Peter EspeutEVERY YEAR, June 29 is designated as 'International Fisherman's Day' by the United Nations, and all over the world that day is used to highlight the plight of the fisheries sector and those who work in it.
Not so in Jamaica, as small-scale fishers are held in low esteem, and not much attention is paid to that sector by the government or anybody. As a result, Jamaica has the most overfished waters in CARICOM and probably in the world, but there is no world ranking.
WORLD-CLASS
The fact that we have world-class overfishing means that our fish stocks are declining, and so our fish catch is declining; every year we fish harder but catch less less in total weight landed, less in that the average size of the fish caught is getting smaller, and less in that the composition of the catch is changing, so that less quality fish is being caught, and more trash fish.
The Fisheries Division was set up in the 1970s to 'develop' Jamaica's fisheries, meaning to increase the catch by increasing the fishing pressure. Loans were offered and subsidies were put in place, and people bought fibreglass boats and outboard engines to replace dugout canoes powered by oars, and the inevitable occurred: we caught fish faster than they could reproduce, hence the decline. And we have also been destroying fish habitat coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass mostly in the name of (tourism) "development" reducing the overall potential of the industry. What environmentalists like myself have been calling for is "management" of our fisheries to reduce or eliminate overfishing and habitat destruction, which will lead to an improvement in the health of our fish stocks, and in the fish catch. What we have been calling for is 'sustainable development', not the 'unsustainable development' produced from an unregulated expansion in fishing pressure encouraged by government
policy.
I thank God that the situation seems to be slowly changing. Earlier this year the Jamaican government announced a new policy to govern the sector, which focuses on fisheries management and sustainable development. It is the first step. Next will be to replace the outdated Fishing Industry Act with a modern bill incorporating the recommendations of the new policy. And then will have to come public education and enforcement. We have a far way to go before we can hope to lose our world-class ranking for overfishing, but we are off on the right foot.
GROUPED FOR EASE
Having carefully read it, I have to openly declare my support for the draft of the new national fisheries policy for Jamaica, and I would like to share with you some of its recommendations.
The fisheries of Jamaica have been grouped into five zones for ease of management; the plan is to impose limitations on all fisheries in all five Zones. Zone 1 consists of the north and south shelf areas of the island of Jamaica, and it is on this area that I concentrate my remarks.
The new policy prefers that fisheries management be implemented in close collaboration with all stakeholders (co-management), and so calls for the formation of co-operatives or other types of associations of fishermen, "since many development and management issues can best be dealt with through local groups."
The strategy to reduce overfishing is to "drastically reduce the fishing pressure." This means drastically reducing the number of fishermen, and limiting the amount of gear that can be used for each fishing licence. The number of fishermen will be reduced by not issuing new licences for a period of five years; the numbers will decrease due to natural factors, including retirement and migration to new occupations. In granting licences the principle of "User Pays" will be applied, which means that realistic fees will be charged to cover the cost of fisheries management. Access to the reef fisheries will be strictly monitored and all regulations will be strictly enforced. Unregistered and unmarked boats caught fishing or with fish or fishing gear on-board will be seized. All subsidies for purchasing fishing gear, engines, bait or fuel will be withdrawn.
FISHING ZONES
A mosaic of fishing and non-fishing zones will be established around Jamaica. This will only be effective if the non-fishing zones are guarded by the fishers themselves. Charter boats or any other boat carrying tourists who want to fish, and sport fishermen, except anglers using a single rod, will not be allowed to engage in any fishing in Zone 1. Foreign full-time fishermen will not be issued any licence for fishing in Zone 1.
Limitations are proposed on the use of all fishing gear; e.g., beach seines will be banned, and a minimum mesh size in fish pots of initially 1 inch (3.8 cm), and later 2 inch (5 cm) will be set. They are thinking about a total ban on spearguns.
The above gives a good idea of the direction in which they are going. It is a good set of policies, which will work if properly implemented, improving fish catch, the health of the marine environment and the standard of living of coastal communities.
I am usually pessimistic about government policy; usually it stays on shelves and does not get translated into action; or is simply not enforced. I am confident that the inclusion of co-management and community participation in the strategy will make a big difference, and I believe that there is hope for Jamaica's
fisheries.
Peter Espeut is a sociologist and is executive director of an environment and development NGO.
