By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Some 71 per cent of Bahamian fishermen have seen a reduction in catch sizes and values in recent years, one prominent industry representative yesterday saying this was the story reported by “every returning vessel”.

Backing up the findings of a Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) study, Adrian LaRoda, head of the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance, said the declining catches were largely due to illegal poaching in Bahamian waters by foreign fishermen.

“Bahamian fishermen are aware of the necessity of conserving resources, 71 per cent of fishermen having observed a reduction in catches in the recent years, while some of them indicate they have observed a reduction in size of species caught,” the CRFM study said.

“Bahamian fishermen attribute this reduction in catches and size to illegal fishing practices; to overfishing; to deterioration and destruction of habitats; to natural disasters and climate change.”

Mr LaRoda said of the findings: “That has happened, and we get these reports every time there’s a vessel returning.

“It’s the evolution of new harvesting methods, but we believe poaching has a greater impact on the health of our industry. Poachers are out there whether we like it or not. They do not adhere to regulations, and they fish out of season.

“Bahamian fishermen are saying they have to stay out longer, dive deeper and go out further to get the same amount of catch they had two years ago.

“It does not mean stocks are depleted; it means our traditional fishing grounds would, prior to anyone getting in there, have been accessed by poachers.”

The CRFM study added: “The decline in catches, the need to change target species and closed seasons are the main reasons why Bahamian fishermen have to change fishing grounds up to four times a year.

“The study reveals Bahamian fishermen are also aware of the importance of marine protected areas and think that they have a positive impact on fishing. Over 63 per cent of Bahamian fishermen interviewed are in favour on creating new marine protected areas.”

Identifying the Bahamian fishing industry’s main concerns, the report added: “Being aware of the needs and concerns of the sector is fundamental in establishing political and social action to strengthen fisheries and fisheries sector livelihoods.

“The results of the study show that Bahamian fishermen’s main concerns are those related to the need to seek new fishing grounds; illegal fishing; lack of financial assistance by the Government; the loss of gear due to storms, hurricanes and vandalism.

“Regarding issues related to marketing, Bahamian fishermen seem concerned with low sales prices and lack of adequate markets for their fishing products.”

The report also recommended an increased role for co-operatives in the Bahamian fishing sector, adding: “According to this study, it would appear that cooperatives are not extensive in the Bahamas, with only 9.6 per cent of respondents claiming to belong to one.

“Enhancing the role of cooperatives is recommended as it constitutes a type of co-management in which government and users cooperate together as equal partners in the decision-making process.

“Cooperatives can also provide legal advice; credit or financial assistance; training; gear and equipment at more appropriate prices; help with the marketing and distribution of products.

“Co-management with fishermen’s organizations results in increased stewardship as well as greater responsibility and authority among the fishermen.”

When it came to expenses and costs, the CRFM study found that the greatest percentage - some 40 per cent - typically went on fuel for the boat.

“Fishing makes an economic contribution on a local level by impacting directly upon sales, as well as having an indirect ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ impact on the commodity/supply chain,” the CRFM report said.

“In The Bahamas about 40 per cent of each boat’s costs are used to pay for fuel, 25.8 per cent for crew wages and 11.3 per cent for market taxes. The rest is spent on paying for the oil, ice and bait needed, as well as for maintenance of the boat, gears and engine.”

And it added: “Fishing also contributes to the household economy in terms of food security through consumption of the household’s catch.

“According to FAOstat, each individual in the Bahamas consumes about 30 kilos of fishery products per year, which is well above the world average (16.7).”