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I have been listening to both sides of this argument. These are my thoughts and suggestions:
1. Above all, I am very concerned (like many of my fellow Bahamians) that all of our fish,
lobster and conch stocks are in terrible trouble. Globally, I am equally concerned that
we are destroying our planet’s resources and will have even greater challenges trying to
feed the world population in the future.
2. I am opposed to any commercial fishing venture that has the potential to destroy a
species; especially one so quick.
3. I, like most people I think, am in favour of new sustainable ways to grow food to feed
the people of our country and the world.
4. Generally speaking, I am not opposed to engaging in any legal activity of good moral
character for profit.
5. While I am not well educated on this subject, I think the probability of successfully
cultivating or breeding yellow fin tuna, in the manner David and Paul briefly described,
is low. Perhaps another method or species would be more successful.
6. Since there seems to be lots of debate about the science of sustainable yellow fin tuna
farming or aquaculture, I would suggest that a way to proceed which may satisfy both
sides would be (for those interested) to apply for a license, from government, subject to
the following conditions:
a. The license applicant submit a detailed plan in writing describing the method
and estimated time frame for transitioning from a fishing operation to a
sustainable farming operation along with appropriate environmental impact
studies to be reviewed and approved by an independent group appointed by The
Bahamas National Trust consisting of: financial experts, local businesspersons,
environmental leaders and scientists;
b. A limit (to be agreed upon) to the initial catch of wild yellow fin tuna be set; any
increase to be evaluated and approved by an independent panel appointed by
The Bahamas National Trust comprised of national and international experts of
environmental science at the cost of the licensee;
c. All revenues from the sale of yellow fin tuna fishing and farming be held in trust
and administered by a group of independent trustees (of which The Bahamas
National Trust should be represented) which will approve or deny the
expenditure (from revenues) of expenses related to the fishing and farming
operation. Guidelines, for expenses that could be approved, can be agreed to in
advance;
d. Agreement that once sustainable farming has been established by the licensee
and verified by an independent panel of national and international experts of
environmental science and the trustees, revenues less any government taxes,
fees and agreed upon reserves be surrendered to the licensee under the
condition that the license becomes a “farming only” license to be inspected,
audited and evaluated regularly by government and the trustees at the cost of
the licensee;
e. Government, upon the recommendation of the trustees, have the ability to
revoke the license should the licensees or beneficiaries be in contravention of
the terms of the license or engaged in any illegal activity;
f. All proceeds retained by the trustees, upon termination of the license, are to be
utilized first to assist in the repair of any damage to the environment (if feasible)
and alternatively for the education and science of new sustainable food farming
techniques.
While the above may need some refinements, I think a license granted under these conditions
will put in place adequate protections for our environment while rewarding the risk taker(s)
should the business be successful. At the same time, this compromise could provide other
economic stimulus within our shores.
I would recommend government take this approach or a similar approach when contemplating
granting a license to other large scale commercial fishing operations in our country. More
importantly, I would encourage everyone to work together in a civil manner to help create
viable farming techniques and programs for all of the other popular species that inhabit our
waters for the benefit of us all.
Finally I will take this opportunity to also encourage government, as a priority, to create and
promote incentives for the development of alternative, self supporting and environmentally
friendly wide‐scale energy that can eliminate our dependence on other countries for oil and
provide our population with low‐cost electricity.
M. Jonathan Gouthro,
Life‐member and supporter of The Bahamas National Trust
jon@waltoncpas.com