BY JULIA RAWLINS-BENTHAM | MAR 31, 2023
Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Adrian Forde, speaking at the launch of the Republic Bank 2023 Sir Charles Williams International Fishing Tournament at Port St. Charles recently. while Tournament Coordinator, Mike Parris (left) and President, Barbados Game Fishing Association, Paul Hamel-Smith, look on. (GP)
Game fishers are being assured that there will be space allocated for them in Barbados’ marine spatial plan.
That assurance came from Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Adrian Forde, as he addressed the launch of the Republic Bank 2023 Sir Charles Williams International Fishing Tournament at Port St. Charles recently.
Noting that the game fishing industry generated as much as $2.5 million in 2013, the Minister said it had the potential to generate over $20 million given the interest and drive of key players. However, the Minister made it clear that game fishing must align itself with local fisherfolk.
This, he said, could be achieved through the marine spatial plan process which was currently underway and involves demarcating areas in the sea.
“Game fishing will be a part of that demarcation; what happens on our reefs and the protection thereof will be a part of that demarcation; the exploration for oil…; the ability for us to have wind as an alternative energy off a demarcated space; the ability for our fisherfolk to have an increased species; marine culture would become the new topic that is discussed in our fishing industry because it is an important part of us being able to have that sustainable fishing drive,” he said.
Mr. Forde further noted that the demarcation of the ocean will also involve a marine managed area; zones responsible for mitigation and adaptation; breakwaters, revetments, and groins.
“It is a plan that would allow for the safe usage of the sea for all and sundry. This is not only to generate interest for international players but for ourselves. Those who live in this space much have a tangible stake,” he said.
Minister Forde added that the effort by fisherfolk to become an important part of the exercise was noticed by Government, which was willing to partner and help in any way to assist in rolling out the industry.
The tournament takes place at the Port St. Charles Marina and runs from April 11 to 15, and will see boats from different islands in the region including Grenada, St. Lucia, Martinique and Antigua, being involved.
International teams will compete against Barbados’ best for various prizes, including the $50,000 prize for the record-breaking blue marlin over 525.5 pounds. The champion boat will compete at the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica.
President of the Barbados Game Fishing Association, Paul Hamel-Smith, gave the assurance that in addition to the competitive aspects of the game, participants also supported sustainable fishing practices by mandating catch and release for certain fish species and implementing minimum weights for all the target catches in the tournament.
