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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.

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DMR HOST TRAINER OF TRAINERS DIAMONDBACK SQUID WORKSHOP

The Department of Marine Resource is hosting a Trainer of Trainers Diamondback Squid Workshop from 9 – 13 January 2017. With the identification of Diamondback Squid resources in the marine jurisdiction of the Federation, the DMR is seeking to carry out trials to assess the possibility of promoting the utilization of these resources. This workshop is the product of collaborations between the DMR, Department of Fisheries Nevis, as well as local and regional fishers to essentially train persons who will then train other fishers.

“There are five major fisheries: lobster, conch, reef and slope fisheries, small coastal pelagic and large ocean pelagic. Exploring the Diamondback Squid as a fishery can bring added economic benefit to St.Kitts and Nevis and provide food security while having the potential of enhancing the livelihood of fisherfolk. The DMR should work on expanding the market for Diamondback squid so more persons can enjoy it as much as I do”, added Workshop facilitator, Mitchell Lay, a fisher of Diamondback Squid in the Antigua.

The Trainer of Trainers Diamondback Squid Workshop has the following objectives:

  • Promote awareness of the availability of Diamondback Squid fisheries resources in St. Kitts and Nevis
  • Train fishers in the production of fishin    g gear for catching Diamondback Squid
  • Demonstrate the technique to catch Diamondback Squid
  • Train fishers in processing and packaging Diamondback Squid
  • Demonstrate the use of gear and equipment for catching Diamondback Squid suitable for small fishing vessels

Workshop activities include an initial gear and equipment assessment.  Aboard MV Transformation, an assessment of potential fishing grounds was done on Tuesday morning.  On site at the DMR, there were demonstrations of different gear types, gear making and a presentation of the squid life cycle, sustainability and fishing.  Experimental fishing trips will be done throughout the week to test the gear. On Friday, Diamondback Squid processing and value added activities and presentations would be completed.

 

Facilitator Mitchell Lay and Clive Wilkinson – preparing the gear

Fisheries Officer – Kharim Saddler

Fisheries Officer Kareem Wilkin assisting Kharim Saddler with set up

Squid gear and equipment

Participants from Department of Marine Resources and Department of Fisheries Nevis

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FISHERY SECTOR SANITARY CONTROL CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING

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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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. “

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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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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

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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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Concerns loom over violence against Fishers in the Region

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: 

  1. 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.
  2. Consider the introduction of stricter laws that will help to deter and punish criminals.
  3. Support the provision, and training in the use, of communications systems and hardware, including equipping boats with VHF radios.
  4. Provide social services and other assistance measures to families affected by this scourge.

See Signed Open Letter below:

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FV Transformation to bolster Fishing Industry in St. Kitts and Nevis

DSC_7897  On June 17, 2016, the Honorable Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources, Environment, Cooperatives and Human Settlement received the keys to a fishing vessel (FV Transformation) from a representative of NBK Corporation out of Japan. FV Transformation is valued at $500,000 USD. This vessel was procured through bilateral arrangement between the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis and the Government of Japan.

 

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The fishing vessel was built in compliance with Japan’s safety regulations for small craft by YANMAR manufacturers, a boat building company with many years of experience in the design and construction of fishing vessels having the same size.

 

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During the week June 13 to 17, 2016, YANMAR sent a team of engineers to the Federation to train the staff of the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) in operations and maintenance of FV Transformation. The engineers from YANMAR checked all equipment on board the fishing vessel, executed sea trials to include test operations of fishing equipment and provided operational explanations and guidance for that equipment to the Department of Marine Resources.

 

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FV Transformation will enable the Department of Marine Resources to conduct at-sea fisherman training, implement various fish catch experiments, resources surveys, and install and monitor Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). This fishing vessel will improve the quality of fishing activities within the Federation. A commissioning ceremony will be held at the Basseterre Fisheries Complex (BFC) on Caribbean Fisherfolk Day which is June 29, 2016 at 3PM to introduce FV Transformation to our fishers.

 

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SKN Department of Marine Resources represented at WECAFC-FIRMS data worshop

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The Subregional Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Secretariat of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC)  hosted the WECAFC-FIRMS data workshop in Christ Church, Barbados from 19 to 21 January 2016.

The main goal of this regional workshop, through the WECAFC-FIRMS partnership, is to develop the foundations of a regional data base in support of priority fishery management plans, with initial focus on Flyingfish, Queen Conch and Spiny Lobster.

The workshop was  organized as the cornerstone of the joint FAO – European Union DG Mare’s project, “Strengthening national data collection and regional data sharing through FIRMS to support priority regional fishery management plans in the WECAFC area”.

GIS and Oceanography Officer, Ms Nikkita Browne, represented the St. Kitts-Nevis Department of Marine Resources.

 

 

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