Dear Editor,

Allow me to respond to your columnist Mr Mark Wignall who is suggesting that not enough is being done to protect the fisheries industry.

In an article last week, following on another written by him two Sunday’s ago, surrounding the detention of the fishing vessel, the MV Abbey, and the seizure of its cargo (in this case lobsters) by the Jamaica Customs Department, Mr Wignall argues that “if the Jamaican authorities are serious about regulating those who’re given licences to fish in our waters, much more due diligence must be applied, especially in the face of dwindling fish supplies”.

The boat was detained on April 1, 2010 and is owned by DYC Seafood Processors, a company operated by Mr Frank Cox.

There are two issues at play:

1. Regulating the industry; and

2. The dwindling fish supply, ie sustainability of the fishing industry.

However, before I address the two issues, let’s make it absolutely clear that the MV Abbey/Customs issue is now a police investigation. We are co-operating fully with the authorities to bring this case to a conclusion.

Having said that, we recognise the importance of the fisheries sub-sector, and it’s for that reason the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to emphasise the importance of the sub-sector.

Over the last two years we’ve allocated an average budget that is 145 per cent more than the average budgetary allocation over the previous three years, prior to this administration.

In addition, we believe that our fisherfolk have the right to a sustainable industry that can help to improve their living standard. To that end, we are finalising the fisheries legislation, which we anticipate will be completed within this calendar year.

The legislation will provide a comprehensive framework for a sustainable management and regulation of the industry, and will entail certain measures that have been scientifically proven, to improve the fish stock in our waters and lead to a sustainable fisheries sector. These include:

a. The banning of mesh sizes for fish pots below 1.5 inches.

We have already had dialogue with the major importers of wire mesh who’ve agreed to work with us in accomplishing this task.

b. Consultation with the Spear Fishers Association to vigorously monitor the industry, as this activity has proven to be extremely destructive to the fish population.

c. The requirement for special permit for compressors or other mechanical devices used for underwater breathing for the purpose of fishing only.

d. Strengthening our enforcement efforts to ensure that all fishers and vessels are registered.

Also, the ministry has established 10 fish sanctuaries around the country and has put a budget in place to support a number of NGOs to police them. A fish sanctuary is a designated area where the fish have an opportunity to grow to maturity.

And, we’ve refurbished 15 fishing beaches with gear sheds and other facilities to create a more enjoyable and more secure environment for our fishers.

With regard to our conch industry, which is one of our most regulated sub-sectors, as of May 2009, the Conch (Export Levy) Act was passed. This enabled the collection of a cess on each pound of conch exported. The cess collected establishes a Fisheries Management Development Fund, which is managed by a board approved by Cabinet.

The purpose of this fund is to finance projects that have direct impact on the development and sustainability of our fishing sector.

Further, the ministry in collaboration with Crime Stop will be working towards utilising their programme; where persons will now be able to anonymously report illegal activities on the open seas.

We encourage the public to bring to light any issues that affect the industry in a negative way, and thereby assist us in better regulating the industry.

Cecil Thoms

Director, Communication and Public Relations

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries

Kingston 6