St. Kitts and Nevis joined the world in observing World Fisheries Day 2025, on Friday November 21^st, to celebrate small-scale fishers and the vital role they play in sustaining food security.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Fisheries-Nevis, the Hon. Eric Evelyn, underscored the timeliness of this year’s national theme: “Sustaining Our Seas, Supporting Our Fishers:”

Hon. Eric Evelyn. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 37.9% of the region’s fishery stocks are unsustainable, highlighting the need for urgent action.

The minister outlined several sustainability efforts by the Ministry and Department of Marine Resources, including deploying fish traps with biodegradable twine, organizing beach cleanups, installing artificial reefs, and placing fish aggregating devices to support responsible fishing. Fishers were urged to avoid overfishing, respect closed seasons, and use proper mesh sizes to protect juvenile marine species.

The Nevis Island Administration also reaffirmed its commitment to the sector through ongoing technical support, training, and concessions for fishers facing increasingly difficult sea conditions. The public was reminded to stop dumping waste in waterways, which damages coral reefs and contaminates marine life.