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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;

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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.

 

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Future Marine Biologist Career Day at DMR

On Tuesday 13th February, 2018 – Two students namely Aleyah Powell and Thalia Dore from Gingerland Secondary School, Nevis are desirous of becoming Marine Biologists and have requested to spend a “Career Exposure Day” at the Department of Marine Resources, St. Kitts.

They were introduced to the staff and learnt what each worker is responsible for at the DMR. The day’s activities included a visit to the Basseterre Fisheries Complex to witness processing of fishery products with Wilmoth Alleyne – Enforcement Officer, Ocean Governance presentation by Maritza Queeley- Port State Control Officer, Introduction to Marine Ecosystems by Tricia Greaux – Marine Management Area and Habitat Monitoring Officer, and overview of Export and Trade procedures by Oretha Gilbert, Fisheries Officer.

Aleyah and Thalia were excited at the end of the day and before leaving they expressed gratitude to the staff. When asked how they would describe their day they exclaimed “it was a wonderful, educational experience!”

 

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DFX dives in with DMR

Designing For the Xtraordinary (DFX) Mas Band has donated marine inspired costumes to the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to boost the aesthetics of the department’s marine environment based awareness efforts. The DMR has partnered with the Anjolique Dance Company to implement a project “SEE LIFE SEA SKN”- a national level visual campaign about the marine environment. This project is primarily funded by the Global Environmental Fund United Nations Development Program Small Grant Proposal.

DFX released their carnival parade troupe “Beauty Everywhere” for Sugar Mas 45 held December 2016-January 2017, highlighting the various aspects of the marine environment. The intimidating section named “Ravage” showcased the Lionfish as an invasive predatory fish species within the Caribbean Sea. The allure of the sea splashing on our beaches below the enchanting Caribbean nights sky was displayed in the royal blue and black section “Seduction”.

Later in July 2017, DFX allowed the DMR to use male and female costumes from the Ravage and Seduction section and also a magnificent Octopus costume from the mas camp. The DMR used these pieces in the Agriculture Open Day display.

The month of September highlights the official handing over of these costumes to the DMR. Marine Conservation Officers will form part of the SEE LIFE SEA SKN project’s Marine Awareness Consortium (MAC). The MAC will serve as the marine environment education catalysts for primary, secondary and tertiary school visits.

DFX – Designing For the Xtraordinary Mas Band is an Entertainment & Design Company that strives to Design, Enhance and Create the Ultimate Experience and Best Service for all, through Music, Photography, Makeup Artistry and Costume Design! For more information contact Corrine Poujade-Flanders at Designing For the Xtraordinary (DFX) Mas Band dfxmasband@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/DFX.

 

Tricia Greaux- MMA and Habitat Monitoring Officer, DMR and Corrine Poujade-Flanders – Designing For the Xtraordinary (DFX) Mas Band at the handing over ceremony.

Octopus Costume

Seduction Costume

Sea Shell Costume

Ravage Costume

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ST.KITTS AND NEVIS FISHERFOLK LEADERSHIP CAPACITY BUILDING SESSIONS

 

Fisherfolk leaders from the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis were invited to participate and benefit from capacity building sessions.   St.Kitts based fishers attended sessions held on February 13-14, 2017; similarly Nevis based fishers’ sessions were conducted on February 15-16, 2017. These workshops were facilitated by Mitchell Lay, Coordinator of Caribbean Network Fisherfolk Organization (CNFO). The CNFO works in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat.

The Department of Marine Resources hosted the capacity building trainings. The Director, Marc Williams gave Opening Remarks and members of DMR staff gave presentations that included Local Legislation by Wilmot Alleyne, SKN Marine Management Area by Tricia Greaux and Food Safety in Fisheries by Nikkita Browne.

Objectives for the sessions included the promotion and development of;

  • awareness of the laws, regulations, and policies applicable to the fisheries sector in St. Kitts and Nevis
  • opportunities for fishers to discuss and clarify implications of fisheries management laws on their activities.
  • fishers’ participation in fisheries management, including in MMAs
  • fishers’ contributions to the national social security mechanism
  • food safety in the fisheries sector
  • leadership skills of leading fishers in St. Kitts and Nevis.
  • fisherfolk leaders’ capacity in communications
  • document and experience sharing

The CRFM Secretariat was the lead agency, fulfilling a mandate for fishers from St. Kitts and Nevis to be exposed to knowledge and skills which will promote their development and enhance their collective participation in sustainable fisheries governance.

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis passed new legislation, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Resources Act 2016, which will impact the fisheries sector and guide its’ management. This activity will provide fishers with the opportunity to learn of these new measures and to discuss the implications, while identifying opportunities to participate in the governance and management of the sector.

       

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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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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)

 

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SKN represented at First CLME+ Steering Committee Meeting and Inception Workshop in Columbia

The Project Coordination Unit (PCU) of the UNDP/GEF co-funded Project “Catalysing Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the Sustainable Management of shared Living Marine Resources in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems” (the “CLME+ Project”) held the First CLME+ Steering Committee Meeting and Inception Workshop held in Cartagena, COLOMBIA 26-28 January, 2016.

The CLME+ Project Steering Committee (PSC), is expected to provide overall strategic policy and management direction for the project and play a critical role in reviewing and approving overall project planning and execution. More specifically, the CLME+ PSC will be expected to, amongst other things and in line with the adoption of an adaptive management approach, review project progress and results, make recommendations and adopt the (biennial) project work plans and budget.

The objectives of this First CLME+ Steering Committee Meeting and Inception Workshop were to:
 Review and adopt suggested updates to the CLME+ Project Document

 Review and adopt the CLME+ Project Work Plan and Budget for the period 2015 – 2017

 Adopt the proposed TORs for CLME+ Project National Focal Points and Steering Committee, including the proposed Rules and Procedures for the PSC meetings

 Review activities implemented during CLME+ Project Inception Phase

 Review and adopt proposed coordination and management arrangements for the CLME+ Project and the 10-year CLME+ Strategic Action Programme (SAP)

 

Representing St. Kitts-Nevis, for the Deparment of Marine Resources, was Ms. Nikkita Browne in her capacity of Oceanography and GIS Officer.

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MMA Officer participates in OECS ICZM Consultation

OECS Consultation

Marine Management Areas and Habitat Monitoring Officer, Ms Tricia Greaux attended a two-day OECS Regional Consultation on: ” The Draft Model Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Policy and Model Development Setback Guidelines”.  The USAID sponsored consultation took place February 11-12 th, 2016 at the Trade Wines Hotel, St. John’s Antigua.

The participants received training and engaged in active discussions on several critical issues over the duration of the workshop.  Some of which included: ” Concepts and Principles in ICZM”, “Decision Support Tools”,  ” Model OECS ICZM Policy” and “Model Coastal Development Setback Guidelines”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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