Managing Issues within the Ornamental fish keeping Industry

 

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 wavers allowing preferential treatment re: the importation of aquarium fish and equipment.  It is also be suggested that the president of each fish club periodically coordinate and facilitate training or workshops for its members on innovative procedures, designs and ideas recently discovered. In addition to institution or organizational based seminars and workshops, certifications be granted to members for their participation allowing each member to be given the credential as “certified ornamental fish farmer”.

Ornamental fish farming should not be considered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fishing as a means of keeping the inner city young men and women active. It should be seen as a means of creating sustainable employment for all whom have indicated that they are interested in this like of labour. Indeed, being apart of this field requires training, skills and to a great extent creativity. Just clearing a piece a piece of land and donating vats to young men within the inner city is not the way to go. This industry should be viewed as a business, facilitating income and generating a sense of hope of an economic success.

Sad to say the above describes some activities currently in place within some inner city communities in Jamaica. After receiving a few fish stock from sponsoring agencies, some participants are left alone without a paddle. Fish stock is their growing, but the market is still not open which allows them to trade. This to me is pointless. Personally I believe that through a registration process similar to the fishermen comparatives created years ago, a similar group should be created for ornamental fish farmers. This would allow greater reach for these same inner city youths to export their mature fish stock and generate a good income. This would encourage more to become associated with the industry. As it is now, income streams are not free flowing.

In addition to the fish clubs and the organized group responsible for ornamental fish keeping, I believe local fish shows would do great in Jamaica. In other jurisdictions, there are numerous fish shows. These fish shows include fish stock bred locally and are show cased to onlookers and other ornamental fish keeping enthusiast. This serves as a motivation factor for many persons to actually start an aquarium, purchase their first fish. This energy by our locals would push the local ornamental fish industry to the next level. I believe the quality in fish produced for sale in Jamaica would improve. This would be so as many persons would become more educated on what is the preferred standard of each specific aquarium fish species.

This is a difficult and expensive venture. I still believe that this can be done. With Non- Governmental Organizations and Government itself involve in the planning and financing this project would be possible. Not only would sales increase within the local pet shops and amongst local ornamental fish farms increase, this would encourage employment and increase the gross domestic product and gross domestic product.  In addition reviews would increase for the government in the form of taxes generated through the sales of fish stock to clients or even in the cases of export, export taxes would be generated.

It is believed that the ornamental fish keeping industry is currently operating in a vacuum. I believe flexibility in rules should be considered.  Regular importers of fish stock from places like Japan and Florida should be granted a ticket pass. This allows the movement of stock without hindrance from customs for a period based on a set license time frame. It is a fact, the current licenses process associated with the importation of fish stock is considered over baring and discouraging for persons on the move and wishing to conduct quick business with international partners.

With regards to the trust issue amongst ornamental fish farmers locally, the institutionalization of fish clubs, regular meeting, inter club conferences, fish shows,  seminars facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture and fisheries and their private partners along with collaborative social media publication should help to minimize this issue. I consider the above suggestion as meaningful suggestions aimed at streamlining the ornamental fish keeping industry in Jamaica along the right path.

As I close my blog today, I believe the use of chemicals to encourage sterility not only amongst ornamental fish stock but also amongst some fish stock example Tilapia fish farms. I think a strong message should be sent to persons practicing this locally. If found to be true, with evidence they (the fish farmers should be excluded from the industry until they correct this egregious act. For those fish farmers locally not willing to trade female fish in fear that they (clients) might end up start breeding these fish, I think although their fish do look awesome. We as customers should simply just boycott their fish stock. In addition the ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries should allow for a smooth involve in the importation of new fish stock, thus eliminating the hurdling of female fish stocking.