Two neighbours must chart a new course for flying fish harvesting

For decades, the azure waters between Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago have been the stage for a battle, with the tidal ebb and flow, tumultuous waves and flotsam and jetsam—a battle over flying fish. In recent months, the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association (AFTA) has raised fresh alarms about what it perceives to be a noticeable surge in Barbadian fishing activities in Tobago’s waters. This uptick in activity, AFTA claims, has been depleting flying fish stocks and, in the process, unravelling the intricate tapestry of the marine ecosystem.

AFTA President Curtis Douglas took this alarm to the central government in Port of Spain, urging Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to take steps to resolve this decades-long problem. The claim is that Barbadian fishermen are “overfishing” in Tobagonian waters and are thus not only harming the livelihoods of local fishermen but also disrupting the delicate balance of the food chain, affecting larger commercial sea species that depend on flying fish as a primary food source.

Gary Aboud of the Fisherman and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) chimed in with AFTA’s complaint, charging that there has been a historical lack of regulation in Barbadian fishing practices, emphasising the pressing need for modernised legislation to address the challenges posed by overfishing. Trinidad and Tobago’s Fisheries Act, dating back to 1916, stands as a testament to the longevity of regulatory frameworks, demanding amendments and stricter enforcement to ensure sustainable practices in the face of evolving environmental dynamics.

The simple fact is that neither the fishing communities can definitively prove overfishing of a resource. Flying fish do not carry passports nor yield to the inane bureaucracy reeking of the distrust and suspicion that too often blot our region and stunt its growth.

The historical backdrop of the flying fish feud, entrenched in the narrative of this part of the world for generations, has found expression in the calypso and the cultural fabric of the islands. Yet, the recent surge in disputes over fishing rights underscores the necessity for a contemporary, collaborative approach to managing shared marine resources. The current fishing situation demands not just a reactionary response to immediate concerns but a comprehensive, forward-thinking strategy that takes into account the broader ecological impact on the region.

There is, and has been for some time, a management plan for flying fish that is based not on political rhetoric, nationalistic chest-thumping or emotional claims of immense suffering, but on science and data. This plan, developed by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and approved by the region’s fisheries ministers, covers not only Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago but also the Eastern Caribbean region. The domain of this species stretches as far north as Antigua and Barbuda, involving islands with widely differing values attached to this winged wonder of the sea, based on cultural and culinary practice: one man’s fish bait is another man’s protein staple.

As both nations acknowledge the critical juncture they face, it is imperative that both nations, together with their neighbours, rely on the management plan and support the marine research necessary to determine any overfishing of the resource. By support, we mean funding not speeches. The dispute of yesteryears, adjudicated by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2004, led to limited fishing rights for Barbadians in Trinidad and Tobago waters. Yet, the ever-changing environmental conditions and the persistent impacts of climate change demand a reassessment and potential revision of these agreements to align with the current ecological realities. Again, CARICOM members must use the reasoned and reasonable mechanisms they agree to cope with the new normal of a species’ constant migration that, truth be told,  has been affected by our fisherfolk’s premature interruption of the food chain and life cycle triggered by the sargassum seaweed phenomenon.

We take note of last week’s joint statement by both Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago which conveyed their commitment to swift negotiations for a new fishery agreement. This signifies a positive step forward and exemplifies a shared recognition of the need for sustainable management practices. We support their expressed willingness to engage in collaborative research for a sub-regional assessment of fish stocks is indicative of a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.

However, the journey toward sustainable fisheries management is not only about addressing immediate grievances but also about laying a foundation for enduring cooperation. It requires fostering open communication, transparent negotiations, and, most importantly, the integration of modern regulations that balance the preservation of marine resources with the livelihoods of fishing communities.

The recent developments underscore the interconnectedness of our seas and the shared responsibility that extends beyond national borders. Both Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago once again stand at a crossroads, with an opportunity to set a precedent for regional cooperation in fisheries management. This collaborative vision should not merely be a response to a crisis but a commitment to a sustainable and harmonious relationship between their fishing communities.

In navigating these complex waters, both nations have an opportunity to showcase leadership in environmental stewardship, emphasising the shared responsibility to preserve the richness of our marine ecosystems for future generations. The challenges posed by overfishing and climate change require a united front, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and collective action that ought to define the strength of the Caribbean Community. The journey toward sustainable fisheries is a shared odyssey—one that demands thoughtful navigation and a commitment to a future where the seas continue to thrive, and the bonds between neighbours of shared history and destiny grow stronger.