When the fishing boats are casted off along the coast at dawn, what lies ahead between the shore and the next twenty miles above the deep blue is never certain. In Dominica, fishing has grown to be a common recreational activity, while for others its a livelihood. The West coastal Village of Mahaut, renowned for its thriving fishing industry, has fostered the growth of many fishermen, many of whom testify to being introduced to fishing at very young ages. Over the years, the number of fisherfolk has grown immensely, resulting in more vessels on sea and an abundance of fish supply.
Meet Jonathan Alexander
His interest in fishing began about fifty years ago when, as a young boy in his community as a pastime. For at least ten years, it was a hobby, but it gradually developed into a livelihood, which he has sustained for the past forty years. Alexander’s experience introduced him to various methods of fishing such as angling, trawling, deep fishing, netting, spearfishing, long lining and others. However, today, he remains consistent with angling and deep fishing.
The veteran fish farmer believes that today’s generation of young fishers are likely to earn more than he can remember from his youth, as they are more consistent. “Although in His experience exposed him to line fishing, spear fishing, net fishing and even deep-sea fishing expanding his versatility in the industry. He says that unlike him, young fishermen within his community go out to sea daily, as they find greater pleasure in experiencing an activity that’s new. “A young fisherman would make more than me today, than what I would make in my younger days, although I used to make so much, but the type of fish they’re fishing right now, a young fisherman would make so much in a day that he be so excited, he would want to go everyday. But I would not be able to that right now because I can’t take that hot sun anymore, they are more able than I am.” He takes much pride in his livelihood and expresses his deep love and admiration for it, revealing his best daily catch being weighed by the tons through net fishing.
Despite his energetic demeanor throughout the conversation, Alexander remains concerned about the lack of unity among coastal fisherfolks serving as a possible hurdle toward the continuous growth of the fishing industry. “ We might get problems with certain people, especially when it comes to deep sea fishing, I got several problems with other fishermen already, and sometimes we just have to humble it. With tuna deep sea fishing, some guys can be real jealous. Other fishermen don’t want Mahaut fishermen to come on their turf, and you find that’s almost like a combat fishing, they will tell you don’t come but you will still come.” He recommends that young persons with the desire for fishing to approach it with dedication and earnest, as many are considered seasonal fishermen. “What I suspect is that the real fishermen who are doing it for a living can barely make a dollar sometimes because those who are not certified and are not serious about it, from time they hear it have big catch and it have good time outside, they running for boat and going on sea, preventing the real fishermen from making their catch.” Alexander hopes that the necessary authority assumes control of the situation soon.
Generally, fishermen vouch that a triumphant day on the deep water ends with revenue of at least E.C $4,000.00 prior to the subtraction of the fishing day’s expenses. When the boats are docked, and fish offloaded, much finance is injected into the washing of the boat, possible engine servicing, fuel replacement, Ice for storage of fish and possible salary to fishing mates or in local terms, “bow men” This is heavily dependent on a successful vending of the catch.
This is Akeem Alexander
He is a thirty-year-old fisherman in Mahaut involved in the industry for about twenty years. Fishing for Akeem grew from the tender age of ten years old, growing up near the seashore in his community and engaging in coastline fishing.
He officiated his skills via certification while in high school, then moved toward owning a fishing boat. While he enjoys his livelihood, like Jonathan Alexander, Akeem is concerned about the authority’s position in the issue of uncertified fishermen at sea. “What for them to do, all who doesn’t have a fishing card, don’t allow them on sea”. Akeem renders advice on enforcing more strict protocols in favor of certified fishermen around island. He also aspires to witness more unity among fisherfolk and dedication from interested young fishermen. According to the young fisher, one must be dedicated and committed to such a way of life, as fishing “is no joke, you must come serious, because there are many boats out right now.” A good catch of the day for Akeem would normally consist of about seven tuna fish which usually vary between 100 to 200 pounds per fish.
Notably, the most crucial compartment of a fisherman’s day involves vending, mostly when the abundance of fish is high and fisherfolk numbers grow. During the summer, many students within various communities find themselves engaged in fishing, assisting elder fishermen on sea or even vending. This time can be vital, as it creates a race against time and other fisherfolk at sea. With a large abundance of the same fish and such volume of its vendors, fishermen result to price reduction, and so a pound of fish which is usually sold at $9.00 will then be sold at as low as $5.00. This results in a fluctuation of sales.
Meet Shawn Sandy,
A thirty-three-year-old fisherman in the village of Mahaut who, like Akeem, developed his love for fishing from a tender age, being raised near the sea. “As a little boy aged 5 or 6 I would go on sea with my uncle. I became certified in 2009.”
Sandy considers the sea “a gamble” as chances of a successful or profitable catch is never certain. His comfort and satisfaction lies in owning a boat, as to him, it is more convenient as a fisherman. With this privilege, Sandy sets for sea daily from early as 4:30 a.m. confident in securing a good catch. He highlights the importance of financial security, making mention the increasing cost of boat maintenance. “Fishing is something that takes a lot of money, you have to put money back into gas, maintenance, sometimes a part for an engine and repair costs thousands of dollars.” Sandy laments that currently the industry is not considered financially rewarding, as many fishermen have been forced to reduce prices due to the high population of seasonal fisherfolk and abundance of the same fish. “Time you catch one tuna, that is just your gas, other time, when the tuna was 10.00 a pound, it was much more profitable.”
He continues to encourage young fishermen to invest in a personal vessel, “If you can do your own thing instead of depending on somebody then go ahead, but if you have to depend on somebody to fish, you will be wasting your time and your investment because trust me, that boat man can do what he wants, when he want, unlike you.” Sandy joins voices in demanding the authority tighten protocols at sea.
One of the eldest fishermen in Mahaut, Tilly has been in the industry for over sixty years and remains an avid fisherman and boat owner who fosters employment among youth in his community through fishing.
Tilly exemplifies the qualities of veteran fishermen, with his many years of experience, dedication and contribution to his community. According to him, he serves as a wholesale vendor for restaurants and small shops within Mahaut and assists families occasionally with extra value for their buy. He began fishing in his birth community of Good Hope as a young boy. He says that his motivation all these years stems from his capability to feed his family and communities and that fishing became a part of him, where it is literally all he knows. Being able to provide for his family growing up prompted his dedication and passion for coastal line fishing and deep sea fishing. His best catch for the day usually consists of several tuna fish weighing well over 150 pounds and the locally famous kawang. Tilly hopes to see a growing fishing industry within the community and around island.
A typical fishing day ends with the anchoring of fishing boats, offloading of the catch which is followed by vending. The fishermen will then clean their vessels thoroughly, as well as their vending stations, purchase gasoline and ice for storage and retire for the day.
While the fishing industry bares a lot of dedication, will and investment, it appears generally rewarding to most fisherfolk. Fishermen share the concern for the protection of their livelihood as they compete with uncertified ‘seasonal fishermen’ due to what is considered poor management of protocol.
