Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/2696/-1/135/
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FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AT THE CROSSROADS Move To Clarify Its Mandate
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The importance of Anguilla’s marine resources to the island’s economic development in general, and the tourism product in particular, was emphasised at a one-day review workshop at the Teachers’ Resource Centre on Wednesday, August 17.
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Fisheries and Marine Resource Department at Crocus Hill
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The workshop took into account that the fisheries sector plays an important role in the Anguillian economy. It noted that the industry is characterized by depleted inshore resources and minimally exploited but extensive deep sea resources. It was also observed that Anguilla’s fragile non-fishery marine resources are exploited by the tourism industry in particular, without a strong regulatory regime in place.
The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Agriculture and Fisheries. The facilitator was Dr. Floyd Homer of The Trust for Sustainable Livelihood based in Trinidad. The Ministry said in a statement that it saw the review “as critical to the future of the Fisheries Department and one in which all the key stakeholders should participate.
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L-R: Fisheries Director, Othlyn Vanterpool, Dr. Homer, PS Kenn Banks and Parliamentary Secretary, Albert Hughes
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Speaking at the opening ceremony, Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Albert Hughes, said it was hoped that at the end of the workshop a clear mandate would emerge for taking the department forward.
Mr. Hughes said the island’s costal fishing banks were continuing to provide a comfortable source of livelihood to many fishermen. The vast fishing banks to the north have the potential for a lucrative deep sea fishing industry but, unfortunately, Anguilla was still unable to use it effectively, while non-Anguillians were exploiting it illegally.
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Participants at the workshop on Wednesday August 17
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“With its people, Anguilla’s marine resource is one of the two pillars of its tourism product which is the mainstay of our economy,” Mr. Hughes went on. “Without our blue waters, beautiful beaches and vibrant reef system, there would not be much to encourage developers and tourists to join us here in Anguilla.
“While coastal zone regulation or management also relates to fishing stocks, it includes the protection of our reefs and sea-grass beds and water quality, all of which are essential elements in our tourism product. Only if we are successful in this area can we truthfully continue to use the slogan, ‘Tranquility Wrapped in Blue.’
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Participants at the workshop on Wednesday August 17
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“Our marine parks have been designated as special protected areas: some because of their sensitive nature; some because of their importance to marine life; and others because of their potential as dive sites. The department is maintained to manage these sites to ensure their sustainability and to generate revenue.”
Strategic points of focus in strengthening the work of the Fisheries and Marine Department include the following: development of the deep sea fishery; improved management of the fisheries and marine resources; reduction of over-fishing of the inshore waters; sustainable income generation from the utlilisation of the non-fishery marine resources; and the promotion of marine resources conservation in the inshore waters.
The programme priorities include the formulation of a Fisheries and Marine Resources Sector Plan; institutional reform and strengthening of the department; increased resource allocation; establishment of a commercial fishing processing and marketing facility; promotion and licensing of privately-managed marine parks; and securing by legislation Anguilla’s boundaries and rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone.