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Co-management as an option for the Narrows

A workshop to facilitate the Development of an effective co-management model for The Narrows / Newcastle Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis was held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall Charlestown, Nevis from January 11 – 13, 2018.  The Organization of American States (OAS) Sustainable Cities, Resilience and Risk Management Project in collaboration with The St. Kitts and Nevis Department of Marine Resources (DMR) with Ms. Janice D. Hodge as the Consultant.

 

Welcome remarks were given by Richard M. Huber, Ph.D., Chief, Sustainable Communities, Hazard Risk, and Climate Change Section, Department of Sustainable Development, Organization of American States. An overview of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Resources Act of 2016 (FAMRA) regarding MMAs and provisions for co-management “shared management responsibility”  was presented by Maritza Queeley, Port State Control Officer, DMR. Tricia Greaux, Marine Management Area and Habitat Monitoring Officer and Ahisha Herbert Marine Conservation Officer presented an overview of Marine Managed Areas (MMAs), highlighting the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area with description of zones and boundaries.  Principles of Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) with emphasis on the human dimension in natural resource management and Ecosystem Based Adaptation to Climate Change and Ecosystem Based Fisheries was done by Tasia Jones, Marine Conservation Officer.

 

The second day of the workshop will include an assessment of Stakeholders’ Perceptions regarding co-management of The Narrows / Newcastle Bay facilitated by Janice Hodge. As well as the session to develop a draft co-management model to include responsibilities for all stakeholders.

 

A Field Visit to Newcastle Bay and a Marine Tour of the Narrows to observe the socioeconomic interactions between fishers and community members as fishers return from sea with their catch which they sell to their customers as well as to observe the marine biodiversity that exists within that area.

 

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Respond Rebuild Recover

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) has taken part in collaborated activities with Ministry of Tourism under the theme, “Good For Us, Better For All.” In observance of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism organised a Climate Smart Sustainable Tourism Forum 2017, to promote sustainable ability practices and enhance the climate resiliency of the Caribbean Tourism. The forum was held at Ocean Terrace Inn (OTI) from 11th-14th December, 2017 bringing together local regional and international representatives from public and private sector tourism entities, as well as development agencies that offer programming in sustainable tourism.

Interactively engaging practices of sharing in building climate sensitive and sustainable Caribbean tourism products, practical workshops, experiential field visits and the presentation ceremony for CTO’s 2017 Sustainable Tourism Awards. The CSSTF 2017 initiative, aims to strengthen holistic destination management approaches in the Caribbean. The forum addressed major sessions to include:

Leading The Way – Destination St. Kitts – tackling common issues for Small Island Developing States and created truly sustainable solutions to maintain this balance.

Speakers on this session were: Carlene Henry-Morton – Permanent Secretary, St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism, Dianille Taylor-Williams – Assistant Secretary, St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism, Tricia Greaux – Marine Management Areas and Habitat Monitoring Officer, Department of Marine Resources (DMR), St. Kitts.

Tourism Resiliency through Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation – strengthening resiliency through adaptation and mitigation strategies that buffer tourism industries from environment catastrophes.

Speakers on this session were: Dr. Ulric Trotz – Deputy Director, Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC), Dr. Halla Sahely – Environmental Consultant/Representative, Caribbean Water & Wastewater Association, Angela Burnett – Environment Officer (Climate Change) Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Government of the British Virgin Islands, Danker Kolijn – Coastal Engineer – CBCL Limited, Clive Bacchus – General Manager/Editor in Chief, West Indies News Network

Leading The Way – CTO in Action – holding fast to their vision to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year round, warm weather destination.

Speakers on this session were: Hugh Riley – CEO & Secretary General, Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Dr. Peter Schuhmann – Professor of Economics, University of North Carolina at Washington

Climate Change as an Opportunity – discovering solutions that help businesses to thrive on the context of future climate conditions in the Caribbean.

