The Department of Fisheries in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) hosted a workshop for stakeholders this week, to develop a national fisheries policy which will inform the way in which the sub-sector initiates actions to sustain, safeguard and expand fisheries livelihoods.

The workshop is an integral component the Technical Cooperation Project titled “Assistance with the Development of the National Policy on Fisheries.” Its objective is to revise the National Fisheries Plan in order to incorporate clear policy statements on a number of thematic areas impacting the local fisheries, marine and aquaculture sector.

Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer attached to the Department of Fisheries, Thomas Nelson, said concerns such as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, trade and the overall impact of climate change on the industry were at the forefront of the week’s deliberations.

Fishery and Aquaculture Officer of the FAO, Dr Yvette Diei Ouadi, said the FAO remains committed to assisting governments in implementing the best strategies for securing fisheries livelihoods and thus, applauds the initiative of Saint Lucia’s fisheries leaders in developing a policy document that is unique and representative of the reality of the local fisheries subsector.

The role of fisheries and marine resources in the national economy is important. Improving the productivity of fisheries is vital in ensuring food and nutrition security, improving fisheries livelihoods and promoting economic growth.

Fisheries leaders say such results will be sustainable once a policy to protect the environment and natural resources is fully implemented by law.