Government of Jamaica
The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has received 160 applications for fishing licences through seven licensing sessions conducted up to January of this year.
The sessions targeted fishers off the Pedro and Morant Keys, with the most recent event held in Rocky Point, Clarendon.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NFA, Dr Gavin Bellamy said that the sessions are being executed through the Authority’s Extension Officers and Licensing Unit.
“Through these sessions, we want to make it more convenient, easier to assist the fishers in getting their documentation correct, so that they remain legal because you’re not a fisher without a licence. You are someone taking fish if you don’t have a licence. You become a fisher as soon as you get a licence,” he pointed out.
Dr Bellamy said the direct contact with fishing communities is a way of encouraging fishers to obey the law.
“We want our fishers to be compliant with the Fisheries Act and to also make sure that they understand the laws. We do sessions to explain to them the nuances of the law so they understand what the dos and don’ts are. That helps to ensure that we… maintain our marine resources and that we have a responsible fisheries sector,” he said.
The licensing sessions will continue with an event targeted at fishers in the Rio Grande in Portland in collaboration with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA).
The NFA is urging artisanal fishers to apply for their licences to fish for conch by the deadline of 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday (February 19).
Dr Bellamy noted that the conch season officially opens on March 1 and runs until July 31.
“Without a licence, you are not allowed to harvest conch. Those applications need to be handed in at our office at 2C Newport East, at our head office only,” he advised.
“I am encouraging all fishers to apply and get your licence before you start fishing for conch because without a licence you are breaking the law. So, the first thing is to come in and apply for your quota to fish conch,” he stressed.