Posts

St. Kitts and Nevis hosts 17th Meeting of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum

Wednesday 20th March 2019, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), an intergovernmental organization established to promote and facilitate the responsible use of the regions fisheries resources, will convene its annual meeting of the heads of from its 17 Member States. This year, that group of the Caribbean technical experts who make up the Caribbean Fisheries Forum will meet for two days in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The CRFM will convene the 17th Meeting of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum on Wednesday, 20th and Thursday 21st March 2018 at the Bird Rock Beach Hotel in St. Kitts. International and regional partner organizations, observers and stakeholders from the fisheries and aquaculture sector have also been invited to the event, organized in collaboration with the Department of Marine Resources.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources et al, Mr. Alister Edwards will chair the opening ceremony, remarks by Mr. Milton Haughton CRFM Executive Director then the Honorable Minister Hamilton, Minster of Marine Resources et al, presenting the event’s speech. Ms. Rhosyll Jeffers, Assistant Secretary to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Nevis will deliver closing remarks.   

The Director of St. Kitts and Nevis Department of Marine Resources, Mr. Marc Williams will represent St. Kitts and Nevis and is expected to serve as chairman of the Forum at the meeting. Participants will receive an update on the progress of programmes, projects and activities being undertaken by the CRFM and prepare recommendations to be presented to the CRFM’s Ministerial Council when it meets in May 2019 in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Among the areas listed for discussion by the Forum are management plans for key fisheries, co-management of fisheries involving stakeholders and government officials, cooperation with regional and international partners to improve management and sustainable use of marine resources; adaptation to climate change and disaster risk management in fisheries, and measures to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, among others.

/by

Inception workshop for the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area Management Plan

The inception workshop for the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area Management Plan will take place on Monday 11th February 2019 from 9:15 am – 3:00 pm at the Ocean Terrace Inn Conference Room. In efforts to increase stakeholder participation, two week consultations will take place within the following traditional fishing communities: Dieppe Bay 12th, Sandy Point 13th, Old Road 14th , Basseterre 18th, Charlestown 19th, New Castle 20th and Indian Castle 21st from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The consultant that was contracted to carrying out this management plan is the Caribbean Environment Education Trust with Daven Joseph as lead consultant.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area (SKN MMA) was declared in August 2016. This MMA extends two nautical miles outwards from the marine baseline around the Federation, including Monkey Shoals. Within the SKN MMA, there are five use zones consisting of the Transport Zone, Fishing Priority Zone, Recreation Zone, Conservation Zone and the Mixed Use Zone for both Fishing and Conservation purposes (see attached map).

The rich and diverse ecology within the waters of St. Kitts and Nevis requires proper management as they support livelihood development for users such as fisherfolk, dive operators and the community at large. Inter and intra island travel is critical for our twin island state; notably, is the ocean’s contribution to our tourism sector. The sustainable use of marine resources which provides food security within the Federation are of critical importance. Therefore, ensuring proper marine management and use should be the focus of all stakeholders.

/by

Blue Diplomacy training for SIDS

September 5- 18, 2018, the Blue Diplomacy: Enhancing sustainable economic development of the oceans Diplomatic Training Programme for Small Island Developing States was conducted at the Clingendael Netherlands Institute of International Relations , The Hague, Netherlands.

 

 

 

Mr Ron Ton, Director Clingendael Academy welcomed the participants from about 20 Small Island Developing States including Pacific, African and Caribbean regions. Tricia Greaux and Kemoy Liburd-Chow represented the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The first week of Clingendael based classroom presentations included Blue Economy: Different approaches and strategic thinking, Economic Diplomacy, Scenario Planning for the Future of the Oceans, Public Private Partnerships: The Dutch Diamond Approach, and Oceans in foreign policy.

Working visits to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Deltares – Dutch Ocean Protection and Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience, Dutch Coastline Management and Rotterdam Port Authority.

 

The second week of Clingendael based classroom presentations included Blue Economy and Tourism, Negotiation Skills Training, Ocean Governance in Times of Climate Change, International Trade over Oceans for Developing States, Managing Marine Pollution and opportunities of the Ocean in providing natural resources.

The scenario building sessions incorporated main lessons learnt from the course and discussions on best practice on best practices of represented SIDS and lesson learnt. The Closing ceremony included speeches by dignitaries and the awarding of certificates to participants.

 

 

 

 

/by

Disaster Risk Reduction for Agriculture

Sub regional training on Agriculture Post-Disaster Needs Assessment and Monitoring of the Sendai framework and Sustainable Development Goals from 18th -21st June 2018 in Dominica facilitated by the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO). Representatives from and St. Kitts and Nevis were present Yakima Daniel- Agricultural Planner, Policy and Planning Unit and Tricia Greaux- MMA and Habitat Monitoring Officer, Department of Marine Resources. There were also representatives from other countries like Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Opening ceremony was chaired by Mr Ricky Brumont- Director of Agriculture with remarks given by Mr. Ryan Anselm- FAO Project Coordinator, Mr. Daniele Barelli- FAO Sub Regional Emergency Focal Point and Disaster Risk Management, Dr. Reginald Thomas – Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Dominica.

