The Department of Marine Resource is hosting a Trainer of Trainers Diamondback Squid Workshop from 9 – 13 January 2017. With the identification of Diamondback Squid resources in the marine jurisdiction of the Federation, the DMR is seeking to carry out trials to assess the possibility of promoting the utilization of these resources. This workshop is the product of collaborations between the DMR, Department of Fisheries Nevis, as well as local and regional fishers to essentially train persons who will then train other fishers.

“There are five major fisheries: lobster, conch, reef and slope fisheries, small coastal pelagic and large ocean pelagic. Exploring the Diamondback Squid as a fishery can bring added economic benefit to St.Kitts and Nevis and provide food security while having the potential of enhancing the livelihood of fisherfolk. The DMR should work on expanding the market for Diamondback squid so more persons can enjoy it as much as I do”, added Workshop facilitator, Mitchell Lay, a fisher of Diamondback Squid in the Antigua.

The Trainer of Trainers Diamondback Squid Workshop has the following objectives:

• Promote awareness of the availability of Diamondback Squid fisheries resources in St. Kitts and Nevis
• Train fishers in the production of fishin    g gear for catching Diamondback Squid
• Demonstrate the technique to catch Diamondback Squid
• Train fishers in processing and packaging Diamondback Squid
• Demonstrate the use of gear and equipment for catching Diamondback Squid suitable for small fishing vessels

Workshop activities include an initial gear and equipment assessment.  Aboard MV Transformation, an assessment of potential fishing grounds was done on Tuesday morning.  On site at the DMR, there were demonstrations of different gear types, gear making and a presentation of the squid life cycle, sustainability and fishing.  Experimental fishing trips will be done throughout the week to test the gear. On Friday, Diamondback Squid processing and value added activities and presentations would be completed.

Facilitator Mitchell Lay and Clive Wilkinson – preparing the gear

Fisheries Officer – Kharim Saddler

Fisheries Officer Kareem Wilkin assisting Kharim Saddler with set up

Squid gear and equipment

Participants from Department of Marine Resources and Department of Fisheries Nevis