Jamaica Sourcing More Drones to Combat Illegal Fishing

Jamaica's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will be acquiring additional Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly called drones, as the Government moves to strengthen law enforcement initiatives aimed at curbing illicit fishing. Portfolio Minister, Derrick Kellier, said that with the one-year drone pilot project now complete: “Our next step is to work closely with the Ministry of National Security, with a view to identifying and sourcing drones with longer endurance, so as to increase our reach as well as our law enforcement presence within the island’s maritime jurisdiction.”

The drones are also expected to be pivotal in search and rescue missions for fisherfolk stranded or reported missing at sea. Persons will be trained in their operation. Mr Kellier said use of the drones is expected to significantly reduce “severe gaps” in Jamaica’s fisheries trade. The country recorded net seafood imports totalling $135 million in 2014, compared to exports of $35 million in 2013, according to a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report. Mr Kellier attributed this to continued “drastic and rapid” decline in Jamaica’s marine fishery resources, due to poaching and environmental degradation, leading to an increased need for imports to meet fish demand.

http://www.thefishsite.com/fishnews/25801/jamaica-sourcing-more-drones-…