Speakers on this session were: John Marcocchio – Regional Project Manager, Caribbean Clean Energy Programme (CARCEP), Dr. Roche Mahon – Social Scientist, Caribbean Institution for Metrology & Hydrology (CIMH), Arno Boersma – Manager, Aruba Centre of Excellence (COE) for the Sustainable Development States (SIDS) Dr. Lisa Indar – Head, Tourism & Health Program Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Kimberly Carr-Tobias – Research Assistant, Institution for Gender & Development Studies (IGDS) University of the West Indies – Mona Campus

Innovative Models & Best Practices in Sustainable Tourism – enhancing working knowledge of sustainability models to maximize new markets opportunities.

Speakers on this session were: Greg Phillip – CEO, Nevis Tourism Authority, Geoff Bolan – CEO, Sustainable Travel International (STI), Ena Harvey – Representative, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Delegation in Barbados, Buddha Jezu-Maria – Marketing & Communications Executive, Travelife, Meshach Alford – Independent Consultant, Tipping Point Planning Services

Risk management for Sustainable Tourism – networking with the experts and forge relationships with partners to seek a process of crafting well-defined disaster management protocols.

Speakers on this session were: Dr. Yves Robert Personna – Project manager, Environmental Sustainability Unit (ESU), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Gina Sanguinetti – Communications Programme Director, Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), Amanda Charles – Sustainable Tourism Specialist, CTO

Moving Tourism Development Beyond National Borders – experiencing St. Kitts with field visits to provide a platform for destination’s showcase.

Speakers on this session were: Gregory McKenzie – Televising Presenter and Reporter, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), United Kingdom, Michael McKenzie – Arts & Entertainment Producer, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), United Kingdom

The CTO was honoured to partner with St. Kitts & Nevis to host this forum, which will explore various facets of sustainable tourism, in view of the threats and opportunities for regional tourism development, as a result of climate variability and climate change.

   

Lucianno Eddy, Ashadi Duncan, Tasia Jones, Sasha “Kodi” Edwards, Ahisha Herbert , Locksley Edwards (Marine and Beach Conservation Officers )

Tricia Greaux giving Welcome Remarks at the STF Launch.

 

Thema Ward and Tricia Greaux prepared the presentation for the Leading the Way Destination St. Kitts

Marine and Beach Conservation Officers with the guest speaker Gregory McKenzie.

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Plans a sail for Yachting Sector

On November 23, 2017, there was the official launch of the St. Kitts and Nevis Yachting Sector Strategic Plan and the Implementation Plan for the Development of the Yachting Sector, 2017-2022. At the launch, senior ministers of Government such as, the Hon. Lindsay Grant (Minister of Tourism), the Hon. Ian Liburd (Minister of Infrastructure), Mrs. Carlene Henry Morton (PS in the Ministry of Tourism in St. Kitts) and Mr. John Hanley (PS in the ministry of tourism in Nevis) were present.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Yachting Sector Strategic Plan and the Implementation Plan for the Development of the Yachting Sector has a National Yachting Advisory Committee: a 20 member strong working group of public-private -sector stakeholders who have been demonstrating a sincere commitment to realising the expansion of the Yachting sector. The DMR has two representatives serving on this committee namely Kharim Saddler and Tricia Greaux. The yachting sector adds value to our tourism product, helps to drive socio-economic development, enhance livelihoods and contribute to revenue generation for the local economy. Several members of the committee coordinated and managed the launch.

Mrs. Carlene Henry Morton (PS in the ministry of Tourism in St. Kitts) spoke highly about the launch. She highlighted the many benefits the country would receive such as increased recognition and development.  She also outlined the objective of the advisory committee, “The National Yachting Advisory Committee, with its mandate to service and oversee the yachting sector in St Kitts and Nevis and to review and advise the Minister on all matters pertaining to the development of the yachting sector, will facilitate this process and move it forward. Of course on this journey we will have our road maps, these critical documents that we are here to launch today will help us to chart that course.”

