BVI not doing enough to stop fish poaching
The BVI needs to do more to address challenges faced by persons fishing illegally in the territory’s waters, Junior Minister for Agriculture Karl Dawson admitted.
Fish poaching has remained a concern among local fishermen and other stakeholders for years, however, the BVI lacks the resources to effectively patrol its waters to make a dent in the illegal trade.
“We are doing some things, but we’re not doing enough. You know, we don’t have enough resources. For instance, the Department of Fisheries does not have a working boat, you know, that goes out,” Dawson shared.
Dawson explained that the Department usually goes out on boats belonging to the Customs Department or the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
Illegal fishing not only threatens the sustainability of marine life, but also the livelihoods of local fishermen who rely on these resources for their income. The territorial waters of the BVI, rich in biodiversity, have been targeted by illegal fishers, leading to overfishing and the depletion of fish stocks. This illicit activity undermines the management and conservation efforts put in place to protect these valuable marine ecosystems.
The BVI has established regulations under the 1997 British Virgin Islands Fisheries Act to govern fishing activities within its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone. These regulations stipulate that all fishing vessels must possess valid Certificates of Registration, and their owners must have valid fishing licenses. Additionally, recreational fishing permits are required for anyone looking to remove marine organisms from BVI waters.
Despite these measures, enforcement remains a significant challenge. The BVI’s geographical layout and the extensive maritime area make it difficult for authorities to monitor and control illegal fishing activities effectively. The availability of resources for patrolling and enforcement activities is crucial for addressing this issue. Without adequate patrols, illegal fishers often operate with impunity, taking advantage of the gaps in surveillance.
Officials have suggested that efforts to combat illegal fishing in the BVI must be multifaceted, involving increased patrolling, community engagement, and cooperation with regional and international partners. Enhancing surveillance capabilities, whether through technology or increased manpower, is also essential for detecting and deterring illegal activities.
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That we have Haitians picking all the lil whelks and the Filipinos ketching all the lil fish them
Dem did not maintain the boat and now is mashed up
But I love eating poached fish.
I have them with roasted vegetables. Typical
of this government stopping another of life’s
pleasures.
So many issues plaguing this country, but not one of these feckless fools in power have the ability, intuition, or basic know how to get us on track in the most basic of ways.
However, Sir, you out of all of them are one of the most worthless in an elected group of ‘academic doctors’ that believe in your superiority to all others yet continue to exceed the people’s wildest expectations when it comes to knowing nothing, complete and utter unmitigated failures, and profound disappointments!
The Country in a multitude of ways is worse off for you even opening your mouth, never mind any actions you may consider!
I am honestly thankful I have not heard much from your mouth, (or even seen you) since your Guyana fiasco!
you are 100% correct in all you say Sir
a radar system was offered by the UK and was turned down by the previous goverment.
It needs to be put on Anegada as thsat is where the 200mile limit is set at the back of the island which is fished illegally by Puerto Rico and other USVI boats.
Heard during the COI questioning of Former Gov Rankin, that they were also offered underwater technology to track the “migration” patterns and numbers of certain species of fish and this was also turned down.
Unless “measures” are implemented by force of the UK, this will still be a problem in the next 50yrs.
It is a fact that the Chinese, Japanese and Americans have been fishing these waters for decades. This is not news to the highly observant.
And, “The BVI has established regulations under the 1997 British Virgin Islands Fisheries Act to govern fishing activities within its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone. These regulations stipulate that all fishing vessels must possess valid Certificates of Registration, and their owners must have valid fishing licenses.”Mere words this.
The culprits has never had respect for the islands, their borders and people.
The only way the pillaging will stop is to create the necessary safe gaurds such as a military capability with teeth.
I am sure that the UK would provide support here but I would doubt the BVI government will reach out because they don’t want them sniffing around disrupting the import/export business.
They barely want to patrol the land is the sea them gon police?
Another waste of time. We really frig.
As my Granny used to say: You are a “Just Come”.
When people get elected, they sing from different song Sheets. You are talking about not enough being done to protect against illegal Fishing? Ask them what was decided upon a few years ago to NOT solve that Problem. A drop in the Bucket. Read between the Lines. Joe Public has more info than your Colleagues.
That boy who is your *** *** sell drugs right in * house u worrying about people working hard to get food my Goodness Mr Dorson
help was turned down by saint Andrew and his worshippers / ( like the canary on his yello site , who keeps hollering out * free the
drew ) and all those who said ~ NAH ~ WE GAH SOPHISTICATED BARGES and we all know why now yet the canary cannot hush like the rest , who did , he continues nlike a broken record / I guess he just love to hear himself
12 miles out international water. They have boats to take people to St John at night.
Not BVI you
Enforcement alone will not solve this problem, first you need MANAGEMENT of fisheries- licensing, protected areas, a reporting systems for fishing illegally, regulation of pots etc.
Next up EDUCATION for fishers and public on sustainable practices, protected areas, reporting system etc
Finally we add enforcement, the 2 items above are needed to build a strong foundation, without them sending out patrols is a waste of money.
“The BVI needs to do more to address challenges faced by persons fishing illegally in the territory’s waters, Junior Minister for Agriculture Karl Dawson admitted.”
I hope this is a misprint! Shouldn’t it read instead – “…challenges faced by local fishermen because of persons…”
A native Virgin Islander to the Nth generation
You’d do yourself a favor to become educated on your responsibilities minister. When you have problems with multiple people in different areas there is one constant variable.
What’s wrong with a lovely poached Haddock with a lemon parsley sauce?Not everyone likes fried fish.And I prefer small whelks.