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Home | Fisheries industries being reorganised to serve fishers better - Green
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Floyd Green, says the Ministry is reorganising the fisheries and aquaculture industries to better serve fishers and fish farmers.
Among the new initiatives being implemented are the development of a new licensing regime, construction of a new $69-million, World Bank-funded hatchery, and introduction of new areas of engagement such as sea cucumbers and deep diving for tuna.
Green was addressing fishers and fish farmers at the virtual International Fisherman’s Day Symposium held on June 29 under the theme ‘Fisherfolk Building Resilience Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic’.
Noting that the new licensing and registration regime will be implemented over the next two years, Green said that in the interim, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) will be reducing the time for renewal of licences to no more than one week.
“Through strong international support we will be completing revamping our registration process. We want to ensure that wherever you are in Jamaica …to be able to register as a fisherman,” said Green.
Lamenting the decline in fisheries over the years, the Agriculture and Fisheries Minister highlighted the importance of protecting Jamaica’s ecosystem and called on the fishers to join in helping to protect the ecosystem.
He said the NFA will be working with the sanctuaries to enhance their protection and already a new boat, which was purchased through funding from the World Bank, has been patrolling the sanctuaries.
For this year, a section of the Pedro Banks will be made into a sanctuary with an additional four to come on stream over the next three years.
“I hope over the next three years to do four new sanctuaries to help us replenish our fish population,” stated Green
Additionally, the NFA will be undertaking a survey to determine the fin fish population as well as engage fishers around the minimum size of fish to be caught.
Noting that last year has been a very challenging one, Green congratulated the fishers for their resilience and for continuing to risk their lives to provide food.
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