Volume 64
Using Available Data and Stakeholder Knowledge to Resolve a Management Dilemma for a Data-poor Seine Fishery in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Authors
Singh-Renton, S,; Headley, M,; Isaacs,K.Other Information
Date: November, 2011
Pages: 82-91
Event: Proceedings of the Sixty-Fourth Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: Puerto Morelos
Country: Mexico
Abstract
St. Vincents beach seine fishery harvests mainly two small, pelagic species, mackerel scad, (Decapterus macarellus) and bigeye scad (Selar crumenopthalmus), and provides an affordable supply of essential protein for the local population. In 2005, this fishery also began to supply foreign long-line vessels with live bait. While this new market opportunity increased economic benefits, it also caused conflicts among fishers and decreased the amount available to the local food market. Given the data-poor nature of this fishery, a simple approach was used to identify management solutions. Stakeholders were interviewed about selling, purchasing and usage practices, and their views on management solutions. This information was examined jointly with estimates of production and food market sales available for 1999-2008. The results indicated that fish production could not meet the estimated food market demand, and so both markets were competing for the same fish. Mackerel scad was identified as the preferred food species whereas bigeye scad was preferred for bait. Observed monthly fluctuations in gross revenues from both markets depended on production levels and price trends. Management solutions identified included: review of the current mesh size regulation, with adjustment and enforcement; quota limits for the bait market; limitations on the size and number of vessels purchasing bait; limitation of bait sales to bigeye scad and to specific months. Equitable distribution of economic benefits from the bait market, and improvement of market conditions and services to maximize the efficiency and benefits of the food market were also identified as key management priorities.