Posts

DMR constructs Fish Aggregating Devices

The Department of Marine Resources hosted a Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) construction session done at on January 11 2017. FADs are man-made objects used to attract ocean going pelagic fish such as marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi (dolphin fish). This is a relatively new fishery to the Federation and is being promoted by the Department of Marine Resources in collaboration with the SKN FAD Fisher Group.

The construction session was conducted by DMR through the expertise of the CARIFICO Liaison Officer – Ms Ashadi Duncan, the participants included three (3) FAD fishers namely; Jermon Smith, Roger Ottley and Franklyn Challenger. FAD heads were constructed using buoys /floats and other floating material that would be transported out to specific off shore locations which are then anchored to the ocean floor with concrete blocks. From this workshop there were four (4) heads that were constructed.

These sessions are held to assist fishers interact in team building exercises and also as a means to educate them on different ways to construct these FAD devices. The benefit of this knowledge is directly linked to livelihood development within this fishery.

/by

Ross University bolsters Fishing Technology in St. Kitts-Nevis

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. IMG_1200

IMG_1204

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

End

 

/by

DMR participates in SKN Bureau of Standards Exhibition 2016

Members of the Department of Marine Resources participated in the inaugural exhibition hosted by the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards celebrating World Accreditation Day 2016 on the Thursday June 9th.

World Accreditation Day _ 9th June 2016-124 (1)

The Department of Marine Resources is incooperating standards as defined by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to utilize an ecosystem based approach to Fisheries management.  This is evident in the tripartite structure of Aquaculture, Marine Management Areas (MMAs) and Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).  Displays highlighted standards pertaining to cost of impact, criteria of proper evaluation, SMART techniques to be incooperated for result based management,  monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and the differences between them.

World Accreditation Day _ 9th June 2016-96

Trade facilitation brochures were also on display which highlighted the processing of Fish and/or Fishery products. The procedures for import and export of fish/ fishery products include processing fees and certificates needed.

wad1

For more information on the SKN Bureau of Standards World Accreditation Day exhibition see: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/96667

 

/by

4th Annual National Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting held at the Old Road Fisheries Complex

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.

P1030936 (1)

 

P1030931 (2)

 

/by