The Department of Fisheries in Saint Lucia has recently distributed Floating Aggregating Devices (FADs) to several fishermen cooperatives around the island as part of a larger government initiative to support the fishing industry and mitigate the effects of climate change.
These FADs are anchored to the sea floor using ropes and buoys. They are designed to attract fish by mimicking natural floating objects like logs and plants, which is expected to increase productivity and enable fishermen to catch fish in larger quantities.
The move is welcomed by the fishing community, with the President of the Goodwill Fishermen Cooperative expressing gratitude for the FADs that will help them to locate and catch fish more efficiently, reducing their dependence on fuel, which has become a significant expense due to rising fuel costs.
The distribution of FADs is part of several initiatives being implemented by the Department of Fisheries to promote sustainable fishing practices and safeguard marine ecosystems, benefitting the fishing industry and local communities in Saint Lucia.
Additionally, The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to develop a new Agricultural Policy Framework & Strategy for Saint Lucia 2023-2030, with input from department officials and stakeholders to ensure it meets the needs of the sector.
The new policy aims to enhance productivity and competitiveness, promote sustainable and inclusive growth, and transform the sector by making it more attractive to young people and reducing the food import bill while enhancing livelihoods.
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