(Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 9th 2023);
The Department of Marine Resources launched its first in a series of capacity development workshops for staff on Wednesday, 8th February 2023 at the Department of Marine Resources Conference Room to focus on the implementation of underutilized species in the fishing industry.
The first training session focused on Diamondback Squid Fishing; a species of squid identified as underutilized in the local fishing industry.
While speaking on the benefits of the training, Facilitator and Fisheries Assistant at the Department of Marine Resources, Kharim Saddler said that the department is seeking new avenues that can help fishers turn their traditional fishing into a more lucrative catch by making use of underutilized species like the Diamondback Squid.
“We’ve done some work in the past in 2017 and 2018 and looked at the viability of the resource and (it) becoming a target species… we were able to discuss the benefits of the introduction of a species like this in terms of diversifying the catch that is in our waters locally, and how that can contribute to food security and the development of the fishers’ livelihood and the fisherman industry in general. All of this is a part of the mandate of the Department of Marine Resources to sustainably develop our resources and it is also in keeping with the 25 by 25 agenda in the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Cooperatives.” he stated.
The second phase of the workshop will focus on Diamondback Squid catching techniques, processing and packaging, gear and equipment training as well as experimental fishing trips with live demonstrations.
The training will wrap up with Diamondback Squid value added product making, taste testing and presentations.
