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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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Computer program to help DMR

A group of young, excited and innovative program designers of the Information Technology Program at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College Technical and Vocational Division under the tutelage of Dr. Ricardo Neil approached the Department of Marine Resources to create a program to assist with streamlining procedures.  The group of namely; Jamal Caesar, Rae Browne, Kelesha Berty, Josiah Bradley and Shaquille Carey met with the DMR to outline the implementation plans.

Mr Marc Williams, Director, commented,  “I am pleased with this new venture, it will no doubt increase the efficiency of the Department and place the DMR in a position to better serve  fishers and other stakeholders. This is also a strategic way to introduce the fishery industry to younger persons who will see it as a feasible and viable career choice. Becoming a fisher is not the only job in this industry, we have just explored fisheries software designers”.

 

Jamal Caesar, Rae Browne, Kelesha Berty, Josiah Bradley (Shaquille Carey not pictured)

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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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Rum benefits Sea Turtles !

The St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network (SKSTMN) is teaming up with Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum (Brinley) to make the launch of their new White Reserve Caribbean Rum one that benefits sea turtles in St. Kitts. Brinley has agreed to donate a portion of proceeds from first year sales of the new White Reserve Caribbean Rum to the SKSTMN. In addition, Brinley has created turtle-shaped hang tags (see pictures) to place on several Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum varieties. This will allow customers near and far to learn about the sea turtles of St. Kitts, the SKSTMN, and support sea turtle conservation efforts in the Federation while enjoying Kittitian-born rum. “We are thrilled to be working with this great team and their truly worthy cause. The St Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network is protecting sea turtles & their beautiful habitat… and we are VERY proud to be a part!” said Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum Owner, Zach Brinley.

The SKSTMN is a registered NGO in St. Kitts as well as a Public Charity in the United States with tax exempt 501c3 status. A community-based organization formed in 2003, the SKSTMN aims to implement a long-standing sea turtle conservation management program, promote community awareness of the plight of sea turtles, and advocate for stronger sea turtle protection laws in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. SKSTMN Director, Dr. Kimberly Stewart, added, “This partnership with Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum offers opportunities for conservation education and public awareness regarding sea turtles and the marine environment in St. Kitts that transcend geographic boundaries and we could not be more excited!”

To learn more about the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network and/or make a donation, visit www.stkittsturtles.org, email skturtles@gmail.com, or call the St. Kitts Sea Turtle Hotline at 1 (869) 764-6664. To learn more about Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum visit http://www.brinleygoldshipwreck.com/. To find Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum vendors in your area visit http://www.brinleygoldshipwreck.com/find-our-rum or http://opiciwines.com/product-locator/. 

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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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