The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE losses incurred by Bahamian fishermen as a result of Hurricane Sandy are “no small number”, the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance (BCFA) president said yesterday, saying the industry would have to “make the best out of a bad situation” after their pleas for a grouper season extension were rejected.

Adrian LaRoda told Tribune Business that despite the Government’s rejection, fishermen were grateful that tit was prepared to render some financial assistance to those who suffered losses due to Hurricane Sandy in October.

“I couldn’t put an exact figure out there right now, but it’s no small number. Fishermen lost boats, dinghies and apparatus,” Mr LaRoda said.

“The perception was that it was a small storm for us and fishermen were just crying, but when you look at the damages fishermen incurred, I mean, one fisherman lost eight dinghies. That’s going to take some time to recover from. There were several boats that sank, took on water and sank on high seas. We’re not crying; we’re just asking for a little assistance.”

He added: “We still want to thank the Government because they have in essence agreed to assist fishermen who have become disadvantaged because of the hurricane, because there was a lot of damage to vessels. We are going to be approaching them for some fishermen who have legitimate losses.”

The BCFA had asked the Government to grant a 30-day extension to the grouper season. The season traditionally closes on December 1 for three months, reopening at the end of February, during which spawning mainly takes place.

Calls for the extension to the grouper season were rejected by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF).

“The Government didn’t allow the extension. It’s a bit disappointing but what can you do, you have to live with it. The law is the law and we’re encouraging all fishermen to abide by the law, which I know that will do. Commercial fishermen will abide by the law. We just have to make the best of a bad situation,” said Mr LaRoda.

The BNT and BREEF have applauded the Government’ for its decision not to extend the grouper season, the former’s executive director, Eric Carey, noting that it was his organisation’s view that the government should implement a permanent, legislated closed season to ensure that grouper is protected throughout its reproductive period.