INTRODUCTION

The fishing industry of The Bahamas is artisanal in nature and is primarily based on the resources found on the shallow water banks of the country.  The industry still exhibits a good potential for growth through the expansion of the necessary infrastructure and manpower to efficiently and fully utilize the natural resources, some of which are either underutilized  or not targeted, within the two-hundred miles Exclusive Fishery Zone (EEZ) of the country.

The fisheries sector plays an important role in terms of foreign currency earnings, assisting the country to meet its food security needs, employment and social well-being. Its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ranges between 1-2% annually. 

The Government of The Bahamas is committed to the rational and conservational oriented development of the commercial fishing industry with emphasis on deriving the maximum benefit for Bahamians.  With this in mind a number of incentives are in place to encourage investment in the commercial fishing industry. In its efforts to develop the fishing sector the Government continues to provide incentives for private sector led development through: 1) duty free exemption on certain goods imported for use in the commercial, sport and mariculture sector; and 2) fisheries sector loans that are available through the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB).

Increased fishery product landings will provide investment opportunities in the area of fish processing and marketing, as this will necessitate construction of additional processing and marketing facilities and expansion of those facilities already in production.

Over the years tremendous progress has been made in fisheries development in The Bahamas.  As a result of increased governmental emphasis on the development of fisheries there has been a steady increase in total production and landings of fisheries resources coupled with a modernization of the fishing fleet.  There has also been a vast improvement in the fields of fish processing, quality control and marketing.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Department of Marine Resources is responsible for the development of the fisheries sector through sustainable use and integrated management of the fishery resource, coastal zone and marine environment for the well-being of Bahamians. 

OBJECTIVES

• To ensure the sustainable utilization of the fisheries resources for the benefit of the Bahamian people.
• To promote the development of local fisheries.
• To improve the well-being and technical capabilities of the local fishermen.

GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON FISHING

Government policy reserves the commercial fishing industry, as far, as is practical, for the exploitation by Bahamian Nationals. Commercial fishing vessels fishing within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) must be 100% Bahamian owned. Seafood processing facilities have been placed on the list of areas specifically targeted for overseas investors. Further, all investment projects with non-Bahamian interest must have the approval of the Government’s National Economic Council (NEC).

The Department of Marine Resources is responsible for the administration, management and development of fisheries in The Bahamas.  Recent years have seen a broadening of the Department’s outlook to encompass the marine environment in general, with a vision to optimize sustainable utilization of the fishery resources in particular, for the maximum benefit of the Bahamian people.

Six (6) technical units and an administrative unit carry out the work of the Department of Marine Resources.  The units comprise the Statistics and Data Collection Unit, the Aquaculture, Conservation & Research Unit, the Food Safety & Technology Laboratory (FSTL), the Enforcement and Permits Unit, Public Education & Training Unit, and the Administrative Unit inclusive of the Human Resources, Accounts and Registry Section.

The Department provides a number of services to the fishing industry. These include fisheries training courses, processing of various applications, advisory and inspection services, and the enforcement of fisheries rules and regulations.  In addition there is involvement in on-going special projects including resource assessment surveys.

Fisheries training are seen to be a vital component of the department’s work.  The objectives for of the programme are:

• To train industry personnel and others in improving seafood safety, quality and sanitation standards;
• To introduce interested young people to the potential career avenues in the fishing industry;
• To optimize employment opportunities for Bahamians in the fisheries sector;
• To increase revenues to fishermen; and
• To increase and improve fishery products for the export and domestic markets.

The Department has five (5) marine crafts to assist in its work under its authority. The vessels include one (1) 26’ Paramount go fast patrol craft based at Treasure Cay, Abaco, three (3) 21’ patrol crafts, one based at Freeport, one at Sandy Point Abaco and the other in New Providence.  The principle activity of the patrol vessels is fisheries law enforcement. A 17ft. Boston Whaler stationed in New Providence is utilized as a multipurpose vessel for activities such as research, diving expeditions, and data collection.