The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism Regional Validation Workshop was held 14-15 December 2016 in Barbados. Ms Nikkita Browne – Department of Marine Resources represented the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis at this workshop.
The workshop covered the legal and regulatory framework for agricultural health and food safety for the fisheries and aquaculture subsectors, including the development of the Model Fisheries Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Regulations in keeping with international best practice measures.
The Regional Validation Workshop was conducted by the Global Centre for International Law of the UK and was sponsored under the fisheries component of the programme on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, approved under the 10th European Development Fund Caribbean Regional Indicative Programmes implemented by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in partnership with CARICOM Community Secretariat and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CFRM).
Representatives of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency, CARICOM Community Secretariat and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism.
St.Kitts and Nevis was represented at the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism Food Safety Control and Laboratory Operation capacity building training held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Mr Jermaine Mike – St.Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards attended the training from 28 November – 2 December 2016 which covered Laboratory Testing. Ms Nikkita Browne – Department of Marine Resources attended the Health and Food Safety 5-9 December 2016.
The Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) training course outlined; functions of the competent authority, traceability measures, training in water quality testing, standards surrounding inspections for the fisheries sector ; landing sites, aquaculture, processing facilities, and small scale and high seas fishing vessels. Manuals will be developed and distributed to countries involved in the training sessions.
Capacity building training activities were conducted by Megapesca Ltd of Portugal and was sponsored under the fisheries component of the programme on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, approved under the 10th European Development Fund Caribbean Regional Indicative Programmes implemented by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in partnership with CARICOM Community Secretariat and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CFRM).
Ms Nikkita Browne – Department of Marine Resources attended the Health and Food Safety training
Mr Jermaine Mike – St.Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards attended the Laboratory Operation training
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The Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis was represented at the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) conference “Charting the course for generations of women” held in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands from 5th to 9th September, 2016. Among the seventy five delegates were Tricia Greaux -Department of Marine Resources and Thema Ward – Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Environment Nevis representing St.Kitts and Nevis.
The conference was held in collaboration with the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The conference focused on current an d emerging development trends that are impacting different areas and sub-sectors in the maritime sphere in the context of women’s rights and access. While also providing a forum for the exchanging of experiences and best practices amongst maritime women of the region and for the participants to benefit from global experiences and advancements from a range of strategic partner agencies that can be used to form gender-sensitive standards and strategic directions. One of the conference activities included WiMAC executive and members visited school to sensitize the young girls of the Cayman Islands about careers in the maritime sector.
The Department of Maritime Affairs was instrumental in assisting Ms Greaux and Ms Ward to deliver a presentation outlining the maritime sector of St. Kitts-Nevis. Ms Ward now serves as St.Kitts and Nevis Liaison for WiMAC and Ms Greaux as the Alternate Liaison. They have been commissioned to charter a WiMAC Chapter for St.Kitts and Nevis.
IMO, through its gender and capacity-building programme SDG 5: Strengthening the maritime sector, will provide support to women managers in the maritime and port sectors of the Caribbean with a view to; strengthening WiMAC’s regional cooperation network, further develop the viability of the Caribbean maritime system, the role and contribution of women to the maritime sector, contribute to the implementation of IMO instruments throughout the regional, and increase career development and advanced training opportunities.
For more information on the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC) see website link below http://www.wimacaribbean.com/.
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Completion of the Fishery Equipment and Machinery Project in St.Kitts and Nevis
The ‘Improvement of Fishery Equipment and Machinery in St.Kitts and Nevis’ handing over ceremony was held on November 10th 2016, from 9:30 – 10:30, at the Old Road Fisheries Complex. Fishers from the Old Road community as well as members from the St.Kitts and Nevis FAD Fisher Association were present to witness this event. Mr. Marc Williams, Director of the Department of Marine Resources, presented a short overview of the project.
The Honorable Minister Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Marine Resources et al., made remarks thanking the Government of Japan for the contribution to this sector.
Minister Hamilton commented “Partnership between JICA and the Government and People of this twin island Federation always result in forward movement in the realm of sustainability and the continuity of the fishing industry. “
This project has provided the Basseterre and Old Road Fisheries Complexes with an upgrade in refrigeration equipment which would increase the standard of operation as well as materials for the installation of two submerged-type Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). The multipurpose boat so aptly named “FV Transformation” which incorporate new technologies and will be able to assist in conducting research. The insulated truck will facilitate the mobilization of ice and fish/fishery products to and from rural areas. Training was also conducted on the appropriate operation and maintenance of all of these elements.
The Japanese delegation consisted of Chief Consultant of OAFIC Mr. Hiroshi FUKAO, Counselor of Japan to Saint Christopher and Nevis Mr. Masatoshi SATO, Resident Representative of JICA/JOCV Saint Lucia Office Mr. Tetsuhiro IKE, and NBK Corporation Director / General Manager Mr. Masakazu DAZAI who signed the handing over documents with Honorable Minister Hamilton.
This ceremony also included presentations on submerged FADs installation and a project site visit.
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Declaration of the St. Kitts & Nevis Marine Management Area (MMA)
On August 18th 2016, the Honorable Eugene Hamilton approved on behalf of the Government of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis the declaration of the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area as defined by the two (2) miles radius of sea water around the St. Kitts and Nevis’ coastline including the Monkey Shoals area to be managed by the Department of Marine Resources as the entity with jurisdiction of the Federal Waters of St. Kitts and Nevis as indicated in the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Resources Act (FAMRA) 2016.
This St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area has been proposed since the late 1980’s. Substantial work was completed in the 2010 Marine Zoning Plan for St. Kitts and Nevis after extensive multi-sectoral consultations to define the marine area to be managed and the zones within the area. However, the Fisheries Legislation at the time was inadequate to adequately manage the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area.
