FAO engages fishers and producers in dialogue on sea cucumber exploitation
Fishers and producers from across the eastern coast of Jamaica joined in discussions that will soon affect their livelihoods, income and opportunities in relation to sea cucumber exploitation. FAO in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, engaged in three days of developing a strategy to manage sea cucumber fishing in Jamaica, which was presented to fishers and producers to further steer the direction of the harvesting and trade of Jamaican sea cucumbers. The strategy marked the results of an island shelf stock assessment, the application of geo-statistical methods for data analysis and an examination of the potential for mariculture under the guidance of FAO Fisheries experts.
A 5-year strategic plan for replenishing sea cucumber stocks and increasing awareness and education amongst fishers and traders is now being finalised and is expected to be implemented in 2018.