Fisheries Sector in Dominica

The fisheries sector in Dominica plays a vital role in the island’s economy, food security, and employment, serving as both a traditional livelihood for coastal communities and a critical component of Dominica’s economic diversification efforts. With its surrounding Caribbean waters rich in marine life, Dominica’s fishing industry spans artisanal fishing, nearshore and offshore fisheries, aquaculture, and emerging climate resilience initiatives. The Fisheries Division, part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, oversee the sector. It operates under the legislative framework of The Fisheries Act of 1987 and subsequent amendments.

Historical Development and Evolution of Dominica’s Fisheries Sector

Fishing has long been a fundamental aspect of Dominica’s cultural and economic landscape, tracing back to the pre-colonial era when the Kalinago people depended greatly on the island’s marine resources. Throughout the colonial period, subsistence fishing was a crucial survival practice for coastal communities, especially in villages such as Marigot, Portsmouth, Soufrière, Scotts Head, and Calibishie. Following independence, the government initiated the formalisation of the fisheries sector, with the Fisheries Division officially established in 1979 to regulate, support, and modernise fishing practices.

The sector evolved significantly by introducing motorized vessels, better fishing gear, cold storage facilities, and training programs to improve efficiency and sustainability. Over time, Dominica expanded from coastal fishing to limited offshore fishing, though deep-sea fishing remains underdeveloped compared to neighboring islands.

Structure and Key Components

The Fisheries Division consists of several key units, each contributing to the management and development of the sector:

• Extension and Development Unit: This team focuses on registering fishermen, developing training programs, and organizing fishing cooperatives to foster collaboration and collective bargaining power.
• Research and Data Collection Unit: Responsible for gathering fish landing statistics, conducting marine resource assessments, and advising on stock management policies.
• Marine Conservation and Compliance Unit: Enforces fisheries regulations, including seasonal bans, size limits, and marine protected areas (MPAs) to ensure sustainable harvest levels.
• Public Education and Outreach: Promotes awareness campaigns about marine conservation and educates fisherfolk on climate-smart fishing techniques.

Economic Contribution

The fisheries sector contributes approximately 1.5% to Dominica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a relatively small share compared to agriculture and tourism. However, it employs around 2,800 people in fishing, processing, distribution, and support services. Approximately 40% of fishers operate full-time, while others engage in fishing as a secondary occupation alongside farming or tourism-related work.

Dominica’s annual fish production varies between 800 and 1,200 metric tonnes, with species such as tuna, mahi-mahi, snapper, grouper, and flying fish dominating the catch. Most of the catch is consumed locally, with a small portion exported to nearby islands, contributing to food security and dietary diversity. Fish remains an affordable protein source, particularly in rural areas, and supports the livelihoods of boat builders, net makers, vendors, processors, and fishers.

Infrastructure and Support Facilities

Dominica has several landing sites with basic infrastructure, including fish cleaning stations, ice-making machines, fuel stations, and storage facilities. Key landing sites include Roseau Fisheries Complex, Portsmouth, Soufriere, and Marigot Fisheries Complex, which serve as economic hubs and social gathering points for fishing communities.

However, Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused severe damage to fishing infrastructure, with over 70% of boats and equipment destroyed across the island. The government, through external aid and its own rebuilding efforts, invested in restoring and upgrading landing sites, repairing damaged facilities, and introducing climate-resilient infrastructure to safeguard the sector against future climate shocks.

Government Projects and Policy Initiatives

To modernize and strengthen the sector, the government has launched multiple initiatives, including:

• Climate Change Adaptation in Eastern Caribbean Fisheries (CC4FISH): A regional program providing training in disaster preparedness, distributing modern VHF radios, and promoting climate-resilient fishing gear.
• Aquaculture Expansion: Initiatives aimed at developing shrimp farms and introducing tilapia farming to diversify local seafood production.
• Livelihood Enhancement Projects: Providing grants and subsidized loans to fishing cooperatives for boat repair, gear purchases, and processing equipment upgrades.
• Safety-at-Sea Programs: Collaborations with the Dominica Coast Guard to train fishers in emergency response techniques, life jacket use, and vessel tracking systems.

Challenges and Sustainability

The fisheries sector in Dominica faces significant challenges, including climate change impacts, declining fish stocks, rising operational costs, and competition from imported seafood. Climate change, in particular, threatens marine ecosystems through coral bleaching, changes in fish migration patterns, and more frequent storms.

To address these challenges, the Fisheries Division promotes marine protected areas such as the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve, advocates for sustainable fishing practices, and involves communities in co-managing marine resources. Fishermen are encouraged to diversify their income sources through fish processing, eco-tourism services (including sport fishing charters), and aquaculture ventures.

Future Outlook

With climate resilience now central to fisheries policy, Dominica’s long-term vision for the sector balances economic development with environmental stewardship. The government’s strategic goals include:

• Expanding offshore fishing capacity to reduce reliance on coastal stocks.
• Developing value-added seafood products, including smoked fish and ready-to-eat seafood items for local and export markets.
• Enhancing fisheries data collection using digital technology to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Continuing international partnerships to access funding, training, and technical support for sustainable fisheries management.

By investing in resilience, innovation, and sustainability, Dominica is positioning its fisheries sector to survive environmental and economic changes and thrive as a key contributor to national development in the decades to come.