Since then several consultations and efforts have been geared towards increasing the awareness and importance of this proposed area. With the newly passed FAMRA 2016, there is now legislation that supports for proper management and governance of such an area.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is thankful to the fisherfolk, government officials, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, the Eastern Caribbean Marine Management Areas Network and other stakeholders for their invaluable assistance during the process of establishing the SKNMMA.
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, July 27, 2016 – In a brief ceremony at the Department of Marine Resources (DMR), Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) handed over Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) equipment to the DMR and St. Kitts-Nevis FAD Fishers Association. The equipment received included robust GPS Tracking Devices and Solar Powered Strobe Lights to enhance the way the fishers are able to locate and access the FADs.
Speaking on behalf of The Department of Marine Resources, St. Kitts-Nevis (DMRSKN) Mr. Kharim Saddler affirmed that in a technological age RUSVM’s contribution is immensely appreciated and will be effective in improving the efficiency of FAD fishing in the Federation. He thanked RUSVM for timely support in providing requisite supplies which he commented will improve FAD Fishery Management Technology in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Dr. Guy St. Jean, RUSVM Interim Dean in response remarks, stated; RUSVM is committed to a One Health approach aimed at sustainable food production in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. We are happy to support initiatives that impact economic growth, health, food security, sustainable livelihoods, and the development and use of technology in the country. Where food security is concerned, everyone is a stakeholder.”
RUSVM has pledged long-term support to marine-based environmental projects in the Federation. Students, faculty and staff have participated in various research and practical projects that has contributed to the improvement of marine life, biodiversity, and food security in St. Kitts and Nevis
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Open letter to the Governments of Guyana and Suriname
The Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO), made up of fishers and their organizations from throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply concerned about the safety of small-scale fishers in the region. We are deeply disturbed about the continued acts of violence, sometimes associated with death, perpetrated against our fishers in Guyana and Suriname. The entire CNFO community mourns, and extends its sympathies to the fishing families that have suffered losses, and particularly the loss of loved ones.
In collaboration with the fishing communities of Guyana and Suriname, the CNFO is calling on the Governments of both Guyana and Suriname to:
Provide a greater level of protection and support to small scale fishing communities, from this type of criminal activity, by adopting measures to prevent and discourage these acts of violence against fishers, recognizing that fishing activities are conducted in a very different and much more challenging environment than land based activities.
Consider the introduction of stricter laws that will help to deter and punish criminals.
Support the provision, and training in the use, of communications systems and hardware, including equipping boats with VHF radios.
Provide social services and other assistance measures to families affected by this scourge.
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The Department of Marine Resources has embarked on a number of projects to raise the level of awareness for Kittitians and Nevisians of marine life and the importance of the sustainable use of marine resources for 2016. The marine inspired dumpster project is one of the marquee projects that is expected to visually stimulate the populace.
The Department commissioned Nevisian artist Mr Vaughn Anslyn to conceptualize and execute the project. The results are as follows:
Before: Image Outline
Nevisian artist Vaughn Anslyn working on the masterpiece.
Finished visual on one of the dumpsters
The murals feature various types of marine life that can be found in the proposed Narrows Marine Management Area including; Hawksbill Sea turtle, Angel fish, sea grass bed, corals, sea sponges and a sea fan. The mural project was funded by CamPAM Small Grants with the Department of Marine Resources as the National Implementing Entity (NIE). CamPAM seeks to support to the management of marine space within the region. Establishing Marine Management Areas (MMA) or Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is used as a regional tool to improve marine management, conserve marine biodiversity, address over fishing impacts, decrease user conflicts, and provide economic alternatives to local coastal communities. This has resulted in substantial knowledge gained on optimal site selection and design, successful outreach approaches, effective management strategies, and appropriate methods to evaluate their effectiveness. The Department of Marine Resources is presently embarking on establishing a two-mile radius St.Kitts and Nevis MMA .
The marine-inspired dumpsters will be placed at various fish landing sites throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.
On May 24th 2016, the National Joint Coordinating Committee (NJCC) held its 4th Annual meeting at the Old Road Fisheries Complex. The meeting held covered the timeframe April 2015 to May 2016.
Mr. Ishida, Mr. Honda and Mr. Tamura are members of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) delegation. Local representatives including Ms. Ashadi Duncan – JICA Liaison Officer, Mr. Kharim Saddler – Project Manager and Mr. Marc Williams – Director of the Department of Marine Resources discussed the following:
Fish Aggravated Device (FAD) Project: Positioning and Future Projector
Fishers learned about using the FADs and their advantages.
Discussions on the catch sizes of large pelagic fish occurred. These pelagic fish include Dolphinfish or Mahi Mahi and different species of Tuna and Rainbow Runner and Blue Fin.
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The Eastern Caribbean Marine Management Area Network (ECMMAN) 4th Advisory and Coordination Committee (ACC) Meeting is being held on March 9-11th 2016 in The Federation of Grenada. In attendance was Marine Management Areas + Habitat Monitoring Officer Ms. Tricia Greaux from the St. Kitts-Nevis Department of Marine Resources.
The objectives of the meeting were:
Present and discuss technical and financial reports from each of the ECMMAN Implementing partners – SPAW_RAC/ CaMPAM, OECS Commission, PCI Media Impact, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism / Caribbean National Fisherfolk Organization and The Nature Conservancy.
Share experiences on issues, challenges and successes related to the project implementation at the national level in the 6 ECMMAN countries
Discuss major activities of ECMMAN for 2016 and life beyond the ECMMAN that will conclude in 2017.
Ms Tricia Greaux, made a very important country report on the progress of St. Kitts and Nevis’ implement successes over past four years.
