A Fisheries and Aquaculture
Policy for Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines
Annex
Action Plan
Final Draft
October 2012
A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
The Policy formulation and validation phases confirmed a number of priority areas and
actions for the future Fisheries and Aquaculture policy. Strategies and three general
undertakings are proposed to achieve the policy six specific goals.
General undertakings
 Consolidate and complement national legislation
 Develop knowledge system to inform and support the Fisheries and Aquaculture
policy cycle activities, including timely, reliable and complete national fisheries
statistics and information system
 Establish and resource monitoring and evaluation system, based on up-to-date
knowledge and focused on impacts
 Establish national communication and public awareness, and education and training
programmes
Six specific goals
Goal 1: Increase production and value added, competitiveness and reduce risks
Goal 2: Ensure sustainable use and protection of the natural environment and
biodiversity
Goal 3: Strengthen institutions for integrated fisheries and aquaculture development
Goal 4: Enhance viability of island communities and rural areas
Goal 5: Contribute to Food and nutrition security
Goal 6: Optimise contribution to regional and international organisations
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
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A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Strategies
Strategies
Goal 1: Increase production and value added, competitiveness and reduce risks
1.1
Sustainable fishing industry development
1.2
Sustainable aquaculture development
1.3
Financial mechanisms development
Goal 2: Ensure sustainable use and protection of the natural environment and
biodiversity
2.1
Improve fisheries management
2.2
Improve marine and coastal ecosystem management
2.3
Research and development
Goal 3: Strengthen institutions for integrated fisheries and aquaculture
development
3.1
Develop public institutions capacity and skills
3.2
Strengthen capacity of private sector
Goal 4: Enhance viability of island communities and rural areas
4.1
Increase contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to sustainable rural livelihoods
4.2
Integrate fisheries in island and rural community development across sectors
Goal 5: Contribute to Food and nutrition security
5.1
Increase visibility of SVG fish and fish products
5.2
Increase per capita consumption of fish and fish products by x% by 2018
Goal 6: Optimise contribution to regional and international organisations
6.1
Contribute fully to fisheries and aquaculture strategy at regional level
6.2
Contribute fully fisheries and aquaculture strategy at international level
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
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A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Strategies and Policy implementation activities
Strategies
Goal 1: Increase production and value added, competitiveness and reduce risks
1.1
1.1.1
1.1.2
1.1.3
1.1.4
1.1.5
1.1.6
1.1.7
1.1.8
1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
1.2.5
1.3
1.3.2
1.3.1
1.3.3
Sustainable fishing industry development
Encourage development of Markets for SVG fisheries products
Pursue the further development of food sanitary and quality inspection services
Research, Training and skills development
Contribute to reduce risk in the fisheries sector
Reform of Fisheries Centres
Increase processing and local value added
Information Systems
Education, Communication, awareness
Sustainable aquaculture development
Assess development potentials
Include aquaculture development in spatial planning
Research
Information, education and awareness raising programme
Licensing regime for aquaculture projects
Financial mechanisms development
Encourage private investment
Better understanding and management of risk
Develop Information system
Goal 2: Ensure sustainable use and protection of the natural environment and
biodiversity
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.2
2.2.1
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
Improve fisheries management
Develop fisheries management plans (FMP)
Introduce a licensing policy
Develop a MCS system
Research and development
Planning of research activities
Improve marine, estuarine and coastal ecosystem management
Monitor and reduce aquatic pollution event
Develop the network of protected areas
Goal 3: Strengthen institutions for integrated fisheries and aquaculture development
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
Develop public institutions capacity and skills
Create synergies with Environment protection, Agriculture and Tourism
Reinforce the Fisheries Division (FD) capacity
Strengthen capacity of private sector
Strengthen local stakeholders’ institutions
Increase capacity of individual stakeholders
Goal 4: Enhance viability of island communities and rural areas
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.2
4.2.1
Increase contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to sustainable rural livelihoods
Develop a co-ordinated approach with other Ministries and agencies
Develop local rural and island community management plans
Integrate fisheries in island and rural community development across sectors
Increase fisheries contribution to local development
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
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A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Strategies
Goal 5: Contribute to Food and nutrition security
5.1
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
Increase visibility of SVG fish and fish products
Develop joined-up Marketing Strategy
Increase Public awareness
Increase per capita consumption of fish and fish products by x% by 2018
Determine baseline consumption of fish and fish products
Encourage public meal providers
Mobilise private sector
Goal 6: Optimise contribution to regional and international organisations
6.1
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
Contribute fully to fisheries and aquaculture strategy at regional level
Develop regional collaboration
Support regional coordination
Contribute fully fisheries and aquaculture strategy at international level
Develop international collaboration
Support international coordination
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
pg. 4
A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Specific Goal 1
Goal 1. Increase
fisheries and
aquaculture
production,
value added,
competitivenes
s and reduce
risks
Strategic
Objectives
1.1 Sustainable
fishing industry
development
Principal implementation activities
1.1.1
Encourage development of Markets for SVG fisheries products
 Establish a cross government-industry working group to draw up and develop a Marketing Plan
 Establish and maintain mechanisms for marketing arrangements – facilitate exhibition, branding, market
research; coordinate marketing arrangements and development; Upgrade and maintain guidelines and
standards for trade in fish and fish products,
 Encourage the development of private advisory and consultancy services through coordination with other
trade support bodies in SVG.
