Ghost fishing remains “a significant challenge” in marine conservation issue here in SKN and the Department of Marine Resources of St. Kitts and Nevis hosted a focus group meeting on March 6^th, at the Old Road Fisheries Complex, to discuss the issue with local fishers and vessel operators.

Ghost fishing refers to the destructive cycle of continued catching and killing of marine animals by abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear. The meeting was held to discuss the use of biodegradable panels on fish pots as a solution to mitigate ghost fishing.

When durable fishing gear is lost at sea, it continues to trap and kill marine organisms, depleting fish stocks and destroying habitats. SKN’s Department of Marine Resources opted to collaborate directly with fishers to explore practical solutions.

Fisheries Assistant at the DMR, Kharim Saddler, said that at the conclusion of the meeting, the fishers committed to incorporating biodegradable panels into their fish pots for a three-month trial period. This initiative is a step forward in sustainable fishing practices and forms part of the COASTFISH Project, funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).