This year, like any other, brought a mix of triumphs and trials for the Fisheries Division in the Ministry of Agriculture.
One of the outstanding achievements was the progress made in the CARIFICO project. The project continued the testing of biodegradable fish pot panels and conducted trials with anodes, both of which are designed to reduce the impacts of ghost fishing on the environment and allows for sustainability.
These innovations are about safeguarding our marine resources for future generations. Another hurdle resolved was transportation issues. In the past lack of transport caused delays in previous years, were finally resolved. This allowed the team to work more efficiently on CARIFICO and assisted greatly in the daily functioning of the unit.
Vessel inspection, export inspection, data collection and other activities were able to be completed. The smoother logistics provided much needed momentum for project activities allowing the unit to focus on the work instead of the roadblocks. Despite these wins, the year wasn’t without difficulties.
The department faced significant hurdles in maintaining infrastructure and securing the various compounds. Mr. Steve Archibald/Senior Fisheries Officer noted that keeping the facilities functional and secure is a constant battle. “We are doing our best with what we have”, he said, “but there is always room for improvement.
For instance, our internet access speeds and reliability, reduces the amount of research and data referencing that we can do and sometimes does not allow for critical online meetings and conferences”, added Mr. Archibald.
The Fisheries Division remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the department’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and supporting fisherfolk. The department plans to build on the progress of 2024, by strengthening collaborations with international partners and investing in innovative solutions to protect the ocean and enhance marine based livelihoods.
Let us celebrate the successes while keeping a clear eye on the work ahead. The possibilities for growth and opportunity for the fisheries sector increases with such dedication with the help of community support.
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