 Encourage use of sustainability certification
 Establish and strengthen linkages between government and non-government agencies (e.g. CED and
InvestSVG) to mainstream fisheries into SVG trade
1.1.2 Pursue the further development of food sanitary and quality inspection services
 Develop a 3-year food sanitary and quality inspection services development plan, across government
agencies, aiming to restore full export certification and introduce cost-recovery for established businesses
on the basis of the user pay principle
 Review and upgrade legislation and official working documents to meet local and international markets
requirements for fish and fish products
 Strengthen government laboratory capacity across agencies
 Recruit and train more inspectors across government agencies
 Training of trainers and private sector consultants
1.1.3 Research, Training and skills development
 FD in partnership with other training providers in SVG (for example Education Unit, Maritime
Administration, Bureau of Standards, Public Health, Services Com. Department) and with regional and
international partners to develop a 3-year training program for the public service and private sector
stakeholders
 Provide incentives and training to encourage uptake of new, more energy efficient and environmentally
friendly technology and optimal exploitation of current, new and under-utilised species
 Build capacity through training programmes in the public sector for research and development in a
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
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A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Specific Goal 1
Strategic
Objectives
Principal implementation activities
number of priority areas e.g. Develop laboratory skills, product development, HACCP
 Pursue extension and training programmes to develop skills in the private sector
 Develop market knowledge and skills of producers and marketers to establish connections between
production and market demand
.1.4 Contribute to reduce risk in the fisheries sector
 Reduce risk at sea (1) Training for higher safety at sea, (2) development of communication and support
systems, such as weather forecast and sea rescue and (3) cooperation and sponsorship to provide safety
equipment
Monitor accidents and develop a specific information system to help quantify risk
1.1.5 Reform of Fisheries Centres
 Convene a Ministry’s task force to identify public-private sector financing, management and marketing
arrangements for each of the Fisheries Centres Reform, aiming for self-financing based on full costrecovery including the provision for infrastructure maintenance
1.1.6 Increase processing and local value added
 Identify avenues and mechanisms to encourage the production of local processing and value added,
aiming to narrow the current trade gap for fish products, including by encouraging linkages with initiatives
in other agriculture sub-sectors and with tourism and environmental services, such as through the
promotion of freshness, local supply and SVG branding
 Develop cooperation, partnerships and projects that introduce new products
 Identify fiscal incentives to encourage the development of local value added
 Identify financing mechanisms to access new technology
 Provision of technical information and assistance to the private sector
1.1.7 Information Systems
 Conduct Fisheries Census
 Enhance data collection, validation and publication, develop Fisheries and Aquaculture Information
System
1.1.8 Education, Communication, awareness
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
pg. 6
A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Specific Goal 1
Goal 1. Increase
fisheries and
aquaculture
production,
value added,
competitivenes
s and reduce
risks
Strategic
Objectives
1.2 Sustainable
aquaculture
development
Principal implementation activities
 Present the fisheries development strategy nationally prior to implementation
1.2.1 Assess development potentials
 Coordinate with regional initiatives and mobilise regional capacity to assess and regularly review the
aquaculture potentials of SVG aquatic ecosystems and the environmental, economic, and social costs and
benefits of subsistence, domestic and export productions
1.2.2 Include aquaculture development in spatial planning
 Integrate aquaculture (freshwater and mariculture) in planning discussions, including marine spatial
planning with other Ministries and Agencies
 Identify areas suitable for aquaculture development
1.2.3 Research
 Scope pilot projects to integrate small-scale aquaculture with fisheries and agriculture activities
1.2.4 Information, education, consumer interest and participation, and awareness raising programme
 Aquaculture development potentials, risks and scope for private investment, financial institutions and
insurance.
1.2.5 Licensing regime for aquaculture projects
 Devise, on the basis of identified potentials, a Licensing, Control and Operating, Regulating regime to
ensure environmental, social and economic costs and benefits are identified and monitored in the project
business case.
