KINGSTON, Jamaica – Best practices to bolster the operations of local fishers are expected to be defined through a study on fish feed being undertaken by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA).

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Pearnel Charles Jr, on Wednesday, revisited McLish Fish Farm in St Catherine where he and a high-profile ministry team observed engagements being carried out in relation to fish feed research under the partnership between the NFA and proprietor, Stephen McLish.

“Here, we are actually trying out the BioMar, which is the feed that he is importing. We are seeing how the production is impacted… whether there is more production in less time and the different variables that are impacting production,” Charles pointed out.

McLish’s farm features several one-acre fishponds, 10 of which are now active. The BioMar fish feed is currently only being used on one pond.

“The effort is to make sure that we can be able to define best practices to maintain and sustain highest yield, which is going to benefit our farmers, benefit our consumers and benefit Jamaica,” the Minister noted.

He added that the national ‘Grow Smart, Eat Smart’ campaign is manifesting in the NFA’s actions.

This, Charles Jr pointed out, is clear that “the NFA is serious about, not just production but efficiency, and they are working together strategically with the stakeholders”.

He also cited ongoing support being provided to local fishers by the NFA and, by extension, the Ministry, inclusive of the allocation of fry -young fish – through the Authority’s hatchery.

There are also plans to design a programme of assistance in relation to the preparation of ponds, the Minister informed.

Charles further noted that ponds across Jamaica are being fully assessed to identify opportunities for rehabilitation or to indicate where new ponds can be formed.

“The goal is really for us to, firstly, set out that strategic map for us to see higher production, greater efficiency, better training, and the use of the most optimum feed and other variables that are required for us to have… sustainable fisheries,” Charles emphasised.

Meanwhile, the minister reiterated his call for people to get involved in the fisheries sector.

“Fisheries is the greatest opportunity, now, that Jamaica has, and we make a call for all who are interested. Don’t just sit down; get up and be activated. Get involved, go to the NFA, speak to our managers, our extension officers [and] get some information around how you can get started,” Charles said.