The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy signs contracts for the construction of fifty boats and the rehabilitation of fish landing sites at Mahaut, Bioche and Dublanc

​The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy on Friday, September 6th signed contracts for the construction of fifty boats and the rehabilitation of fish landing sites at Mahaut, Bioche, and Dublanc. The interventions are part of the Dominica Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (DEALCRP), and aim to restore production capacity in the fisheries sector, boost climate resilience, and improve the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
 
“This ambitious effort, led by five trained boat builders and their teams, will see boats ranging from 19 to 25 feet in length, ready to be distributed over a nine-month period. EC$950,000 will be directly invested in the livelihoods of these skilled builders and, by extension, in the prosperity of our fishing communities,” said Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Jullan Defoe.
 
Under the DEALCRP’s fisheries subcomponent, the sector has received support through the provision of boat engines, equipment, and training for boat builders. In Phase 1, the project supplied 108 outboard motor engines, including 68 units of 50HP and 40 units of 100HP, to approved fisherfolk across the island. Each 50HP unit is valued at $17,000, while each 100HP unit is valued at $25,000.
 
Phase 2 of the project saw the training of 18 local boat builders in the construction of resilient fishing boats over 18 months, along with the provision of essential equipment, protective gear, and minor upgrades to boatbuilding facilities. The project will also rehabilitate eight fish landing sites at Bioche, Dublanc, Mahaut, San Sauveur, Fond Cole, Newtown, Scotts Head, and Stowe, with an investment exceeding EC$1.9 million.