 Bring together public and private stakeholders
 Include incentive measures (and penalties) to reward best practice and innovation as part of licences
Goal 1. Increase
fisheries and
aquaculture
production,
1.3 Financial
mechanisms
1.3.1 Encourage private investment
 Create a fisheries development strategy to encourage private investment in existing and new fisheries and
aquaculture projects, in collaboration with government agencies (e.g. CED, InvestSVG) and the private
sector
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
pg. 7
A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Specific Goal 1
Strategic
Objectives
Principal implementation activities
 Present the fisheries development strategy to government agencies (e.g. CED, InvestSVG) and the
private sector for implementation
value added,
competitivenes
s and reduce
risks
 Examine fiscal incentives in terms of sustainable fishing practices (“green” subsidies) and energy
efficiency.
 Revise and adapt Fleet Expansion Programme in the light of the evaluation of poor uptake, in terms of
potential candidates, fisheries and markets.
1.3.2 Increase understanding and management of risk
 Convene a government-led stakeholders working group with financial institutions and insurance
companies to (1) assess investment risks, (2) identify ways to achieve financial security for investors, (3)
encourage private and mutual financial institutions to develop insurance for life, equipment and activities,
and (4) Explore the possibility of a specific NIS registration regime for licensed fishermen
 Work with stakeholders to (1) improve their business development, borrowing records and practices in
order to improve their credit rating (2) organise for insurance purposes for life, equipment and activities
1.3.3 Develop Information system
 Develop an information database to record time spent at sea, areas fished, accidents, break down and
loss of life, loss of gear and other risks.
Goal 2: Ensure
sustainable use
and protection of
the natural
environment and
biodiversity
2.1 Improve
Fisheries
Management
2.1.1 Develop fisheries management plans (FMP)
 Devise draft FMAPs through (1) a review of existing draft, (2) participatory formulation, (3) consultation (4)
validation, and (5) adoption for: Lobster, Conch, coastal small pelagic, offshore pelagic, turtle fishery,
demersal shallow shelf and reef and deep slope fisheries, small cetaceans and large cetaceans.
 Implement and monitor and evaluation fisheries management plans (FMP) that bring together
conservation and management measures, on the basis of the best available information, including
traditional knowledge
2.1.2 Introduce a licensing policy
 Introduce a licensing policy for national vessels with annual authorisations that link authorisations to
compliance, for fishing vessels, for individuals, and for businesses processing, buying and selling fish
products, and for recreational fishing vessels and individuals, including a fee structure that will cover
administrative costs of licence issuing, data collection, data analysis and database management
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
pg. 8
A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Specific Goal 1
Strategic
Objectives
Principal implementation activities
2.1.3 Develop a MCS system
 Obtain Fishing Licences from Fisheries Division in accordance with High Seas Fishing Act 2002
 Certify Unregulated Fishing Vessels (Registration) Maritime Administration in accordance with Shipping
Act 2004 and IMO Laws
 Establish Boundary delimitation with neighbouring island states
 Ratify IUU regulations and promulgate in National Legislation and develop national regulations for IUU
 Regular joint patrols between Fisheries and relevant Law enforcement agencies
 Develop with cooperation of local fishermen, full Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) system to
control Illegal, Unregulated and unauthorised (IUU) fishing including following through prosecution of
reported offences
2.1.4 Develop and Plan research activities
 Develop a 3-year research plan, identifying research needs and priorities to channel opportunities of
regional and international collaborations as they arise
 Continue co-operation with CRFM, higher education institutions in the region and internationally, with
government, NGOs and private sector, to develop research opportunities and potential funding
2.2 Improve Marine
and coastal
ecosystem
management
2.2.1 Monitor and reduce aquatic pollution event
 Develop monitoring and reporting system for pollution events from vessels, tourists and land sources
 Ensure compliance with existing legislation and follow through prosecution of reported offences
2.2.2 Develop the network of protected areas
 Review the current network of conservation areas
 Integrate the protection and management of aquatic ecosystems in a wider marine and land spatial plan
for SVG
2.2.3 Adaptive management systems for natural heritage
 Establish and implement adaptive management strategies for protected marine sites and marine parks
Goal 3:
3.1 Strengthen
3.1.1 Increase capacity of individual stakeholders
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
pg. 9
A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Specific Goal 1
Strengthen
institutions for
integrated
fisheries and
aquaculture
development
Strategic
Objectives
capacity of
private sector
Principal implementation activities
 Increase capacity building through training and support of younger fisherfolks for sustainability into the
future in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education
 Develop training programmes for fisherfolks, including in partnership with private sector, and with
