November 2011
Regulating fisheries for sustainable future
Submitted by Cleaning Up the Mess on Thu, 2011-11-10 14:24This week guest columnist VASANT BHARATH, Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs ends his six-part series in this space on food security by telling us how Government is supporting and encouraging the fishing industry to move towards sustainable operations.
The marine fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago provide fish protein, employment and revenue for the country. Incentives are now provided to support fishing operations consistent with sustainable use of fisheries resources. Greater emphasis is now being placed on upgrading fishing vessels and supporting infrastructure to conform with national regulations and international fish safety and sanitary standards. This, while we upgrade our fish landing sites, with the provision of basic amenities, such as running water, toilet facilities, electricity, lockers and cold storage. Aquaculture is regarded as a means of reducing fishing pressure on stocks of fish by providing an alternative fish protein source. We are promoting commercial aquaculture through the provision of a package of incentives that now encourage investment in the sector.
Govt to boost food production
Submitted by Cleaning Up the Mess on Thu, 2011-11-03 10:38This week guest columnist VASANT BHARATH Minister of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs continues the fourth of his six-part series in this space on the vital question of food security and sustainable environmentally friendly development.
The Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs is providing leadership in the area of sustainable food production. In my previous articles, I outlined the programmes and activities currently being pursued by my Ministry to do just that. The United Nations declared 2011 as The International Year of Forests and 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity. This, if nothing else, signalled the importance of the international conversation on our environment and the critical role it plays in our lives. The Government’s policy document states explicitly that “there can be no sustainable development without respect for the environment.” In recognition of this, the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB), housed under the Ministry of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs, hosted a workshop in February this year, titled Livestock Waste Management and the Environment.
