann] also benefitted,” she noted.

“We have done several training including food handlers training in Oracabessa, St. Mary. We also had the White River farmers joining that training in early February,” she informed.

Ms. Ledgister said there are significant gains and revenue streams that can come from the planting of sea moss.

She noted that the product, called Irish moss locally, is used to create a popular drink and is also in high demand in the cosmetology industry.

Meanwhile, training is ongoing in Oyster production on the western end of the island.

“In Westmoreland and Hanover, fishers from communities in both parishes are going through training. They have completed their food handlers training and so now we’re going into the setting up of the racks, which should be done before the end of April,” Ms. Ledgister said.