Japan signed $27 million agreement to renovate Marigot and Portsmouth fisheries. The complete renovation of the fishery complexes might ultimately bring them to international standards with all attendant facilities. The Japanese government facilitated the construction of the Marigot fishery in 2004, the Portsmouth fishery in 2011, and the Roseau fishery complex in 1997. They were equipped with storage facilities and fuel stations after construction.
The restoration of the Marigot and Portsmouth fishery complexes “will go a very long way toward ensuring that our fishers can benefit from and take advantage of this renewed thrust to exploit in a sustainable way, the enormous resources of the ocean and sea that surrounds them,” said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
Skerrit thanked the Japanese government for the gesture, saying the project will enable local fishermen to efficiently explore the vast resources of the oceans surrounding Dominica. He noted that under the Blue Economy project, the DLP government intends to exploit the oceans for improved livelihoods, job creation, and economic development while preserving the health and integrity of the marine ecosystem.
“We’re pursuing the further development of our blue economy and as part of our overall resilient strategy, fully functioning modern facilities and equipment for the receipt and handling of fish products is an important aspect of that development thrust,” the prime minister disclosed.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Reginald Austrie, said the restoration of the Marigot and Portsmouth fishery complexes may commence in January 2020. He said the rehabilitation will ensure that the facilities are upgraded with climate resilient features, with sea defence walls, concrete roofing, hurricane-proof windows, and other related features.
When completed, both fisheries will have biological and chemical facilities to evalute the safety and export standards of ocean products processed and packaged at the complexes.
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