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Fish farming programme to launch in USVI

- St Croix site identified for initial phase
The fish farming system proposed by CSA includes raising fish in inland nurseries before transferring them to submerged cages at depths of 150-200 feet in offshore waters. Photo: VIC
VI CONSORTIUM

FREDERIKSTED, St Croix, USVI- Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr met with representatives from Caribbean Sustainable Aquaculture (CSA) last week to discuss the introduction of fish farming to the US Virgin Islands Virgin Islands. The initiative aims to enhance food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and stimulate the local economy through innovative aquaculture practices, according to Government House.

The administration said that during the meeting, Governor Bryan emphasised the importance of the project in addressing the territory’s reliance on imported food. "Today marks a significant step forward in our efforts to make the Virgin Islands more self-sufficient and resilient," he said. "The introduction of fish farming will not only help us reduce our dependence on imported food but will also create new opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs."

The fish farming system proposed by CSA includes raising fish in inland nurseries before transferring them to submerged cages at depths of 150-200 feet in offshore waters. These cages will be monitored and managed by surface vessels to ensure optimal growth conditions. The Virgin Islands stands to benefit from CSA's expertise in sustainable development, as the organization brings its experience from operations in Curaçao, Norway, and Morocco, according to Gov't House.

'Aquaponics represents the future of farming'

Dennis Brow, a spokesperson for CSA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We are thrilled to partner with the Virgin Islands on this initiative. Aquaponics represents the future of farming, especially in island communities where space and resources are limited. By working together, we can create a model for sustainable agriculture that benefits both the environment and the people."

According to Gov't House, the initiative aligns with the broader goals of the US Virgin Islands, which include promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing food sovereignty, and fostering economic growth.

Initial site assessments for the project have begun on St Croix, and CSA officials are engaging with local fishermen and identifying offshore locations. The plan includes expanding the program territory-wide in the coming years.

As part of the rollout, CSA will work with local schools and community groups to provide education on sustainable farming practices, aiming to inspire the next generation of US Virgin Islanders to engage in the agricultural sector.

Both Governor Bryan and CSA representatives committed to ensuring that the initiative benefits all residents of the US Virgin Islands. Further updates, including details on how local farmers and entrepreneurs can participate, are expected in the coming months.

11 Responses to “Fish farming programme to launch in USVI”

  • jack (29/09/2024, 15:18) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    when will the bvi fully do this?
  • c (29/09/2024, 16:13) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who’s paying for this?
  • @ Jack (29/09/2024, 17:57) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    When we are sure that it is sustainable i.e. can withstand the effects of hurricanes is profitable and does not go the way of the 6 million dollar greenhouses.
  • waste of time (29/09/2024, 19:28) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Sounds crazy when we have healthy fishes running around the entire Virgin Islands lol.
  • dude (29/09/2024, 23:55) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Not sure why this is important other than to employ some people. Just sustain the free range fisheries that our waters already have. Free swimming fish are more healthy than farm raised and I try to avoid farm raised when I eat out. But this might be good for BVI fisheries so we'll see what happens
    • take care (30/09/2024, 07:12) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      We think we have loads of fish, but we may be mistaken because our fishermen have been capturing the super adults and very young fish, until we impose a ban on the size of the catch in specific categories of fish we may head closer to disaster without realising it. We also need to monitor the catch load of individual fishermen.
  • Kingfish (30/09/2024, 09:35) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    How will the fish that will be placed in cages 150 to 200 ft below the surface be fed? When fish are free to roam, they can catch their own food.
  • GateKeeper (30/09/2024, 10:14) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fishing is an activity which can be done in EEZ( Exclusive Economic Zone); this area extends up to 200 miles and up to 12 miles for the territorial sea. The 12-mile territorial sea has sovereign rights; the 200-mile EEZ does not provide a sovereign right but the VI still has control over it in regards to fishing,,energy exploration, etc.. Nevertheless, the 200 EEZ to the north is being encroached upon with impunity because the VI does not the capacity and capability to fully monitor and protect it. Nonetheless, the VI must put forth more effort to monitor and protect it. The blue economy is another means with the potential to improve diversification of the economy, ie, fishing, recreation, aquaculture, energy exploration, (oil, thermal, wave, wind).
  • Anonymous (01/10/2024, 00:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Evaluating an early retirement offer:

    What do you need to consider before accepting one

    https://www.bankrate.com/retirement/should-you-accept-early-retirement-offer/

    When companies find themselves needing to cut costs, many choose to reduce payroll expenses by offering an early retirement package, also known as a voluntary separation or severance package.

    Companies typically offer these packages to senior management and/or employees who have been working for the organization the longest.

    As a member of staff at Barclays Bank Plc when they experienced significant losses globally, i opted to return to University as a fully time student to up-skill myself while many others who were long serving staff members were giving the option of an Early Retirement Package or Severance Pay

    This is very important for lots of Government Employees who do not understand and may seem to think that there employeement with the government is safe and secure from becoming redundant because they are not be aware of the significant losses of there Governments Revenue with items like Treasury Losses on Taxes and Duties on things like the Fuel Tax when more and more Electric Vehicles are introduced on the Road Network

    Countries like the United Kingdom Treasury has already predicted to expected losses upto $5b a year in Fuel Duty or Taxes after 2028 when the Road Network is expected to have 50% or half of the vehicles on the road to being Electric Vehicles

    https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-10389511/Treasury-faces-5bn-fuel-duty-loss-electric-car-growth-report.html

    Along with the Gas Stations and Gas Station Jobs no longer being needed or becoming redundant because of the modernization of fueling our cars; some Government Jobs will also become redundant and no longer be needed or required due to government's revenue being reduced and the government not being able to afford to pay them

    In-arrucate or delayed accounting and consealing governments revenue losses like this, denying and preventing the actual expected loss from the public to know factual and practicle informatoin only dampens the recovery of our country's economy by not allowing everyone to be able to make proper adjustments and preperations to be able to cope with the dynamic economical shifts and uncertainty that is expected with things like the Fuel and Transpertaion Industry, Changes in the Work Force and the Creation of Jobs
  • Environmental Impact (01/10/2024, 03:12) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    The negative impact on ocean waters from these farms far outweigh any financial benefits.


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