Department of Fisheries’ Activities Specific to the SMMA

Thomas NelsonDepartment of Fisheries

Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries

SAINT LUCIA

SMMA Mission Statement

• To contribute to national and local development, particularly in the fisheries and tourism sectors, through the management of the Soufriere coastal zone, based on the principles of sustainable usesustainable use, co-operation co-operation among resource users, institutional collaborationcollaboration, active and enlightened local participationparticipation, and equitable sharing of sharing of benefits and responsibilitiesbenefits and responsibilities among stakeholders.

FMP Policy statement

• Saint Lucia is committed to the conservation and sustainable usesustainable use of its fisheries resources for the long-term benefit long-term benefit of the people of Saint Lucia.

Goals of Fisheries Management• To promote self-sufficiency and food security.• To sustainably optimise the net incomes of the fishers and the

communities involved in fisheries, and related economic activities.

• To sustainably optimise employment opportunities for those dependent on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods.

• To maintain or restore populations of marine and freshwater species at levels that can produce optimum sustainable yields.

• To preserve rare or fragile ecosystems, habitats and other ecologically sensitive areas.

• To sustainably optimise the amount of fish protein available for consumption.

• To improve on and promote the use of fisheries infrastructure and appropriate fishing technologies.

Mission and Vision of DOFOur Vision• The highest level of collaborationcollaboration, awareness and

information sharing among all stakeholders in ensuring sustainablesustainable fisheries development that recognizably and positively impacts on the social, cultural and economic growth of Saint Lucia.

Our Mission • To provide effective and efficient services in

promoting sustainable development of Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector through participatoryparticipatory management and sustainable utilisation of the fishery resources.

Legal Basis of SMMA

• The Soufriere Marine Management Area is a Local Fisheries Management Area and the organization is a Local Fisheries Management Authority under the Fisheries Act No. 10 of 1984.

• This provides the legislative support and mechanism for the management of fisheries and fisheries related resources.

Research and Monitoring (DOF and SMMA)

• A Research and Monitoring Framework was developed for the SMMA, with the following objectives:

• To guide the involvement of students and researchers in research activities within the SMMA;

• To enhance the availability and use of information and knowledge relevant to management;

• To document and analyse resources and the experiences of the SMMA.

Water Quality Monitoring• A joint water quality monitoring programme began

in 2002 by the Ministry of Health and the MALFF• Monitoring sites were selected based on their

implications for both human and nearshore habitat health and include sites within the SMMA.

• Samples are collected at stations in Soufriere by the SMMA staff.

• Parameters include faecal coliforms and Enterococci and salinity.

Coral reef Monitoring• The Reef Check Methodology for monitoring of coral

reefs began in the SMMA in 1999. • Monitoring continues by the DOF and SMMA, but

has been broadened to include other sites.• Reef Checks (Coral cover, Fish species, diseases, etc.)– Coral Gardens – Anse Chastanet – Turtle reef– Malgretoute

Beach Monitoring• Beach profile monitoring

began in 1990• Two beaches are

monitored in the SMMA–Anse Chastanet–Malgretoute

• Island-wide sand grain size analysis was undertaken in 2002

Fish Data Collection

• One data collector• Data collection of – catch and effort– Snorkel and scuba– Fisher and vessel registration– Vessel license

• Annual estimated fish landings report generated

Technology Transfer and Improvement

• Promotion of technologies that are appropriate and linked with local environmental, social and cultural aspects of the SMMA– Completion of Soufriere Fisheries Development

facilities (2003)– FADS– Diamondback Squid project– Safety at Sea Training– Fish handling and quality assurance– Young Fishers Training Programme– Fisher overseas exchange and training

(E.g. Grenada long line and GCFI in Venezuela)

Monitoring, Surveillance and Enforcement

• Facilitated and supported by the following:– Fisheries Act No. 10 of 1984– Fisheries Regulations No. 9 of 1994– Fisheries Regulation No. 223 of 2000

• In collaboration with the MPU, District Police

Thank YOU