Nassau, Bahamas - Long-line fishing and the commercial harvesting of all turtles will be prohibited in Bahamian waters, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Larry Cartwright confirmed.
Addressing a Department of Marine Resources workshop on Monday, he unveiled “additional realistic and concrete steps taken to address issues impacting the supply of fisheries.”
Mr Cartwright confirmed that the prohibition against the commercial harvesting of all marine turtles starts January 1, and a total ban comes into effect April 1.
Harvesting of Nassau groupers during their vulnerable spawning period will continue to be prohibited and, the Fisheries Regulations are to be amended to better protect the bonefish and other important commercial species, he said.
Work continues on the establishment of the first five Marine Reserve Networks, said Mr Cartwright.
“There are still more challenges which confront fisheries in The Bahamas but they are not insurmountable,” he said. “Through our collaborative efforts these can be overcome.”
He pointed to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. This includes foreign, commercial and recreational poaching; unreported catches by fishers to help in the development of adequate management plans; and activities and gear that can negate efforts at sustainable development.
Illicit dumping and the emptying of bilges at sea; damage to coral reefs by anchors and grounded vessels; and the use of chemicals in harvesting continue to negatively impact the marine environment, he said.
And, global warming and climate change and the increasing frequency of hurricanes, cause displacements of natural feeding grounds and habitats, he said.
In response, he said, the Government has strengthened the Royal Bahamas Defence Force which recently added eight craft to its fleet. The Department of Marine Resources has increased its presence in the islands by hiring extra fisheries extension officers in Grand Bahama, Andros, Acklins and Mayaguana.
The establishment of the Ministry of the Environment, he said, can bring a more focused approach to environmental concerns
Mr Cartwright and senior officers of Department of Marine Resources visited most of the major fishing communities and consulted with residents there on issues and concerns of the industry.
“Encouragement is being provided” to Bahamians and foreign investors who are interested in aquaculture, he said.
“The idea of inexhaustible fisheries must be replaced by the recognition that access to fisheries must be restricted if they are to sustainably generate wealth and to alleviate poverty,” he said quoting Ichiro Nomura Assistant Director-General FAO.
“Whether or not we succeed in our endeavors will depend in large measure on the skill, commitment and determination of all of you who are employed to regulate, conserve, develop and grow these most important resources.
“The measures we have taken to effect sustainable development in this all-important sector demonstrate the Government’s commitment to self- sufficiency in the production of seafood for the country,” he added.
