The Department of Fisheries through collaboration with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is currently undertaking a project for strengthening the sustainable use and management of Coastal Fisheries Resources in CARICOM Countries, the COASTFISH Project.

We hear more in this report from Anicia Antoine…

The COASTFISH Project focuses on establishing a framework in which local fisher folks, their organizations, and fisheries authorities can work together to manage fishery resources around coral reefs for sustainable use.

A two-day seminar in Saint Lucia, including a tour of the pilot communities of Laborie and Soufriere, was convened to enable stakeholders to compose good co-management practices, define the issues fisher folk face with marine-managed areas, and also clarify the point of encouraging fishers’ participation in the pilot activities.

Deputy Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), Sandra Grant, says the COASTFISH Project, currently in its preparation phase for the pilot activities to be rolled out in each country, will look to establish marine managed areas, research, and monitoring activities and restore the coastal ecosystem.   She notes that the project is in keeping with CRFM’s mission to promote and facilitate responsible and sustainable use of fisheries resources.

 “The CRFM has been and continues to coordinate fisheries co-management in the region, a process where government and resource users share the responsibility and authority for management of aquatic resources. Our commitment to co-management and practices is stated in the CRFM strategic plan 2022-2030 which states active development and application of co-management and community-based management practices”

In acknowledging the growing number of challenges in the fisheries sector, such as habitat degradation and loss, declining fish stocks due to increased marine pollution, and increased competition among users for limited marine space and resources, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security ad Rural Development, Hon. Alfred Prospere states that the cabinet of ministers has approved St Lucia’s national fisheries policy to guide planning and development.

Minister Prospere says joint efforts with partner agencies like JICA and CRFM are of paramount importance as it supports the implementation of the strategies outlined in the policy.

“ In order to show sustainable progress over the long term, countries in the region will need to make a concerted effort to collaborate in the management of our valuable marine and coastal resources taking into consideration the migratory nature of our marine resources, our limited financial human, technical and technological resources and the added stress of integration and unity among other factors. However, as a region, we have already made significant strides, and in general, we have recognized that sustainable use, improved self-sufficiency and the effective management of our marine and coastal resource  can only be achieved when the benefits to future generations include biodiversity conservation, food security, and economic and social well-being.”

Activities that involve both environmental and resource protection remain a priority for the Government of Saint Lucia as the agriculture ministry moves to encourage improvement in the livelihoods of fisher folk by promoting sustainable development within the agriculture sector.