‘No link between over-supply of fish & dead fish!' – Dr Pickering
He was speaking at a press conference yesterday October 5, 2015 during which he spoke about what Government was planning to do with regards to the seaweed which has invaded many beaches and cays on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
The Minister was at the time responding to a question from the media which noted that the oversupply of fish comes at a time when fish have been dying due to what is believed to be lack of oxygen in the water due to the presence of the decomposing sargassum. The question asked how it was that he as Minister would convince the people that all this extra fish had actually been caught by fishermen.
However, the Minister was resolute to point out that there was no widespread fish deaths and that these were restricted to a few areas.
“The fish and fishing species that have been noted have been in specific areas where the sargassum seaweed is very thick and we want to emphasise that. There is absolutely no relationship to what is taking place with the over-supply of fish at the fishing complex. I find that association almost unbelievable that you would dare say something like that,” said the Minister in a livid tone.
“The over-supply of fish at the fishing complex is a direct result of the fishermen getting involved in the fishing industry and now learning the new techniques,” he said, noting that the way the industry has taken off has caught Government off guard to the point that their own marketing abilities and marketing strategies were not able to keep up with the supply of fish,” he said.
Prior to the question and answer period during the press conference, the Minister had stated that the sargassum seaweed being a nesting ground for various species would see fish being spawned as a result of its presence around the territory.
“Naturally occurring the seaweed provides that nexus. The large influx of the seaweed as it is right now therefore speaks volumes to the fact that there will be a natural increase in the amount of fish that is inhabiting the seaweed,” he said. He said that the Mahi-Mahi in particular seem to follow the seaweed and as a result the fishermen have been bringing in large amounts of that particular species.
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7 Responses to “‘No link between over-supply of fish & dead fish!' – Dr Pickering”
Just like imported produce, we don't know what on earth we are buying these days.