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St.Kitts and Nevis SocMon Workshop 2016

November 16 -18 2016 commenced the first phase of the Eastern Caribbean Marine Managed Areas Network (ECMMAN) Socio-Economic Monitoring for Coastal Management (SocMon) Capacity Building Workshop for the Narrows area in St.Kitts and Nevis.

The workshop’s overall objective was the development of the Site Monitoring Plan for the Narrows area through scoping exercises and capacity building through knowledge sharing – data collection, sampling, SocMon variables for monitoring and data analysis.  Technical expertise was provided by Maria Pena of Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) from the University of the West Indies Barbados http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/cermes/home.aspx .

Images from Scoping exercise

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Workshop training

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Participants for the workshop included; Thema Ward – Physical Planning of the Department of Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Environment, Clive Wilkinson- Fisheries Officer, Department of Fisheries Nevis, Daniele Moore – Outreach Officer, Nevis Historical and Conservation Society and from the Department of Marine Resources were Marcia Stubbs -Education and Compliance Officer, Nikkita Browne – GIS Officer, and Tricia Greaux – MMA and Habitat Monitoring Officer.
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The second phase of the workshop would take place November 28 -29 using SocMon Spatial Tools.

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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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Declaration of St. Kitts Nevis Marine Management Area

Declaration of the St. Kitts & Nevis Marine Management Area (MMA)

On August 18th 2016, the Honorable Eugene Hamilton approved on behalf of the Government of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis the declaration of the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area as defined by the two (2) miles radius of sea water around the St. Kitts and Nevis’ coastline including the Monkey Shoals area to be managed by the Department of Marine Resources as the entity with jurisdiction of the Federal Waters of St. Kitts and Nevis as indicated in the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Resources Act (FAMRA) 2016.

This St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area has been proposed since the late 1980’s. Substantial work was completed in the 2010 Marine Zoning Plan for St. Kitts and Nevis after extensive multi-sectoral consultations to define the marine area to be managed and the zones within the area. However, the Fisheries Legislation at the time was inadequate to adequately manage the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area.

Since then several consultations and efforts have been geared towards increasing the awareness and importance of this proposed area. With the newly passed FAMRA 2016, there is now legislation that supports for proper management and governance of such an area.

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is thankful to the fisherfolk, government officials, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, the Eastern Caribbean Marine Management Areas Network and other stakeholders for their invaluable assistance during the process of establishing the SKNMMA.

 

 

 

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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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Creative Murals promote Awareness

The Department of Marine Resources has embarked on a number of projects to raise the level of awareness for Kittitians and Nevisians of marine life and the importance of the sustainable use of marine resources for 2016.  The marine inspired dumpster project is one of the marquee projects that is expected to visually stimulate the populace.

The Department commissioned Nevisian artist Mr Vaughn Anslyn to conceptualize and execute the project.  The results are as follows:

 

Before: Outline for the mural

Before: Image Outline

Nevisian artist Vaughn Anslyn working on his masterpiece

Nevisian artist Vaughn Anslyn working on the masterpiece.

 

Finished Visual on the dumpsters

Finished visual on one of the dumpsters

 

Murals

This is who we are

Marine Life Dumpster in Day time

 

The murals feature various types of marine life that can be found in the proposed Narrows Marine Management Area including; Hawksbill Sea turtle, Angel fish, sea grass bed, corals, sea sponges and a sea fan.  The mural project was funded by CamPAM Small Grants with the Department of Marine Resources as the National Implementing Entity (NIE).  CamPAM seeks to support to the management of marine space within the region. Establishing Marine Management Areas (MMA) or Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is used as a regional tool to improve marine management, conserve marine biodiversity, address over fishing impacts, decrease user conflicts, and provide economic alternatives to local coastal communities. This has resulted in substantial knowledge gained on optimal site selection and design, successful outreach approaches, effective management strategies, and appropriate methods to evaluate their effectiveness.  The Department of Marine Resources is presently embarking on establishing a two-mile radius St.Kitts and Nevis MMA .

The marine-inspired dumpsters will be placed at various fish landing sites throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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

 

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SKN Coral Reef Report Card Launch

On June 8th, as the world celebrates World Ocean’s Day, six Eastern Caribbean countries mark their commitment to preserving the region’s extraordinary marine ecosystems by launching the first Eastern Caribbean coral reef report cards.

