PROVISIONS are being put in place to stop fishermen from catching small dolphins and from using the inappropriate net to capture flying fish.
This is according to Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer at the Fisheries Division, Joyce Leslie, who was delivering remarks yesterday during a service at the People’s Cathedral Church in
observance of Fisherman’s Day and also the beginning of Fisherfolk Week 2017.
She warned the local fishing community that the practice of catching dolphins that are not sexually matured, or have not had the opportunity to reproduce, means reducing the number of fish which will be available for regeneration.
Additionally, she said the recent trend of using a “small mesh size gill net” to catch flying fish is also definitely wrong.
“Both of these practices will be addressed by regulations,” she said.
She also pointed out that in 2015 and 2012, a significant decline in flying fish catches was observed, representing a total catch 378 and 354 megaton (MT) respectively, compared to 1000-2000 MT, as accustomed.
She said these low catches were highly associated with massive incursions of Sargassum seaweed in those years, occurring two to three months before the usual end of the fishing season.
“In 2013, flying fish catches rebounded to approximately 2000 MT. Associated with the Sargassum were numerous small dolphin fish, which were easily caught by fishers,” she explained.
The Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer reminded that fishermen are also required to report their fish catch accurately. She said regulations making it compulsory to record and report data on fish catch and area fished have been approved by the Cabinet, as well as changes to improve the fisheries act and to introduce new regulations for vessel safety and construction standards.
“Biological sustainability of the wild caught fisheries resources is the overarching goal, such that all present and future stakeholders in the industry, the fisherfolk, and Barbadians as a whole can benefit in the long term.
“In order to achieve this, management measures must be put in place and implemented, in order to maintain the vitality of the industry.
“The main components of the fisheries policy objectives which contribute to resource stability are to prepare and implement fisheries management plans for the different fish stocks currently exploited, taking into account the international legal framework for fisheries,” she said.
Leslie also advised that while management should be based on the best available scientific data and research, as well as contributory knowledge, if such data is lacking, and if there is reason to believe that harm is occurring or may occur, management decisions must be made to avoid severe or irreversible damage to the fisheries.
She stressed that while the successful implementation of these plans will be dependent on the fisherfolk, these men and women must be able to access basic new knowledge about fishing technology that is available.
Leslie acknowledged that while Fisherman’s Day 2017 theme is: “Fisheries Contribution to Food Security In A Changing Climate”, Government, through its Fisheries Division, is committed to optimising the social and economic returns from the exploitation of the fisheries resources, and the island’s fish stocks, which are the foundation of the fishing industry.
“For this to occur, the fisheries resources must remain viable and not be impacted negatively by irresponsible fishing practices, overfishing, or habitat degradation . . .” she said.
To celebrate Fisherfolk week, The Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisation (BARNUFO) which also attend the church service, will be hosting various activities, including a panel discussion. (AH)