Dominica celebrates World Fisheries Day 2025 this week

The Fisheries Department within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy has outlined its planned initiatives for the observance of World Fisheries Day 2025. Celebrated annually on November 21 across the globe, this day underscores the significance of sustainable fishing practices and marine resource management. For this year’s commemorations, a Fisheries Division press release stated that Dominica will adopt the theme “Small-Scale Fisheries: Building Blue Economies,” emphasizing the crucial contribution of coastal communities and the necessity of preserving marine ecosystems.

Honorable Jullan Defoe, the Minister responsible for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, will deliver the keynote address during the events. His speech will be broadcast on Dominica Broadcasting Station (DBS). The day’s program will also include remarks from the Chief Fisheries Officer and the Permanent Secretary, during a recognition ceremony and panel discussion scheduled at the Roseau Fisheries Complex on Friday, November 21, starting at 9:30 AM. The proceedings will be transmitted live via Government Information Services (GIS) and Emo News, allowing nationwide access.

In addition to speeches event will feature award presentations for the poster competition and the biggest catch contest—both integral parts of the broader recognition activities, as per the press release. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of these competitions, which aim to promote awareness and celebrate excellence within the fishing community. A segment of the ceremony will also be dedicated to representatives from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), who will facilitate the handover of fishing equipment and safety gear to local fisher groups. This initiative is part of the BIOSPACE Project, a European Union-supported program implemented by OECS, focusing on sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation.

The panel discussion will feature three distinguished experts: Mr. Norman Norris, Mr. Harold Guiste, and Mr. Simon Walsh. Moderated by Mr. Derrick Theophille, the Chief Fisheries Officer, the discussion will revolve around three key topics: “The Importance of Marine Protected Areas in Building Blue Economies,” “The Role of Small-Scale Fishers in Developing Dominica’s Blue Economy Sector,” and “Coral Conservation as a Foundation for Supporting Small-Scale Fisheries and the Blue Economy.” Each speaker will have 30 minutes to present their insights and engage with questions from the audience.

The Division also indicated that prior to the main event, on November 19, students from Massacre, Roseau, and Goodwill Primary Schools will participate in an educational Marine Awareness Session held in Soufriere. During this visit, students will learn about the Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve (SSMR), coral conservation strategies, and how they can contribute to safeguarding marine ecosystems. Additionally, the program will include a tour of the Coral Rescue Centre in Soufriere, an ex-situ nursery dedicated to coral restoration efforts.

The Fisheries Division urges the public to actively engage in the activities commemorating World Fisheries Day 2025. The release added that citizens are encouraged to support local fisheries by consuming more locally caught seafood and to continue their efforts in protecting Dominica’s marine resources and the livelihoods they sustain.