Uptick in Local Diversified Fisheries Production

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is reporting an uptick in diverse fisheries production out-turns, including for sea cucumber and sea moss.

Principal Director of the NFA’s Capture Fisheries Division, Stephen Smikle, says the Authority welcomes this level of engagement by local producers.

“In recent years, we have seen a rise in non-traditional products like sea moss and sea cucumber, which [are] produced primarily for export, and we have had some level of increased production in conch and lobster,” he said.

Mr. Smikle told JIS News that these products are considered fish under the law and, as such, the industry and its operations must be regulated.

“We have been doing our assessments and studies. We have been looking at the production area for sea moss and we have also invited those persons who are involved in the sea moss fishery to come in and normalise their operations. We now have a licensing regime in place for it,” he informed.

According to a Polaris Market Research Report, the global sea moss industry was valued US$2.58 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 1.8 per cent by 2032.

Mr. Smikle said consequent on the industry’s potential, the NFA is moving to stimulate its development.

“This is an industry that we’re trying to grow, not just regulate… because we see this as the next cash crop for agriculture and fisheries. We are putting in place pilot programmes and incentive activities to promote the growth of sea moss in Jamaica,” he indicated.

Aquatic plants are defined as fish under the Fisheries Act.

Persons interested in harvesting and/or growing sea moss, require a licence from the NFA.