TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
.
1
AIM
...
. 2
INTRODUCTION
.
3
LOCATION
OF
STUDIES
.
4
METHODOLOGY
.
5
PRESENTATION OF
DATA
..
..6
ANALYSIS AND
DISCUSSION
.
7
RECOMMENDATIONS
.
9
CONCLUSION
.
10
BIBLIOGRAPHY
.
11
APPENDIX
.
12

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Ms. Dana Ramkissoon
Ms. Jamie Birbal
Mr. Naresh Birju
Ms. Lucky
Fishermen at all of the three sites

AIM
What are the main problems or challenges experienced in marine fishing industries
in the fishing ports of Carli Bay, Couva, Claxton Bay and Kings Wharf, San Fernando
in Central and South Trinidad?

INTRODUCTION
The Trinidad and Tobago fishing industry is an industry that provides jobs for
fishermen, as well as unemployed persons all over Trinidad and Tobago. It also
provides fresh marine produce for the population.
In Trinidad and Tobago, (Carli Bay Couva, Claxton Bay and Kings Wharf San
Fernando) the fisheries have contributed 0.07 % GDP of Trinidad and Tobago with a
total of TTD $95.756 M and created employment for 5100 persons which was 1.18
% of national employment for 2009.
The fishing industry is a primary industry and its products are supplied to the
secondary industry. The primary industry includes the fishes and other marine life
being caught by the fishermen, and is then sold to secondary industries for e.g.
restaurants.
Fishing is a very important sector in the economy, and it is mainly dominant in
Central and South Trinidad.
Some general problems faced in this industry, such as, piracy, storage, poor
working conditions and lack of government funding. There are many more problems
that will be explained further on.

LOCATION OF STUDIES

METHODOLOGY
When:
The Geography class visited three fishing areas on Monday 26 th May 2014. We
arrived at the first site at approximately 8 am and left the last sight at
approximately 1 pm.

Where:
Data was collected at three different locations:

1. Carli Bay, Couva fishing facility

2. Claxton Bay fishing facility/fish processing plant, both located in Central
Trinidad
3. Kings Wharf, San Fernando fishing facility, South Trinidad

How:

Primary - Information was gathered or collected through several methods at

the study sites. Groups were made and students conducted various activities
to obtain data and information. Photographs were taken and sketch maps
were made. Interviews were recorded as well as the observations at the three
sites. Tours were given to the students and hand outs and flyers were given
to them

Secondary - Secondary information was gathered and collected through

several methods. Information was collected through brochures and pamphlets
that was taken from the sits, books, internet, and the SIDC website and class
discussions.

PRESENTATION OF DATA

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

PROBLEMS
Pollution - pollution of the fishing grounds and fish spawning grounds is a major
threat to the Caribbean fishing industry. The sources of pollution include oil spills.
The oil spill of Petrotrin Company, the State -owned oil company in the Gulf of Paria
was a major source of pollution causing many fishes to die and that caused a
depletion in fishing for the fishermen which caused them to earn less money and
put their lively hoods at risk.
Destruction of fishing grounds- careless fishing practices damage areas that fish
rely on for breeding, spawning and maturation. Fishing grounds are destroyed by
dragnet fishing as the natural habitat is damaged by dragging of nets. Spawning
grounds are also disturbed. Trawling is where nets and chains are dragged across
vast areas of sea-bed, sweeping everything in their path, is a major threat to fish
habitats and Modern fishing fleets disturb and destroy natural fishing ground and as
a result, marine fish face threats of over-exploitation and the degradation of their
natural habitats
Types of fishing - long drift nets consisting of gillnets that trap fish before they
have a chance to mature and so contribute to fish stock depletion. Seine net, where
the net is laid in a circle around a school of fish, located by an echo-sounder. The
bottom of the net is drawn inwards to form a bag, and then fish are hauled in and
pumped out of the net. Long lines several kilometres long with thousands of baited
hooks that catch fish results in the quick depletion of fish stocks to the detriment of
endangered species. Trawlers that have their own canning or freezing system on

board they stay out at sea for long periods, catching large volumes of fish and
exploiting dwindling resources.
Facilities- the facilities were poor and run down in the three areas. Due to nonfunding from the government the fishermen cant replace or upgrade their facilities.
This causes them to have to use the old facilities which is very uncomfortable for
them
Lack of proper cold storage- Fishermen complained about not having anywhere
to put there freshly caught fish. Whatever was not sold at the same day was not fit
to eat resulting in the loss of freshly caught fish and further resulting in a loss of
money. Fish that was spoilt and was disposed of. The loss of fish due to lack of cold
storage was common for all study sites except for Claxton Bay fishing industry
which had a cold storage because they had a production plant to store fish.
Government funding- fishermen are not being funded by the government
although they have been repeatedly pleading and showing their concerns for what
they do to earn a living. This puts them in a place to use their own money making
their lives much harder.
Cost of equipment, boat repair and nets - due to the fact that the fishermen
are not being helped and being funded by the government, it is very difficult for
them to be in a better position to fish. They lack the proper equipment to use,
without repaired boats it is impossible for them to go out to sea and without proper
nets the fishermen would not be able to catch any fish, which would prevent them
from earning a living and put their livelihood at risk.
Using own money- without getting help from the government the fishermen would
have to use their own money from their pockets to try to save their lively hoods and
by doing this this action puts them at a greater risk. Without any money it would be
very hard for them to fund themselves in the feature and it would be at a
disadvantage for the fishermen as well as their families. They would not be able to
catch fish, they would lose their lively hood and they would not be able to earn any
money for a living.
Piracy- Fishermen complained about being held up near the border between the
waters of Trinidad and Venezuela. Some were beaten, some were robbed at
gunpoint, some were even left drifting out at sea without an engine for days and
some got their boat stolen somewhere even kidnapped and heled for days in
captive for ransom. They had their catch, engines and nets taken away from them
resulting in thousands of dollars in losses and their lives where at great risk.

RECOMMENDATIONS

All fishermen should be educated to adopt responsible fishing practices and

to self-regulate their industry.

Trawlers and other similar destructive fishing methods should be restricted, to

promote fish conservation.

Review and enforce controls on toxic substances emitted into the sea and
raise awareness by industries of the need to be concerned about the

emissions and effluents.

Discourage the use of non-biodegradable monofilament nets, as they pose a

long-term hazard to fish on the seabed, if they are lost from the fishing boat.
Fish spawning grounds and nurseries, such as mangroves, should be

protected.
Highlight concerns to the relevant ministers, ministries and government
representatives.

CONCLUSION
Fisheries play an important role as a major source of food for many people in
Trinidad and Tobago.
The future development of the fisheries sector is dependent on the existence of
appropriate representative bodies. It is dependent on the creation of appropriate
management structures. It is also dependent on social changes and on economic
aspects that influence operating costs and create demand for the produce.
From the problems faced by the fishermen it can be concluded that the following
actions have to be taken:

To ensure sustainability, the Government should develop a fisheries

management system which would include banned fishing seasons and mesh

size regulation of nets.

Regular awareness programmes on conservation of the ecosystems of the

various fishing sites

Efforts should be made to prevent pollution and indiscriminate fishing
practices.

Many of the fishermen lack an alternative income generation other than

fishing. Adequate vocational training systems should be implemented for the
benefit of the fishermen, as some of these would help them to seek

alternative employment avenues.

Generally to acknowledge the social and economic significance of the sector.
To improve the living standards of the people dependant on the fishing sector
To regulate the safety on board small vessels used in fisheries.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX