Fish talks coming

Authorities will soon be talking to fisherfolk about upcoming changes for preserving the fishing industry and coral reefs, including banning the use of seine nets to catch reef fish.

With the findings of surveys showing that coastal reefs around the island are generally in poor and stressed condition, Acting Chief Fisheries Officer Joyce Leslie announced during a press conference today at Regatta Room, Cube Blue, Barbados Port Inc, that Barbados’ fisheries sector manager must do what is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

She said for many years, concerns have been raised about the negative impact the use of seine net fishing has been having on coral reefs.

The Acting Chief Fisheries Officer said: “We have instituted a recommendation to ban or prohibit the use of seine nets for the catching of reef fish. Seine net fishing is a method where a very large and long net is used to encircle groups of fish, whether it be schooling fish or reef fish. So the fish are encircled and then the nets are closed and the fish are held within the net.

“We are going to restrict the size of the mesh for the flying fish. What has been creeping in is that smaller mesh sizes are being used locally. We will prohibit any capture or harming of marine mammals in our marine environment.”

Leslie explained that several of the pending changes will facilitate Barbados meeting the rules and regulations of international markets that purchase fish from the island. She said several of these overseas markets have strict rules and guidelines as it relates to the fishing industries, and noted that Barbados must ensure it meets all of their required standards.

She said: “In the new management regulations, we are looking at the restricting of gear. We are looking at prohibited species; we are giving it the flexibility that we can restrict the size of the fish that is captured, for example, to set minimum sizes.

“The industry has been asking for this and the public for some time, in terms of the dolphin fish in particular. And of course, next weekend we are looking to have a consultation with the fisher folk and get their feedback on our draft regulations which I am sure they will be looking forward to.”  (AH)