accreditation through Maritime Organisation for seaman’s competency and safety
3.1.2 Strengthen local stakeholders’ institutions
 Work with communities and fishermen’s co-operatives to develop sustainable mixed livelihood
opportunities
 Initiate a debate about strengthening the local and community level representation for fishermen’s
associations
 Identify the capacity and interest of representatives in local fishing communities
 Identify partners and develop a strategy for leadership and capacity at local level
 Develop training and support programmes for professional organisations, including business
management, resource management and understanding of national, regional and international
organisations
3.2 Develop public
institutions
capacity and
skills
3.2.1 Create synergies with Environmental protection, Agriculture and Tourism and Ministry of education to
provide support
 Foster Synergies between Fisheries & Aquaculture development and other sectors
 Develop positive linkages with Environmental protection, Agriculture and Tourism and Education
3.2.2 Reinforce the Fisheries Division (FD) capacity
 Restructure Fisheries Division to ensure better provision of services
 Introduce performance related appraisal and promotion for scientific and technical staff
 Recruit additional staff
 Plan reinforcement through international cooperation and support
Goal 4: Enhance
viability of island
communities and
rural areas
4.1 Increase
contribution of
fisheries and
aquaculture to
4.1.1
Develop a co-ordinated approach with other Ministries and agencies
 Establish positive links between Fisheries, Tourism, Health Environment and Wellness and community
development
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
pg. 10
A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Specific Goal 1
Goal 5:
Contribute to
food and nutrition
security
Strategic
Principal implementation activities
Objectives
sustainable rural  Collaborate and discuss activities with the above agencies
livelihoods
4.1.2 Develop local rural and island community management plans
 Implementation of management plan
 Monitor and Evaluation of progress
4.2 Integrate
4.2.1 Increase fisheries contribution to local development
Fisheries in
 Support stakeholder’s involvement using participatory and integrated approach
island and rural
 Support stakeholders organisations
community
development
across sectors
5.1 Increase
5.1.1 Develop joined-up Marketing strategy
visibility of SVG
 Liaise with Food Security focal point in Ministry
fish and fish
 Develop projects with Tourism operators, catering industry, and local fish processors and ready meal
products
vendors
5.1.2 Increase Public awareness through
 (1) Promotion of recipes using local fish, (2) education about health and nutrition value of local products,
with Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Health/ Nutrition Unit
Goal 6: Optimise
contribution to
regional and
international
organisations
5.2 Increase per
capita
consumption of
fish and fish
products by x%
by 2018
6. 1. Contribute
fully to regional
fisheries and
aquaculture
strategy
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
Determine baseline consumption of fish and fish products through a specific market survey for
local and imported raw and processed products
Encourage use of local fish by public meal providers (schools, hospitals) use of local fish and fish
products
Mobilise private sector to use, trade and process more locally produced fish
6.1.1 Develop regional collaboration
 Increase collaboration, coordination, common harmonised policy and regime for the evaluation and
management shared and migratory resources,
 Develop fully resourced national Plans of Action, for example for shared and straddling stocks, to include
sharks, and IUU fishing
 Develop collaboration and synergies at regional level as part of national fisheries Monitoring, Control and
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
pg. 11
A Fisheries and aquaculture policy for St Vincent and the Grenadines – Action Plan
Specific Goal 1
Strategic
Objectives
Principal implementation activities
Surveillance (MCS) capacity development
 Consider regional dimension in research planning and programmes (ecology, biology, socio-economics)
 Progress regional protocols for the management of shared fisheries resources
6.1.2 Support regional coordination
 Continue to support the development of institutional and other arrangements to support fisherfolks
representatives participation in regional fora
 Support and develop institutional arrangements for more effective implementation (CRFM, OECS,
WECAFC, FAO etc.)
6.2 Contribute fully
to international
fisheries and
aquaculture
strategy
6.1.1 Develop international collaboration
 Fully implement international obligations through (1) a focal point for each convention and agreement, (2)
identification of linkages and supporting agencies required for effective implementation, and (3) for the
conventions that require it, the development of information gathering and reporting systems, research
programmes and management plans and relevant national legislation to give effect to SVG obligations
6.1.2 Support international coordination
 Increase awareness and public understanding and support for SVG international obligations, to increase
compliance, public support and participation in successful implementation.
Information Unit, in
collaboration with Ministry of Education, Foreign Affairs
 Include international dimension in research planning and programmes (ecology, biology, socio economics) in all strategies
Stakeholders = vessels owners, fishermen, vendors and processors
This project is financed by the European Union
Project implemented by
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