 

The Hon. Lindsay Grant also expressed similar notions as Mrs. Carlene Henry Morton. Mr. Grant expressed that it was a proud moment for him as a Kittitian and as the Minister of Tourism. He also proceeded to thank the private and public stakeholders who helped to reach the milestone. Grant added that when the medium- to long- term benefits of the establishment of marinas such as Christophe Harbour, berthing facilities and boat yards are considered, they translate into economic spin-offs that pay dividends for local entrepreneurs and ancillary businesses.

 

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Zing dives in with DMR

The November-December copy of the Zing Magazine – the in flight magazine for LIAT The Caribbean Airline is featuring Tricia Greaux, Marine Management Area and Habitat Monitoring Officer at the Department of Marine Resources.

See sneak peeks of the article below;

What is the most rewarding element of your job?

The ability to share my passion for the marine environment with others daily and to be able to serve as the officer with responsibility for MMAs when St.Kitts and Nevis declared the first MMA, the SKN MMA in August 2016.

What do you do on a typical day – if there is such a thing?

Just like the ocean with its unpredictability, my day is often the same. One day I might be in a high school classroom in St Kitts sharing my passion for the marine environment, the next in Korea being trained as a Sustainable Ocean Initiatives Trainer, or in Grenada becoming a certified Marine Protected Areas Manager. I absolutely love the flow of my job.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

As the Creative Director of the Anjolique Dance Company, our dance pieces create awareness of social and environmental issues (www.anjoliquedance.com). The environment inspires the earrings and hair jewelry that I create, Creative Cultured Creations.  I serve at the Antioch Baptist Church and within my community through the Reach for Recovery SKB Breast Cancer Support Group.

What is your current job title and what exactly does the Department of Marine Resources do?

I am the Marine Management Area (MMA) and Habitat Monitoring Officer at the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) in St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN). The DMR’s vision is “To promote the sustainable use of all living marine resources in all waters of national jurisdiction and areas beyond national jurisdiction of St. Kitts and Nevis.” Using the ecosystem based approach to fisheries management of which you can read more on www.dmrskn.com

ZiNG Caribbean seeks to capture the energy of the Caribbean in a fun, colourful and interesting magazine for the customers of LIAT and people around the world who share our love for this vibrant, beautiful and friendly region. Click this link below to view the ZING EMAG (electronic magazine). http://ta-emags.com/V1/Zing/Z40/

 

 

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Region takes action on Marine Litter

Representatives from the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis are attending the Chile-CARICOM “Workshop on Major Aspects of Coastal Environmental Management” held in Kingston, Jamaica from October 17-20, 2017. The Embassy of Chile, FONDO Chile and the Caribbean Maritime University hosted the workshop with an objective of Marine Litter Action Plans for the participating countries.

During the opening ceremony of the workshop Ms Deniece M. Aiken Vice President, Legal & International Affairs at the Caribbean Maritime University gave remarks. Ms Aiken advocated “we are proud to state that the protection and development of the marine environment is of paramount importance to us…Our university also continues to make strides in supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 14, which Page 3 of 5 aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development; and Goal 13, focused on mitigating climate change and its impacts, which have become much closer to home than years aback. As we have recently seen, the number of deaths attributed to natural disasters continues to rise, hence it is important that we implement policies, measures and strategies that will enable us to respond quickly and mitigate these effects as much as possible.”

Participants from each country delivered presentations demonstrating the similarities between states concerning the workshop objectives. Ms Tricia Greaux, Marine Management Area and Habitat Monitoring Officer from the Department of Marine Resources and Ms Thema Ward Physical Planning Officer from Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Environment Department, Nevis presented a country report analyzing the challenges and opportunities present within the coastal space.

Ms Ward commented “Implementation of the local Marine Litter Action Plan will involve multiple government and non- governmental entities on both islands”.  A national effort is needed to reduce the impact of the coastal degradation.

