CFMC UPDATES
By Dr. Álida Ortiz Sotomayor
The United Nations celebrates the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development from 2021 to 2030. The main goal is to facilitate global communication and mutual learning across research and stakeholder communities to meet the needs of scientists, policy makers, industry, civil society and the wider public.
The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth supporting humanity’s life and that of every other organism on earth. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world.
In the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC)'s bulletin you will find announcements, facts about marine species, and valuable information on fishing and regulations that rule this activity in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Photo: Jorge Sabater
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act are dynamic and effective tools for the protection, not only the species that we eat, but all the biodiversity in our oceans. The fisheries management measures, such as gear-based restrictions and habitat-based measures, benefit the health of fisheries as well as other marine species and habitats. The identification of Essential Fish Habitats (EFH) and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) in the CFMC jurisdiction provides initiatives to protect ecosystems and biodiversity from the land to the sea The Responsible Seafood Consumption Campaign integrates all stakeholders in the wise use of underutilized species in our fisheries.
June 8, 2021 is World Ocean Day. Let’s enjoy the sea, coasts, and blue spaces safely and sustainably. Encourage school projects on ocean literacy, respect for the sea, sustainability, and citizen responsibility and involvement Let’s participate in cleanup activities. Seek out science activities (monitoring, counting) near your community involving citizens. Learn about the sea and the history of our fisheries and coastal communities.
This fish is distinguish by its blue color behind the fin and on the belly. Close to the end of the tail, it has a C-shaped reddish mark. The dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins are orange or red in color. Its pectoral fin is clear (transparent) and has a dark spot that could be black, gray, or reddish brown. This species grazes on seagrasses and algae growing in the benthic zone (sea bottom).
During its initial phase, this fish could have a reddish or pale brown color and shows yellowish or copper tones in the tail.
Photo: Fishbase
He is almost like a mayor of St. Croix. Going out with him is equal to a lot of people saying hello to him and a good balance between affection and respect for the work that he has done. His name is Carlos F. Farchette. He worked for the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) for 28 years, is a member of the CFMC and a passionate recreational fisherman
Carlos is an authentic Caribbean citizen; product of the mixture of islands, cultures, and influences. He was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, but he was raised and attended school in St. Croix. His mom was born in Vieques and his dad was born and raised in St. Croix. His ancestry is Danish and Italian. His grandmother came from Denmark and his grandfather came to St. Croix from Sicily through New York with the U.S. Marine Corp. In a nutshell, he is almost like the kalalloo, a blend of many ingredients.
After graduating from high school, Carlos had several jobs. In 1980, he got the opportunity to apply for a job as an enforcement officer with the Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs which was later re-organized and named the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
“I started as a field enforcement officer in 1980 and moved my way up the ranks to deputy chief for the St. District in 1985. Since the Department had no ranking system, I remained as Deputy Chief until 1997 when I was offered the position of Territorial Director of Enforcement for all three islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John until my retirement in 2008,” Carlos told us.
His work in the DPNR led him to develop a thorough understanding of fishing and fishers in the USVI
“My main duty throughout my career was to enforce the law for 19 divisions within the DPNR. However, the one task I enjoyed the most was working with the commercial fishermen. Being an ardent recreational fisherman from a young age I felt at home working with and meeting the St. Croix fishers. I always believed that if you show respect to the fishers and the hard and dangerous work they do, you were returned with the same respect from the fishers. I also felt throughout my career that education always came before enforcement to achieve compliance,” Carlos affirmed
He developed a bond with fishers and fishing since he was a kid. Carlos grew up fishing with his father and enjoyed spearfishing and handline fishing His experience was mostly in the recreational shoreline sector, but often did nearshore and offshore fishing with friends and cousins. Nowadays, he continues fishing recreationally, sometimes with a brother and a cousin, other times with a few friends, and most of the time, alone. He prefers to fish in the eastern end of St. Croix because of the reef system and sea grass areas in the east of the island.
“I have been fishing recreationally for 47 years and plan to continue as long as I am capable. I believe fishing is good therapy, like gardening, which is the second most important hobby I enjoy I learned to garden from my mother who was obsessed with flowers and passed the art down to me at a young age, ” Carlos expressed.
Mutton snapper Lutjanus analis
Lane snapper Lutjanus synagris
Queen conch Aliger gigas
Photo: Catherine Booker
Photo: Dr. Michelle T. Schärer Umpierre
