The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister yesterday said Canada has promised to help The Bahamas combat illegal fisheries poaching in its waters by monitoring “dark ships from space” via satellite.

Elsworth Johnson, minister for financial services, trade and industry and Immigration, said the changes introduced by the Fisheries Bill 2020 and accompanying Immigration Act reforms - which bar foreigners from working on Bahamian-owned fishing vessels even though they may have legal status in this nation - are “not of recent vintage”.

Pointing out that successive administrations have been grappling with illegal poaching, and arguments over whether fisheries should be reserved for Bahamian workers only, Mr Johnson said the protection of this nation's marine resources was critical for the country's sovereignty and economic stability.

Suggesting that the US and Canada have recognised the “significance” of the fisheries industry, and how it has been devastated by poaching, over-fishing and other abuses, Mr Johnson said: "Canada is saying now that they are assisting The Bahamas from space to find out who are these individuals who come and just rape and pillage your resources.”

The Fisheries Bill 2020, and Immigration Act changes, have been met with push back and resistance from major wholesalers, processors and exporters, who argue that the bar on foreign fishermen will damage their operations by depriving them of vital skills and vessel crew.

They have also voiced concern that the provisions are discriminatory and unconstitutional, given that these fishermen either have valid work permits or are married to Bahamian women and thus have spousal permits with families in this nation. It has been suggested that the reforms could negatively impact over 1,000 lives.

Mr Johnson yesterday indicated that the Government was still listening to debate over the changes as they made their way through Parliament, but gave no indication that there will be any last-minute amendments.

"The Government is to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of this country, and that is in the best interest of this country," he added. "The Bill is still in transition.

"This is a consultative government, and I'm quite certain that people are listening, but at the end of the day we must do what is right and in the best interest of The Bahamas in terms of the fisheries business and that should be for Bahamians.”

Keith Carroll, the National Fisheries Association (NFA) president, told Tribune Business yesterday that he gave the Government's current stance his full backing.

"The fishing industry must be reserved for Bahamians and protected for future generations. Yes, the NFA endorses this and all members very happy," he added.

However, Errol Davis, spokesperson for the Coalition For Responsible Fishing (CFRF), which represents the major wholesalers, said: "We as Bahamian boat owners agree with protecting the industry from destructive activities, and this is why any non-Bahamians as well as Bahamians working on a Bahamian-owned and operated boat must adhere to the rules and regulations of The Bahamas.

“The point being misunderstood or miscommunicated is the fact that ‘dark ships’ and illegal poaching is not the same as a Bahamian-owned and controlled fishing boat that has both Bahamian and non-Bahamian crew. The two are not the same.”

Mr Davis said the “perceived threat” is not significant when you compare the relatively small number of non-Bahamians in the sector with legally licensed boat owners.

He added: “This is why any discussion on local non-Bahamians in the industry quickly shifts to discussions on dark ships and the activities of illegal, unregulated poachers because there is no evidence to suggest that the claims and accusations are true with respect to local non-Bahamians in the industry.”

“Bahamian boat owners are Bahamians, too, and have just as much concern for conservation and fish stock preservation. While the focus is on non-Bahamians, there are aspects of the law that give effectively a lease of portions of the sea bed via the ‘no fishing areas around condos, traps, and trays’ clause. It gives some Bahamian fishermen protected rights over others Bahamian fishermen.

“While persons are postulating and pontificating, Bahamian families and Bahamian children will have to find ways to feed themselves because persons were persuaded to change aspects of the law that will hurt more people than it protects.”