Day one focused on the introduction of the training, methodology and process with presentations ranging from Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Risk Management and Damage and Loss methodology. Day two comprised of a step by step breakdown of Agricultural damage and loss needs assessment methodology. A methodology simulation exercise that was started during day two continued into day three and the culmination of the workshop zoned in on the Sendai Framework.

Expected outcomes include improving the data collection that would affect policy planning and development within the agricultural sector as well as the marine environment including the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area (SKN MMA).  These strengthen the national goal of improving food security in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Certificate presented to Yakima Daniel- Agricultural Planner, Policy and Planning Unit

Certificate presented to Tricia Greaux- MMA and Habitat Monitoring Officer, Department of Marine Resources

/by

SKN to Beat Marine Litter and Micro Plastics Pollution

The first meeting of the Ad hoc Open-ended Expert Group on Marine Litter and Micro plastics established by the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya was conducted from Tuesday 29th – Thursday 31st May 2018. The representative from St. Kitts and Nevis was Tricia Greaux, MMA and Habitat Monitoring Officer -Department of Marine Resources.

Tuesday 29 May, the Permanent Mission of Mexico to UNEP currently chairs the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC) also met to determine which country would serve as the representative of the GRULAC. Columbia received an overwhelming vote to be selected as the Co-Chair of the Ad hoc Open-ended Expert Group on Marine Litter and Micro plastics.

The #BeatPlasticPollution campaign that was also promoted during the conference. Delegates were encouraged to use their social media platforms, personal and professional, to promote the message of reducing single use plastic.

The delegate would lend her expertise to the organizing of the 2nd annual St. Kitts and Nevis Plastic Free July month of activities to further spread the message #BeatPlasticPollution on a national level.

Exert from the position paper presented from St. Kitts and Nevis’ delegate

St. Kitts and Nevis should be described as a large oceanic state as its marine space exceeds the land mass by a significant acreage. Therefore, pollutants within the marine environment are of dire concern to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
As the Officer responsible for Marine Management Area and Habitat Monitoring, I have observed a number of major barriers to combating marine litter and micro plastics include the lack of access to recycling plants on a national, regional or international level and the need for a national level ban on plastic with an effective transition and implementation process that will ensure nationwide buy in and compliance. Also the lack of proper legislation, regulations, policies and enforcement of issues surrounding marine litter and micro plastics as well as high tariffs on imported sustainable alternatives to plastics. There is also a noted lack of awareness of what marine litter and micro plastics are and the effects of their presence within the seas and oceans.

/by

Off-Shore Fisheries Collaboration for Small Vessels

The St. Kitts and Nevis Department of Marine Resources (DMR) collaborated with fishers to examine the practicality of promoting the off-shore and pelagic fisheries in the Federation. This involved preliminary work in 2017, harvesting Diamondback Squid. Following the successful capture of squid in 2017, the efforts have now shifted towards assessing the use of small open vessels for the harvesting of these resources, and other off-shore resources, to promote a reduction in fishing effort on the near-shore fisheries, while securing and enhancing fishers’ livelihoods.

Mitch Lay, Antiguan fisher and facilitator of the training exercise indicated “This is a great opportunity for fishers in St. Kitts and Nevis to experiment with new techniques so we can all ensure continued fisher livelihood. The equipment used for this training is suitable for small fishing vessels, we have to look out for all fishers.”

Kharim Saddler, Assistant Fisheries Officer at the Department of Marine Resources – “This demonstration included a rig for deep slope snapper fishing and continuing Diamondback Squid Fishing techniques. The Krystal reel proved to be very efficient and versatile. It is particularly suitable for small vessels.”

Director of DMR, Marc Williams – “Continued collaboration in harvesting, value addition and marketing may prove useful in promoting the Diamondback Squid fishery. St. Kitts and Nevis could spearhead a concerted effort to promote this underutilized species for food security and nutrition purposes.”

 

Below are images showing the process for preparing the equipment to be used. Pictured are Mitch Lay-Fisher and Captain  Petulah Huggins – DMR staff;

/by

Protected Areas & Conservation Management Training

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) sponsored Conserving Biodiversity Project in St. Kitts and Nevis hosted in collaboration with the Department of Environment, St. Kitts the Protected Areas & Conservation Management Training from April 16-25, 2018.

Marine Conservation Officers; Locksley Edwards, Ahisha Herbert and Ashadi Duncan, Beach Conservation Officers; Luciano Eddy and Sasha (Kodi) Edwards, and Boat Captain and Conservation Officer; Conse Skeete participated in this training. These individuals are stationed at the Department of Marine Resources (DMR).

Facilitation of the training was done by Global Parks representatives; Kathy Chopik, Brion Fitzgerald and Doug Konkin. Local experts including; Thema Ward- Department of Physical Planning and Environment, Diannille Taylor-Williams- Ministry of Tourism and Dr. Kimberly Stewart- St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network presented at this training.