Topics covered within the workshop included; Dumping of Waste at Sea, Marine Environmental Monitoring, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention on Pollution Prevention, Marine Debris and designing a plan for monitoring marine beach debris. “We hope everyone does their part to reduce land based sources of pollution. Locals should also to assist in the management of the marine environment through compliance laws and actively participating in the education and awareness efforts “said Tricia Greaux.

Workshop session in progress

Documents presented to participating countries

 

Ms Thema Ward and Ms Tricia Greaux, Workshop participants

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Use It. Protect It. Conserve It. SKN Biodiversity

The Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resource, Cooperatives, Environment and Human Settlement, the Department of Marine Resources, the Department of Physical Planning, and the Department of Agriculture are among the stakeholders supporting this week’s campaign launch.

On the 10th October 2017, ZIZ Broadcasting Station DJ and Radio Host Sinclair “GQ” Liburd interviewed Marine Management Area and Habitat Monitoring Officer-Tricia Greaux, Conserving Biodiversity Project Coordinator- Claudia Drew and Communication Consultant – Sherlene Neal. The discussion surrounded aspects of the branding and communication campaign to increase education and awareness of St. Kitts and Nevis biodiversity areas were highlighted new Protected Areas (Terrestrial/Land) and Marine Management Areas.

The campaign aims to increase dialogue among the general public and some specific target audiences on biodiversity by demonstrating how biodiversity is linked to life and livelihood. It demonstrates the value of protected areas and marine management areas, particularly conservation zones and why it is important to use the resources wisely and conserve natural resources and biodiversity.

“Conserving the biodiversity of St. Kitts and Nevis and using our natural resources wisely is key to the very survival of our country. We need every resident of St. Kitts and Nevis to understand the important role that they play in conserving biodiversity” said Hon. Minister Eugene Hamilton in his address to launch the strategy.

Activities being conducted in conjunction with the launch include a media tour, visits to fishing and farming communities and visits to schools.

In August 2016, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis declared the first ever marine management area. The St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area or SKN MMA is an area for management of the marine resources with 5 use zones – fishing priority, conservation, recreation, transport and mixed use. It spans 2 mile radius around St. Kitts and Nevis and includes Monkey Shoals.

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HURRICANE MARIA DAMAGES COASTLINE

Hurricane Maria was a category 4, when the effects were first felt in St. Kitts and Nevis then increased to a category 5 from Monday 18-Tuesday 19 September 2017. The extensive damage caused by the storm surges has plagued parts of the islands’ coastline.  Articles such as http://dmrskn.com/what-to-expect-with-hurricane-maria/ gave insight regarding what to expect.

See below for pictures released from the Department of Marine Resources of the coastline showing locations from the South East Peninsula and Frigate Bay to Basseterre then from Old Road towards New Guinea,  Sandy Point then around to Dieppe Bay.

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What to expect with Hurricane Maria?

As we prepare for Hurricane Maria, what effects should we expect from this natural phenomenon?

As indicated in this post http://dmrskn.com/impact-of-hurricane-irma-on-fish-landing-sites/ Hurricane Irma damaged fish landing sites in St. Kitts and Nevis. These damages were experienced even as Hurricane Irma passed to the north of the island. Most of the fish landing sites are located on the western side of the islands and are washed by the Caribbean Sea.  Hurricane Maria’s path indicates that she would pass south of St.Kitts and Nevis.

It is expected that the brunt of the impact from this hurricane will be felt on our coastline. St. Kitts and Nevis can experience storm surges caused from Hurricane Maria’s high speed winds. Storm surges can be caused by high speed winds create large waves, which when reaching the coast, they no longer have the deep ocean to continue the wave cycle hence pushing the waves unto land. They will produce waves that can inundate the coastline of St.Kitts and Nevis.

Strong gusts of wind combined with heavy rainfall can also impact infrastructure along the coastline.

