Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, emphasized his unwavering support for the adoption of the Blue Transformation approach in the Region.
This approach, championed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), advocates for sustainable aquaculture production, effective fisheries management, and enhanced value chains.
Prioritizing livelihood diversification for small-scale fishers
Speaking at the FAO’s regional conference in Guyana on March 19, Minister Green underscored the urgent need to diversify the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and fish farmers.
He highlighted Jamaica’s proactive measures, including the implementation of a fisheries development program focused on community-based climate resilience and the modernization of licensing and registration systems.
Harnessing Technology for Progress
Minister Green revealed pioneering technological initiatives, such as the development of “Irie Fins,” a Jamaican fisheries aquaculture information system.
This innovative platform enables fishers, fish farmers, and vessels to register using mobile devices, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency.
Empowering artisanal fisheries and aquaculture
Jamaica’s efforts extend to driving growth in aquaculture through the establishment of the first Aquaculture Agro Park.
Additionally, strategies are in place to encourage diversity among artisanal fishers, including ventures into sea moss production, ecotourism, and ornamental fish development.
Addressing challenges head-on
Minister Green, also chairing the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission, stressed the imperative of tackling Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
He emphasized the need for robust strategies and intraregional cooperation to strengthen fisheries management systems and combat IUU fishing effectively.
Towards equitable and sustainable food systems
With 85 million people reliant on aquatic foods for their livelihoods in Latin America and the Caribbean, Minister Green reiterated the significance of the Blue Transformation approach.
This paradigm shift aims to redefine the region’s relationship with aquatic foods, fostering more equitable, resilient, and sustainable food systems essential for the region’s social, economic, and nutritional well-being.
