Offshore Fisheries Development Project
Region: Caribbean
Country: Anguilla
Date: 1997 - 2001
Funded By: DFID
The Project is one of the first of its kind in Anguilla, and will design and implement a National Fisheries Master Plan to ensure the sustainable development of Anguilla's marine and coastal resources. The main aim is to develop offshore pelagic and deep demersal fisheries off Anguilla, thereby reducing fishing pressure on the inshore lobster and reef fisheries. A multi-disciplinary team consisting of marine biologists, naval architects, master fishermen, institutional specialists and social development experts, are producing plans for the sustainable expansion of the offshore fishery through stock assessment, improvements to fishing fleets and support infrastructure, together with social development and training. The plans include recommendations for new legislation and proposals for monitoring, control and surveillance. The team are also conducting a pilot study (see photo) to assess the economic viability of the proposed offshore fishery and its potential impact on the existing coastal fisheries. The next stage is to design appropriate vessels and train fishermen. The project team will also make recommendations for onshore facilities, quality control systems and marketing strategies for the developing fishery. MEP has completed the first phase of the development of the offshore fisheries of Anguilla in the Caribbean to reduce fishing pressure on the inshore lobster and reef fisheries. The second phase, to create a privately funded industry on the island with marketing expertise suitable for selling to USA and Europe, has begun.