Parliament

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The work to sustain production of high-quality marine resources has received a multi-million dollar injection, figures contained in the Estimates of Expenditure for the 2009/10 fiscal year reveal.

The estimates show that Government intends to spend approximately $79.3 million for the enhancement of environmental stewardship and management of marine resources by strengthening fishers' organisations.

The project, titled: 'Improving Jamaica's Agricultural Productivity (Marine/Environmental)' is being funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation of Agriculture (IICA).

It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and is scheduled for completion March 2011, having started April 2008.

The targets for this fiscal year, as outlined in the estimates, are: to establish project implementation unit; procure vehicle and equipment; establish 1,000 artificial reefs; train fishers; prepare designs and engage civil works contractors; and start construction of fishing beach facilities.

Project formulation and advanced negotiation of financial arrangement with CIDA are the noted physical achievements under the project up to March 2009.

The targets envisaged for this project are: the survey of six selected beach sites and three selected marine ecosystems; upgrading of beaches with sanitation facilities and gear stand sheds; completion of environmental impact assessment; enhancement of marine ecosystems in selected locations; train at least 240 fishers in management of fishing operations; increase lobster landings by 50 per cent; and install 3,000 condominiums in three selected marine habitats.

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