Highest catch in over a decade

LAST YEAR was the first time since 1998 that Barbados recorded a high landing of fish on the island.This was disclosed yesterday by Minister of Transport and Works John Boyce, who is also the representative for the Christ Church South constituency.Speaking during yesterday’s Parliamentary session, Boyce stated that in 2009 an estimated total of 347 tonnes of fish landed in Barbados, representing an increase of eight per cent over the total catch recorded in 2008.This, he stated, was also the highest reported since 2008.He said fish had now become the preferred choice of meat for Barbadians.But he stated that a number of fisherfolk were not recording their catches and he said this was a big mistake.“There are still a number of report issues of fisherfolk who do not record all their catches. This is a mistake – not recording your catch – you are not allowing the fisheries department to allow your true contribution to GDP so then your benefits may be short-changed,” he stated.Boyce was speaking during debate on an amendment to the Income Tax Act to make provisions for rebate to be given to people who have an agricultural business for which they import agro-processing machinery. He also stated that all the fishing organisations will soon come under one umbrella body to make decisions on the many activities involving the fishing industry.Apart from fish, Boyce said, the highest level of increases for 2009 was recorded in the root crop sub-sector which showed was 69 per cent in overall production.In addition, he said yam production increased significantly from 279.6 thousand kilograms in 2008 to 824.29 kilograms in 2009 representing 195 per cent increase. (MB)