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Home | Over 140 Trained in Sustainable Fishing Practices, Eco-Tourism Advances
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, speaking during a press briefing held at the Ministry's Hope Complex Office on January 31.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining has announced the successful training of over 140 individuals, including youth and women, in comprehensive pelagic fishing across 7 targeted communities.
Minister Floyd Green made this announcement during the Ministry's Quarterly Press Briefing held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
This initiative which is a part of the "Promoting Community-based Climate Resilience in the Fisheries Sector" project, signifies a critical step towards fostering sustainable practices within Jamaica’s fishing communities.
Among its key achievements is the acquisition of a training vessel valued at US$250,000, scheduled to arrive on the island on February 13, 2024. Minister Green emphasized the significance of the investment, stating, “The training vessel will give the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) greater capacity in leading training initiatives, including longline fishing training for our artisanal fishers. More of
these fishers need to go further out in the water to get a greater catch to increase their profitability, but they need the training to do so. We have purchased this vessel through the help of the World Bank to provide that support.”
To address the challenges faced by aquaculture farmers, a feed mill valued at US $60,000 has been purchased under the project to produce fish feed from alternative materials, supported by the engagement of a consultant nutritionist to develop formulations conducive to farmer needs.
The Minister further stated that infrastructure upgrades are being carried out in fish farming communities to improve accessibility and productivity, including road enhancements in the Hill Run community.
Additionally, the Minister said that “We have purchased three mobile offices and floating jetties that will be deployed across our sanctuaries to embark on an eco-tourism model where people will be able to utilize the sanctuaries for eco-tourism.”
He said that the NFA in collaboration with Teams Jamaica and The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) has also successfully trained and certified 20 fishers as tour guides at Galleon, enriching their skillset and opening more avenues for sustainable eco-tourism.
Minister Green reiterated the Ministry's commitment to fostering sustainable development in fisheries and commended the fish sanctuaries for their service to rebuilding Jamaica’s marine ecosystem.
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