Minister Duggins Underscores the Role of Emerging Trends in Bolstering the Fisheries Sector

The government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has embarked on a significant initiative to bolster its fisheries sector and enhance the livelihoods of its fisherfolk through the strategic deployment of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). This commitment, reaffirmed by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Samal Duggins, underscores the pivotal role of FADs in promoting sustainable fish production and driving economic growth within the fishing community. Recognizing the challenges associated with traditional surface FADs, which are prone to damage and loss due to maritime traffic, the government has adopted a more resilient approach by transitioning to subsurface FADs. These submerged devices offer greater longevity and stability, ensuring a more reliable and consistent fishing environment.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources has set an ambitious target of deploying 15 FADs, with 12 already in place and plans to reach 20 by the end of the year. This proactive approach demonstrates the government’s dedication to investing in the fisheries sector and providing tangible support to the men and women who rely on it for their livelihood. Minister Duggins emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among fisherfolk from different areas, such as Sandy Point, Godwin Ghaut, and Dieppe Bay. Encouraging the sharing of information about FAD locations and productive fishing grounds, he highlighted the collective benefits of cooperation, ensuring that all participants in the fishing industry can reap the rewards of increased yields. This collaborative spirit, he argued, fosters a sense of shared prosperity, enabling all fishermen to “catch more and earn more.”

The Minister’s role, as he articulated, is to establish supportive policies and frameworks that create a more conducive environment for fishing activities, allowing fisherfolk to operate more efficiently and effectively. The positive outcomes of these efforts are reflected in the remarkable growth of the fisheries sector, with revenues surging from approximately EC$8 million a few years ago to EC$15 million in 2023, and projected to reach EC$19 million in 2024. This impressive upward trajectory underscores the hard work, resilience, and dedication of the fisherfolk, as well as the effectiveness of the government’s supportive policies. The success of the FAD initiative is not solely attributed to the government’s efforts, but also to the active participation and collaborative spirit of the fisherfolk themselves.

Kevin Bennett, a representative of the National Fisherfolk Organisation and the Capisterre Fishermen Marketing and Supplies Cooperative Society Limited, echoed Minister Duggins’ sentiments on the vital importance of collaboration and mutual support within the fishing community. He commended the FADs Construction Workshop as a highly engaging and productive forum, fostering open dialogue and the sharing of experiences and knowledge. The workshop provided a platform for fisherfolk from various regions to come together, discuss past challenges, and explore future opportunities, creating a stronger and more unified fishing sector. The participation of fishermen from beyond the immediate Dieppe Bay area, including those from Sandy Point, demonstrates the widespread interest in the FAD initiative and the collective desire for improvement within the fishing industry.

The success of the workshop was also lauded by Bennett, who expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Department of Marine Resources, particularly the Director, Mr. Randel Thompson, whose instrumental role in developing and facilitating the workshop contributed significantly to its positive impact. The collaboration between the government, represented by the Department of Marine Resources, and the fisherfolk, represented by organizations like the National Fisherfolk Organisation and the Capisterre Fishermen Marketing and Supplies Cooperative Society Limited, highlights the shared commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector. This partnership is essential for the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the industry.

Minister Duggins, in turn, expressed his appreciation for the unwavering dedication of the fisherfolk, acknowledging their vital contributions to national food security and the overall economic well-being of the country. The focus on strengthening the fisheries sector, through initiatives like the strategic deployment of FADs and the fostering of collaboration among fisherfolk, demonstrates the government’s recognition of the sector’s crucial role in the nation’s development. This collaborative approach, combining government support with the active participation of the fishing community, paves the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the fisheries sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis. The FADs, along with the collaborative spirit fostered by the government and embraced by the fisherfolk, are vital tools in ensuring the continued growth and success of this important sector.