Characterization of Lesser Antilles fisheries

Goodwin, Melvin

Is land nations which have recently become independent are for the most part intent on developing rather than managing their fisheries. Most of the stocks of the shallow shelf areas are already fully or over-exploited and development must focus on deepwater and pelagic stocks as well as on habitat enhancement. However. this is not widely recognized by political leaders who are faced with expanding human populations and trade deficits. Almost universally in the Eastern Caribbean, demand for fish exceeds the supply and governments assume that expansion of the fishery sector will automatically correct this situation. While there are limited possibilities for improvement by expansion more permanent solutions lie in the area of management of the coastal fisheries and the habitat necessary to support them indefinitely. Biosphere Reserves have the potential to increase local availability of fish through well-managed use-zones. Conch and spiny lobster offer appealing targets for such management. Marketing and distribution patterns also offer possibilities for enhancing the local supplies of high quality fish products. Such an integrated fisheries management program associated with a Biosphere Reserve could be of substantial benefit to local fishermen. In 1983, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations produced a draft fisheries act and a draft set of fishery regulations to be acted upon by various Eastern Caribbean states. However. lack of local fisheries data and enforcement capabilities have delayed full implementation of such measures. Biosphere Reserves could play a key role in developing public support for a voluntary approach to marine resource management. The artisanal fisherman along with the commercial and recreational components of the fishery would logically be involved in such programs. In many parts of the world fish aggregating devices and artificial habitats are major components of fishery activities and these should be more widely investigated and used in such management programs within Biosphere Reserves along with re-stocking and ranching efforts. Biosphere Reserves can demonstrate that conservation and development are both directed toward helping people. An education program which involves a great many local fishermen can ultimately lead to voluntary conservation for development and indefinite usage.