FISH KEEPING JAMAICA

  The value of Jamaican Gully fish In Jamaica, there are several water ways. These water ways originates both naturally and conveniently by humans. These waters exist in the form of manmade gullies, water drains, streams, rivers, and to some extent man made run off ponds design to collect excess water from land during heavy rainfall. Jamaica was originally called Xaymica by its past earlier ancestors, referred to as Caribs, Arawaks and Amerindians. Prior to the discovery of the West by the Europeans, the natives of the Caribbean including Jamaica had great interest in fishing, farming and hunting. After over 400 years, fishing continues to play a significant role in both the economic as well as the natural aesthetics of Jamaica. Angling as well as net fishing facilitates the bulk of Jamaica’s fishing industry. Interestingly, ornamental fish keeping is not considered much of a value today,   yet holding superb potential especially for the export market . In Jamaica there are severa

Responses to article, indeed the level of industry players within the Jamaican Ornamental fish industry is minute compared to other similar industry. It is a fact that Jamaica is located in the tropics. Facing numerous natural disasters ranging from flooding , tropical storms and hurricanes. Ornamental fish farms not re-established after natural disasters are poorly planned and structure. Lets look at Florida, It faces numerous tropical storms yearly, with thousands of persons loosing homes, assets and investment within the pan angle alone. Yet one of North America’s largest fish farming Industry is able to manoeuvre through these challenges.   Some of their pond setups are as large as half a football field, some might even be larger. Steps are taken to manage excess water flow as a result of flooding .   The absence of proper planning within an industry such as this will result in much disaster. In addition, their systems are so designed to have automation should in case the human

  During the last posting I made,  I shared my inner most concerns about ornamental fish farming in Jamaica. This post is somewhat short in comparison to that one but still holds value personal thoughts. Today I share some possible ways in which identified challenges can be managed and farmers like myself experience success. It is first and foremost difficult to gain ground politically or economically within Jamaica without the support from the right organization and institutions. Most if not all the times these institutions are themselves manipulated by those already reaping huge benefits from the situation as it is. In an effort to manage the situation of distrust and disunity among the members of the ornamental fish farmers in Jamaica, I suggest reputable fish clubs be instituted. With each following, a mandated list of core principles and structural formation. It is being suggested that these fish clubs be sanctioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and fishery, allowing grants and

  What is holding back the ornamental fish keeping Industry in Jamaica?   To some like myself looking from outside inside, the typical view would be this industry does not exist in Jamaica. You might be surprised at the heavy investments being made by large players within the industry both regionally, internationally and locally here in Jamaica. The openness if there is any such word, of this industry to new players within the market or new ideas and investments are considered closed and not open for admittance. Based on some research in which I have done, there are several private ornamental fish farms in Jamaica, growing, breeding, harvest and shipping ornamental fishes overseas. Some of the fish from these farms might just find themselves in some local petshops, why is so!?. The only reasons why this is so, is partly due to the imperfection identified in finange, colour and genetical structure of fish bred on these farms. This is a sad situation but as an enthusiast, fully eng