More Support for Fisheries Sector

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining continues to extend assistance to fishers across the island with some 400 fishermen and women to receive vouchers this year under the Fisheries Incentive Programme.

The vouchers will enable the fisherfolk to purchase fish gear and equipment.

Portfolio Ministry, Hon. Floyd Green, made the disclosure at the recent handover of grants to fishers in Alligator Pond in Manchester, who suffered losses during a severe weather system on February 5.

In addition, he said, “We will work with 14 young fishers across Jamaica giving them grants of $120,000 each and 100 fishers will get safety equipment.”

These include very high frequency (VHF) radios with global positioning system (GPS) capabilities.

Minister Green said the Ministry also plans “to unveil the next generation of fishers” across the island who will each be given a boat and an engine.

He noted that more training, equipment and petrol will also be available shortly and encouraged more stakeholders to take up sea moss farming to meet growing demand. One such farm has been set up in St. Ann.

Minister Green said that the fisheries sector is important to communities and the Jamaican economy, and the Ministry is focused on safeguarding the sector for future generations.

“Unfortunately, despite the growth, we still import a lot of fish; we want to cut that number. Our nearshore fishing is almost non-existent. Some of our actions of the past have hurt the industry and we need it here so that our children and grandchildren can make a living from it,” Minister Green said.

He said that one way to safeguard the industry is by expanding the sanctuary network.

“There is one [sanctuary] in Galleon, South West St. Elizabeth, that has resulted in the return of some species not seen for years,” he noted.

The Minister informed that a sanctuary in Alligator Pond is 90 per cent completed and will be ready this year.

Fish sanctuaries will also be established in Hanover and St. James.

Minister Green noted that the fishers have lobbied for additional sanctuaries, having seen their benefits in revitalising the industry.