Behind the Dolphin Hunt

FISHERMEN in Trinidad and Tobago have joined a long line of persons who are turning to the slaughter and sale of dolphins and other sea mammals for profit. An intense confrontation seems to be on the horizon. But what is behind this change, this choice? There are several things to think about when we deal with this issue:

Transnational Trawling

Trinidad and Tobago has attracted major fishing concerns from Latin America and Asia. The presence of foreign trawlers in our deep and not-so-deep waters may explain the reduction of the fish stock being described by fishermen. If so, there needs to be swift action by civil society and activist groups in support of the fishermen.

Replacement Trades

The decline of fisheries and the dying out of the dolphins increase the attractiveness of other types of replacement trades; including the hunt for other protected or endangered species, e.g. leatherback turtles and their eggs. Fisher folk have also been drawn into the trafficking of drugs and arms from South America, as well as smuggling of migrants, to supplement dwindling incomes. To simply fight against the catch of dolphins is to expose ourselves to even greater threats to life and security.

So what are the alternatives? What can we do or fight for?

Beacon Roles

Fishermen could represent our first point of defence and intelligence on illegal fishing and trading practices on our waters. Private or government spending on coastline security could include the use of fisher folk for surveillance, with major rewards for information leading to the arrest of smugglers (not necessarily the seizure of illicit goods).

Fishermen at Mayaro. Photo by Navin Parray

Aquaculture and Nurseries

Fishing communities in Trinidad and Tobago have generated their own research and development initiatives, and are considering entering into aquaculture - in particular for high-end produce like tilapia and shrimp. This may provide a viable alternative to destructive sea-based fishing. And given that the seafaring life is very important to fishing communities, artificial nurseries designed to help keep the offshore fish stocks at a respectable level may also complement the inland fisheries.

How can you help?

These initiatives will require serious technical support, and community organizations and interested citizens may be able to source experts in the business and academic communities locally and beyond. The aim is to provide assistance in preparing and executing sustainable business plans and funding proposals to relevant bodies (e.g. local, regional and international development banks, Business Development Corporation Research and Development Fund, ETeck).

Can you help with:

• E-commerce infrastructure for fishing communities with aquaculture plans?
• Financial support or investment?
• Technical advice?
• Distribution assistance, in particular advice on shipping?
• Attacking bigger fish (no pun intended) like the trawlers in our waters?

If so, contact THE EYE and add your name, skill, and time availability to the list of people that are going to do something positive for and with the fishing communities of this country. And watch out for the follow-up article on this important issue.