Fishers and boat owners are advised to dry dock their vessels preferably further inland to avoid or minimize possible damages to their property.

We will keep you updated on the effects of Hurricane Maria after the storm has passed.

Satellite view of Hurricane Maria

Projected path of Hurricane Maria

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Sargassum Management Plan in progress

July 27, 2017 – The Department of Marine Resources in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), under the project Climate Change Adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH), hosted a Sargassum Management Plan workshop. This plan will address the accumulation of Sargassum on St. Kitts & Nevis coasts and marine environment. Key stakeholders including Governmental Agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and Fisherfolk organizations that are directly or indirectly affected by Sargassum influx were present.

Ms. Orisia Williams, CC4Fish National Project Coordinator, presented the results of surveys pertaining to the effects of Sargassum influxes. Ms. Nikkita Browne, CC4Fish National Focal Point, explained the two types of Sargassum found within the Caribbean, where they originate and the impacts of Sargassum.

Dr. Leighton Narraine, Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) Professor, highlighted an experiment that was conducted by the CFBC students. The experiment used pulverized Sargassum to fertilize various plants which shows Sargassum being an effective fertilizer. He concluded that although the Sargassum influx is unpredictable, local residents should explore commercializing this product.

Participants then completed a draft Plan for the Management of the Accumulation of Sargassum on the Coast and Marine Environment of St. Kitts and Nevis.

A validation meeting will be held in October to finalise the Sargassum Management Plan, which will be submitted to Cabinet for approval.

Presentation by Dr Naraine highlighting an experiment that was conducted by the CFBC students

Presentation by Ms. Nikkita Browne, CC4Fish National Focal Point.

Dr Browne holding Sargassum that washed ashore on Conaree beach.

Sargassum floating in the Caribbean Sea.

 

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CC4FISH National Inception Workshop launch

The Department of Marine Resources in collaboration with the Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) hosted a National Inception Workshop on May 30th, 2017 at the Solid Waste Management Conference Room. The workshop and launch of the project ‘Climate Change Adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH) allowed stakeholders to be aware of the project’s upcoming implementation activities.

Featured remarks from Hon. Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources, et. al. introduced the CC4FISH project and stressed the importance of addressing climate change as it threatens the fisheries sector.  For the full speech click this link -https://youtu.be/8iqorM5OdLE .

Dr. Iris Monnereau, CC4FISH Regional Coordinator, explained the variables that led to the introduction of the CC4FISH project to the Caribbean region. She explained that a global vulnerability assessment identified that the Caribbean as being one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change variations in the world. She noted that small islands like St. Kitts and Nevis are more susceptible because of the size, remoteness, low availability of resources and economic instability. Some of the concerns that are arising from climate change include ocean acidification and intense storms or hurricanes.

Ms. Nikkita Browne, CC4Fish National Focal Point at the Department of Marine Resources gave an overview of St. Kitts & Nevis fisheries sector.  Dr. Barrington Brown, St. Kitts & Nevis Aquaculture Pilot Project and Environmental Research (SNAPPER) Coordinator presented on “Climate Change and its Impact on Aquaculture/Mariculture”, emphasizing the growing demand on our marine resources which requires an innovative approach.

Ms. Orisia Williams, CC4Fish National Project Coordinator, gave a presentation on the activities planned for St. Kitts & Nevis. Ms. Williams listed some current challenges within the fisheries sector of St. Kitts & Nevis. The activities planned for St. Kitts & Nevis are based on investigations and observations from the Department of Marine Resources.

The upcoming activities for the year 2017 include:

  1. The development of a Sargassum Management Plan
  2. Basic Fisher Training Course at 7 landing sites in St. Kitts and Nevis
  3. Food safety and handling fish training
  4. Mainstreaming of Climate change

Hon. Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources, et. al. introducing the CC4FISH project

Participants at the CC4FISH project launch

Participants at the CC4FISH project launch

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