This training had three deliverables:

  • Interview staff to determine current skills and knowledge, goals for future training (capacity needs assessment)
  • Based on the interviews and previous work, prepare and deliver a dedicated training program
  • Create a capacity development plan for the overall effective management of the PA’s and conservation areas.

 

Protected Areas, Conservation, Management and staff capacity needs assessment activities included a wide range of priority training areas that were covered:

  • Protected areas planning processes and tools
  • Business and financial planning
  • Conservation and management of biodiversity and ecosystem
  • UN conservation commitments
  • Ecological monitoring and data collection
  • Use of decision-making support tools and database management tools
  • Synergies between ecotourism development and protected areas management
  • Building partnerships and network
  • EIA reports review

Some of the challenges that were recognized and assessed were

  • Lack of public communication of the work of the Park Rangers
  • The need for effective communication with the public
  • Lack of equipment necessary to complete the jobs/tasks effectively
  • Effective organizational communications
  • Lack of training opportunities
  • Lack of enforcement to support daily job completion

The training outcome was prioritization exercises of the training needs linking to the performance expectations in the job description and department mandates.

 

/by

Tasia Jones is a MPA Manager

The 13th Training of Trainers on Marine Protected Area Management was held at The University of West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados from the 16th – 26th April 2018 representing St. Kitts and Nevis was Ms. Tasia Jones, a Marine Conservation Officer at the Department of Marine Resources. This training was organized by the Caribbean MPA Management Network and Forum (CaMPAM) with the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) as the local organizing partner for this year’s course.

Sessions were held that explored the biophysical characteristics and interaction of the Caribbean coastal habitats evaluating their ecological services, and identifying local, regional and global threats to their resilience.  Failing to understand the value of marine ecosystems can result in poor planning decision making. Therefore ecological and socio-economic research and monitoring and its application were discussed to improve marine area management.

The need to integrate, analyze and spatially understand a variety of types of information relating to the environment and its uses has increased reliance of the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through marine spatial planning and participatory GIS. Ecosystem Based Management recognizes the full array of interactions within an ecosystem, including humans, rather than considering single issues, species, or ecosystems services in isolation.

Stakeholder engagement in MPA governance at site and national system levels were considered.

Stakeholders are people and groups whose interests, resources, power or authority result in them being likely to help, hinder, or be impacted by, an intervention or the lack of it. Co-management is a combination of negotiation and action taken by stakeholders with responsibility and authority who agree to share power.

The typical best practice based Daily Operations of an MPA Manager was outlined in order to give the standard by which functionality can occur. A comparative analysis was used to Weakness of Current Management Arrangement. A field day was also included in this course work primarily to compare and assess the marine environment within Barbados and that of the respective country participating.

Tasia Jones -St. Kitts and Nevis is a certified MPA Manager.

Biophysical and socioeconomic monitoring presentation by Steve Nimrod (St. Georges’ University, Grenada)

/by

OECS sailing in the right direction

Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre Caribbean First Eastern Sub-Regional Workshop was held in Antigua and Barbuda from March 13-14, 2018. OECS countries were represented in this workshop. St. Kitts and Nevis was represented by Mr. Nigel Williams – Department of Maritime Affairs and Ms. Tricia Greaux – Department of Marine Resources.

Opening remarks were given by Ms. Vivian Rambarath-Parasram, Director and Head Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC) Caribbean who expressed her gratitude for the participation of the countries. “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and probably the last that can do something about it…Climate change is the single biggest thing that humans have ever done on this planet, and the one thing that needs to be bigger than that, is our movement to stop it!” Mr. Jose Javier Leegarra- Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM.

Mr. Colin Young- Regional Maritime Advisor, International Maritime Organization (IMO) indicated “Today we live in a world in which new technology seems poised to have a transforming impact on all our lives. Shipping is no exception. Technology holds the key to a safer and more sustainable future for shipping.” Presentations included; an overview of the Caribbean MOU on Port State Control, MTCC Caribbean and Climate Change Mitigation,  Data verification with the use of full mission engine room simulators, MTCC Caribbean’s data collection process and pilot project challenges and proposed mitigation strategies. Results were shared from the 1st Regional Workshop in relation to the Eastern sub-region, and discussions about the approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships were explored.

The second day consisted of country report presentations on the implementation of MARPOL Annex VI from Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica. Followed by Final plenary and certification distribution. Ambassador Dwight Gardiner – Director/ Registrar General, Antigua and Barbuda Department of Maritime Services and Merchant Shipping  “The onus is on all of us here present to go back to our respective countries, our various agencies and to ensure that full support is given to this initiative. We must commit to ensuring the effective implementation of the MARPOL convention and specifically Annex VI.”

Mr. Jose Javier Leegarra

Mr. Colin Young

Ambassador Dwight Gardiner

Ms. Vivian Rambarath-Parasram

Head table

All participants of the workshop

OECS Country Representatives

/by