THE CARIBSAVE CLIMATE CHANGE RISK ATLAS

lades of grass and block out essential sunlight. Nutrient overload from fertilisers and untreated sewage
are also damaging to this marine ecosystem by encouraging the growth of algae which compete with
seagrasses for light and oxygen. Additionally, boating in shallow waters can cause long-term damage to
seagrass beds from anchors and propellers.
Fisheries
The fisheries sector provides about 12,287 primary and secondary jobs, and contributes 0.39% to Jamaica’s
economy (ACP Unit, 2009). Deficiencies in available information on catches and prices, and omission of
non-market values such as fisheries biodiversity, make it impossible to provide an accurate appraisal of this
sector.
The local fishing industry comprises of five main types of fishing operations:
� Industrial fisheries, for conch, lobster and fish;
� Artisanal fisheries at high sea, banks, inshore and inland;
� Aquaculture, including tilapia, penaeid shrimp, oysters, ornamental fish and others;
� Sport fishing for marlins and fishing trips with tourists and
� Collection of sea weeds, land crabs, etc.
Artisanal fisheries, which generally serve the domestic market, exploit the island shelf and reefs as well as
on the offshore banks. Industrial fisheries are mainly involved in the export of conch and lobster, which
generate much needed-foreign exchange. Despite severely overfished inshore waters, coral reef finfish still
account for the largest catch category in Jamaica fisheries (CRFM, 2010). The catch of coastal pelagics is
increasing as more fishers switch to gillnets in nearshore areas in response to declining reef stock. Pelagic
fisheries are also targeted by sport fishers. One of Jamaica’s popular tourism products making use of this
resource is the annual Port Antonio International Marlin tournament; a successful event that has been
running for the past 47 years.
In addition to providing livelihood opportunities and ensuring food security, a healthy, diverse fishery is
important to coral reef health as herbivorous fish keep algal growth in check. The benefits of coral reefs
have been outlined in a previous section.
All major commercially-important fish species and groups of species in the region are reported to be fullydeveloped
or overexploited; Jamaica’s fisheries are the worst of these. The shallow reef fishery is
considered to be overexploited particularly on the south and west coasts of Jamaica. The top predatory fish
such as grouper and snapper have been greatly reduced (Aiken & Kong, 2004) subsequently leading to
overfishing of herbivorous reef fish. This disrupts the reef community, alters the food chain and leaves coral
reefs susceptible to the overgrowth of algae.
Inshore fisheries also experience the most interaction with other coastal uses and impacts. As was
previously stated negative impacts on coral reefs and sea grass beds have serious implications for the
populations of commercially important species, conch and lobster.
An additional threat to Jamaica’s reefs and fisheries is the voracious predator lionfish. As of 2010 almost
every reef of Jamaica has uncounted numbers of this invasive species which could wipe out the already
depleted fishing industry (Neufville, 2010).
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