The Department of Fisheries has handed over fish aggregating device (FAD) materials and safety equipment to the Choiseul Fishermen Cooperative as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the fishing industry, improve productivity and build resilience against the impacts of climate change.
This week, the cooperative received materials to construct and deploy two FADs under the department’s FAD development programme.
Anchored to the seafloor with ropes and buoys, FADs attract fish by imitating natural floating objects such as logs and vegetation, creating productive fishing grounds that improve the efficiency, quality and quantity of catches while supporting the livelihoods of fisherfolk.
Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Lisa Jawahir said the initiative recognized the sacrifices made by Saint Lucia’s fishing community and underscored the government’s commitment to providing greater support for the sector.
“If it’s one group of farmers or persons who feed our country, who risk their lives on a daily basis, it is our fishermen,” Jawahir said. “They go out, they are unsure as to what they get, they are unsure as to what tide they will meet, and some of them venture a little further beyond what they expect, and some of them have not returned home.”
She acknowledged the challenges faced by fisherfolk, many of whom continue to support families while dealing with the uncertainty of life at sea.
“The risk of being a fisherman, understanding you have a family to feed, understanding you have a child to send to school, you have a loan to pay, and you’ve been working as a means to an end. And I think that must stop. We must do more for our fishers.”
Jawahir expressed hope that the handover would mark the beginning of broader initiatives to improve the welfare and sustainability of the industry.
“We must ensure that this is just not a ceremonial handover, that it is the beginning of things to come,” she said.
Deputy Fisheries Officer Thomas Nelson said the equipment represented a significant investment in the future of the sector and the communities that depend on it.
“Let me say that the handover today represents more than the transfer of equipment to you,” Nelson said. “It really reflects the continued commitment of the Department of Fisheries to strengthen the fishery sector by improving access to productive fishing grounds, enhancing the safety of fishers, and building the resilience of our fishing communities.”
The Department of Fisheries has continued to expand its FAD programme as part of wider efforts to improve sustainable fisheries management, reduce operating costs for fishers and ensure a more reliable supply of seafood for the local market.