KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Karl Samuda has issued a call for growth in the fisheries industry.

The minister was addressing stakeholders at the third Annual Fisheries Industry Retreat held last week in Negril, Westmoreland.

In a release from the Ministry today, the minister noted the industry’s vast potential for wealth creation and increased employment, but expressed dissatisfaction with its performance last year. He pointed out that several initiatives were now in train aimed at boosting production in the sector.

In particular, Samuda welcomed the increased interest being displayed in the industry and the investment being attracted, including recent announcements by stakeholders to diversify trade and target new export markets.

he agriculture and fisheries minister also encouraged expansion into the production of other species such as sea cucumbers, open sea fisheries and aquaculture species such as Tilapia and Basa.

Reaffirming Government’s commitment to the fisheries sector, Samuda noted the implementation of the new lobster regime and the improved surveillance of Jamaica’s waters to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

He said that the long-awaited Fisheries Bill, aimed at regulating and modernising the sector, was with the Legislative Committee and should be tabled in Parliament by the end of September.