A Pelagic fishing study has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands and it doesn’t bode well
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] CONTROVERSIAL study into the possibility of bringing new methods of fishing into the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun.
The UK-sponsored practical investigation will look into the viability of fishing for pelagic marine life that lives near the surface of the sea, including the use of long line fishing.
Over the next two years the study will determine the economic feasibility of developing an off-shore fisheries industry for the TCI.
It will also provide the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) with stock characteristics of various pelagic species in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Following the study the Government will be able to make informed decisions on the future direction of policy and legislation.
In March the study created a stir among local environmentalists, fishing companies and boaters when it was proposed.
Long-line fishing is typically performed by trolling fishing lines that often exceed 25 miles in length and can be equipped with more than 500 individual fish hooks.
Some of the concerns raised included the likelihood of insufficient marine fisheries stocks, the introduction of foreign resources and the environmental impact.
However Director of DEMA Kathleen Wood stressed that the proposed study is not a policy endorsement.
This week Dayboat I, the vessel being used in the study, brought in its first haul which included swordfish, mahi mahi, wahoo, big-eye tuna, yellow fin tuna and albacore.
A shark and blue marlin were landed live and released, along with all of the undersized catch.
The driving force behind the study is Caicos Pride, a Belonger-owned South Caicos company, which is seeking to help the industry diversify away from its reliance on conch and lobster fishing.
The company has partnered with Day Boats Seafood of Florida that has provided the boats and data gathering equipment to support the study.
According to a Government press release a DEMA observer is aboard the vessel and the department is also able to monitor activities via virtual software.
DEMA Director Kathleen Wood said: “We are pleased that so far, all activities associated with this study appear to be proceeding as planned and as agreed.
“We know that there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this study but are confident that the sustainable methods employed and the results gleaned will speak for themselves and alleviate any concerns that the public may have now that the study is underway.
“We are hopeful that pelagic fisheries stocks will be sufficient to provide alternative livelihoods to TCI fishers.
Pelagic fish live near the surface or in the water column of coastal waters, but not on the bottom of the sea.
Pelagic fishing is contained to fish inhabiting this section of open water, which usually contains no plants or structure.
Once the first voyage is completed, DEMA will be releasing all of the statistical data from the catch.
The department also welcomes comments and questions from the public and can be contacted at environment@gov.tc or 941-5122 in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
