Abstract:
The fisheries of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) encompass a number of commercially important marine species, and underpin the livelihoods and food security of 2500 traditional fishers living throughout the 344 km2 island chain. Fishing plays a significant role in the cultural, social and economic lifestyle of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Five of the most prized species harvested in the waters of SVG are Jack, Mahi Mahi, Spiny Lobster, Queen Conch and Red Hind. The aim of this research is to examine the patterns in catch composition for these five species and to conduct a preliminary stock assessment generating equilibrium catches and maximum sustainable yields. Unfortunately, no stock assessment would be conducted for the Mahi Mahi species due to the fact that it is a highly migratory species and is not localised to the waters of SVG as do the other species. The research uses the Schaffer logistic curve to estimate the relationship between CPUE and total effort. After which it uses the parameters generated by the regression to estimate the equilibrium catch and maximum sustainable catches for the fish species. The data set for this research was collected during the period 1994 to 2014. There are ten primary fishing gears used by the fishers and an analysis of similarity demonstrated that there is a difference in the catch composition of these gears. Beach seine contributed the most to the overall fish catches while drop line contributed the least. Seasonal catches have been dominated by Mahi Mahi during winter and spring, Jacks in the summer and autumn, Red Hind, Queen Conch and Spiny Lobster dominated the autumn and winter months. Most Red Hind is harvested from fishing grounds in the Grenadines, Mahi Mahi from grounds on the Windward coast, Jack from the Leeward coast and Lobsters and Conchs from the Grenadines. Overall, the CPUE for all species decreases as fishing effort increases.