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The Nature Conservancy combined existing data, collected by regional and international scientists, to create individual report cards for six countries. The report cards not only provide information on reefs, but also assess mangrove and seagrass habitats, as well as management strategies to improve these ecosystems. They are a concise, visual and easy-to-understand tool designed to be accessible for audiences from students up to the policy level. The six countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  Each report card was created in collaboration with local stakeholders including government partners, and non-governmental organizations.

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The report cards were funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety as part of the Climate-Resilient Eastern Caribbean Marine Managed Areas Network (ECMMAN) project, which aims to build a regional network of marine managed areas.

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“Report cards are an effective communication tool to consistently track reef health; show the ability of fully protected areas to support more fish; and raise awareness on the importance of protecting coral reefs” said Patricia Kramer, a coral reef ecologist, who led the data synthesis and development of the ECMMAN Report Cards.

 

All of the data and report card scores are also available at Carbinode.org, an online mapping tool where users can surf through data and create maps based on their interests. This allows researchers and scientists to access and share data across the region.

 

Locally, The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society celebrated World Ocean’s Day with a media launch of the St.Kitts and Nevis Coral Reef Report Card.  This media launch was held at Fisherman’s Wharf- an ocean themed restaurant that hovers above the Caribbean Sea. The event was chaired by Tricia Greaux, Marine Management Areas and Habitat Monitoring Officer, who opened with the World Ocean’s Day theme for 2015 – 2016, Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet. The ECMMAN Project overview and Caribnote updates were given by Danielle Moore ECMMAN Outreach Officer.

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Opening Remarks from Natasha Daniel Assistant Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources, and Cooperatives stressed “The Federal Government of St.Kitts and Nevis has given our support and will ensure the marine area surrounding our twin island federation is properly managed for the benefit of all our citizens, residents and visitors.  Hence, it is incumbent on our government to ensure the requisite systems of management and protection are fully established to provide and maintain the livelihoods of our citizens and the sustainability of the resources present in this area. Again, this document is critical to this process. “The vote of thanks was done by Marcia Stubbs, ECMMAN Education and Compliance Officer.

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Stakeholders and members of the press were presented with a video explanation of the SKN Coral Reef Report Card. This would be uploaded on some of the DMR’s social media platforms; www.dmrskn.com, https://www.facebook.com/DMRSKN/,  and on www.youtube.com DMRSKN. Paraphernalia were distributed promoting the awareness of the proposed Narrows Marine Management Area (the channel between St.Kitts and Nevis). Data monitoring teams from each country will continue to fill gaps in data and update information in future versions of the report card.

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Take a look at our Report Card:

 

 

 

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CATS PROMOTES SAVING OUR CARIBBEAN PARADISE

 

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Department of Marine Resources (DMR) launches its new website!

A look at DMR’s website

 

Department of Marine Resources (DMR) launches new website and social media page.

The Department of Marine Resources (DMR) welcomes 2016 with exciting new ventures: diving into the mobile, web and social media revolution.

DMR has launched a responsive website and social media page via Facebook in an effort to connect with a wider audience. Director of DMR, Mr. Marc Williams stated “The new website provides a platform that allows us to inform interested individuals of our vision: to promote the sustainable use of all living marine resources in all waters of national jurisdiction and areas beyond the national jurisdiction of Saint Kitts and Nevis as well as projects undertaken by the Department of Marine Resources.”

The addition of our social media presence creates an avenue for interested persons to stay up to date with the plethora projects launched by the DMR.

Tricia Greaux, Marine Management Area and Habitat Monitoring Officer, DMR, is extremely excited “We would like persons to get a feel of our marine environment and change the attitude of fear of the ocean; we have used vivid visual and audio content (pictures, videos) on the website to help to enlighten the public”.

Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions (CATS) Component 2 has funded the website which was developed and designed by local digital marketing company, Caribbean Commerce Ltd.

TAKE THE PLUNGE INTO DMR’s website www.dmrskn.com and COME SEE THE SEA with us by liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/DMRSKN

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