File
Government has announced new measures to assist the fishing industry.

The fishing industry is to get a significant boost, Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton disclosed in his 2008 budget debate last week.

According to a draft fisheries policy presented in March 2008 by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) consultant, Dr Siebren Venema, Jamaica's fishing industry makes an indirect contribution to over 200,000 livelihoods. However, due to the inadequacy of available inshore fishing stock, the industry has been experiencing decline.

Fisheries policy

The agriculture minister, in his budget debate presentation, outlined several strategies to revamp the once-prosperous industry.

He said that a comprehensive fisheries policy would be developed in partnership with the FAO and new legislation enacted to create an enabling environment for the effective management of the industry.

In addition, he indicated that the ministry would be spending $100 million to upgrade the infrastructure of 30 fishing beaches across the island.

Upgrading process

Included in the upgrading process is the installation of environmentally friendly sanitary facilities and storage sheds.

Tufton said he has also secured a $50-million loan to aid fisherfolk in accessing modern gear and safety equipment. The loan is primarily for small operators and will be disbursed at a 7.8 per cent interest rate through credit unions and other approved microfinance institutions.

To allow for the continued existence and replenishing of existing marine life, the minister announced that five sanctuaries would be built in Old Harbour Bay, Hellshire, Falmouth, Discovery Bay and Negril.

Complementing these initiatives, Tufton disclosed that a new fisheries advisory board had recently been appointed.

"This board brings together a cross section of persons with competence and decades of experience in the fishing industry, as well as in marine and environmental issues, so as to guide the industry rebuilding process," he said.