KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Karl Samuda says the ministry is committed to implementating of a new lobster regime for the 2017/ 2018 lobster season.

A news release from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries on Tuesday said the lobster regime, which was created with the participation of industry stakeholders, will outline steps for the granting of lobster licences and should be completed by October for implementation early next year.

“This process will be equitable, with due consideration to the management of the resource in a sustainable way. It will allow for new entrants, but will also support current investors,” said Minister Samuda at a recent fisheries industry retreat in St James.

The regime will also encourage greater investment in the acquisition of more boats, as well as marketing and research and development and will ensure that more jobs are created in the sector, Minister Samuda outlined.

Minister Samuda pointed out that the new regime would not place artisanal fisherfolk at a disadvantage and pledged continued support of the MSME sector with the convening of regular meetings to ensure that they are well represented.

Various stakeholder groups, including industrial and artisanal fishers, participated in the two-day fisheries retreat. Minister Samuda, in emphasising the importance of fisheries sector, said that the fishing industry was worth US$136 billion globally; while Jamaica’s total production was valued at US$86.84 million.