Fisheries sector in Jamaica to experience continuous growth: Floyd Green 

Kingston, Jamaica: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining- Floyd Green shared that the nation has purchased a vessel with the help of the World Bank to provide support in the fisheries sector. It is to be noted that Jamaica has experienced a growth in aquaculture and its production.

The vessel is valued at US$250,000 and is expected to arrive in the country on February 13. Moreover, the vessel will lead various training projects, which will increase the profitability of fisheries.

Minister Green shared the update at a press briefing held on January 31 at the Ministry’s Hope Garden offices. 

“We do have a training vessel valued at US $250,000, which will arrive on the island on February 13, which will give the NFA greater capacity in leading training initiatives, including longline training initiatives for our artisanal fishers.

More of them need to go further out to get a greater catch, to really increase their profitability, but they need the training. We have purchased a vessel through the help of the World Bank to provide that support”, added Agriculture Minister Green. 

He further commended the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and said that as the ministry continues to ensure proper staff and resources and build the NFA, the sector will grow further with this. 

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Further, Minister Green highlighted that in 2021, they would have seen 10,000 metric tons of marine fish catch, including lobster, shrimp and conch. 

In 2022, it rose to 10,696 metric tons, and as per their expectations, they saw a gradual rise, and they passed 11,000 metric tons in 2023. These figures indicated the rapid growth of the fisheries sector. 

Moreover, there has been a rise in aquaculture and its production, which rose from 869 metric tons in 2021 to 948 tons in 2022. It is expected that it will get better by 954 metric tons in 2023. 

“So, we are seeing a continuous rise in our fish production figures, but we are working to accelerate the pace of growth, and we do hear some of the concerns being raised by our fisherfolk, and we do look to see how we can address them”, said Green.

Noting this, he extended a vote of thanks to the non-governmental organisation (NGO) network, as they have given tremendous service in building the country’s ecosystem and supporting the rebuilding of the marine population.