ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, June 27th, 2012 – Public awareness on the best ways to safeguard and sustain the marine habitat will be the main focus at this year’s annual Fisherman’s Day hosted by the Conservation and Fisheries Department in collaboration with fisher folks.
The one-day event slated for Monday, July 2 at Long Bay Beach, Beef Island from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. is the wrap up of June’s Environment Month activities and will feature three fishing tournaments; Trolling, Reef Fishing and for the second year the Lionfish Competition.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Fisheries Officer, Mr. Samuel Davies said, “During the event we will be out in full force in an effort to educate the public and raise awareness on best practices to sustain a healthy marine habitat and educate against destructive development practices, pollution, illegal fishing, and over fishing in the Virgin Islands.”
“We will also continue to educate the public on how to safeguard our fishery habitats from invasive species, such as the Lionfish with the distribution of information and markers to report sightings as we must come together to bring immediate action to reduce the numbers of Lionfish in our waters,” Mr. Davies expressed.
Additionally the day will feature a lifeguard demonstration, filleting demonstration of the Lionfish and a prize-giving ceremony for the fishing tournaments along with various beach games such as tug-of-war, soldier crab races, domino games and live music. There will be lots of food and drinks on sale.
Persons interested in participating in the Trolling and Reef Fishing tournaments must register at the Conservation and Fisheries Department by Friday, June 29 and obtain a valid fishing license from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour.
All tournaments will begin at 4:00 a.m. with the official catch weigh in scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m.
Fisherman’s Day observed under the theme, ‘Celebrating our Heritage, Ensuring our Livelihood in a Changing World’ serves to promote, develop, encourage and enhance a vibrant network among active fishermen, fisherman’s association, the society and the business community. It also highlights the contribution of the local fishing industry towards the economy while safeguarding local fisheries from illegal fishing activities and the presence of the invasive Lionfish.
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British Virgin Islands News