Postpone that North Coast seismic survey

It is with deep regret that we write again on the threatening issue of seismic surveys. Six months ago, in November 2010, seismic surveys ended off Toco. Today we have a verifiable 75 per cent drop in catch rates for red fish in the area.  Before those seismic surveys, fishing vessel captains brought in 1,100 pounds of red fish a week but now are lucky to catch 200 pounds for the week, fishing with the same effort in the same area. We have the data but no one is asking us.

All we ask before the North Coast seismic survey is allowed to begin, is that the EMA must require an environment impact assessment (EIA). We ask that the EMA holds its hand and postpones the survey until there is a reasonable examination  of data, reports and recommendations, including those coming out of UNFAO reports. Seismic surveys are not about compensation. They are paying pennies for a limited timeframe compared to the unknown jeopardy in which they put our fish stock, and the EMA is mum. We have an EIA process but somehow this dangerous activity has slipped under the radar.

FFOS urgently appeals to the EMA chairman and his board to hold their hand on this seismic survey until an EIA is done, until our fish stocks can be protected. Today, the flying fish stocks in Tobago have not recovered from seismic surveys completed years ago. Today, Tobagonians are fighting this issue in court. Please observe the precautionary principle. Please postpone this survey until the data can be examined. FFOS urges the Cabinet and in particular the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Re- sources to amend the CEC Rules, Designated Activities Order, to include seismic surveys before our rural communities are margin-alised by this unsustainable but important practice.

Gary Aboud
Secretary
Fishermen and Friends of the Sea