Department of Fisheries

The fisheries sector of Saint Lucia is an important source of local protein and employment, particularly for coastal communities. With an expanding population, changing environmental conditions and advancing fishing technologies, there is an increasing challenge to ensure our fish resources are managed in a sustainable way. This involves taking into account a wide range of social, economic and environmental factors in determining how we manage our fisheries resources.
The mandate of the Department is enshrined in two pieces of legislation: the Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Regulations. The Fisheries Act contains the legal provisions for the promotion, management and development of fishing and fisheries in Saint Lucia. The provisions relate to the establishment of a Fisheries Advisory Committee, fisheries access agreements, local and foreign fishing licensing, fish processing establishments, fisheries research, fisheries enforcement and the registration of fishing vessels. The Act also stipulates the preparation, implementation and review of the Plan to Manage the Fisheries of Saint Lucia with the broad goal of enhancing the social and economic welfare of fishers and their families and improving the nutritional status of the nation.