FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026
VOLUME 120, No. 29
Watchman found dead Page 3
www.thevincentian.com
Bidding Jackie farewell Pagea 10&11
Registration fees gone Page 12
Caricom SG woes Page 14
EC$1.50
Moody’s blues Page 20
FIRST QUARTER FISH LANDINGS INCREASE
Conroy Huggins, Minister of Fisheries, was a happy man as he announced the arrival and catch of one of the three new (overnight) fishing vessels operating here. (Photo Source: API SVG)
Just one of a large catch of tuna that was landed by the longline fishing vessels, at the Kingstown Fisheries depot. Below: The Content 3 - one of three registered 40-foot longline tuna fishing vessels currently in operation here.
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES recorded a seven percent increase in fish landings during the first quarter of 2026, with the while Lobster recorded a sharp value of catches rising by 77.3 percent decrease. Kingfish approximately EC$2.7 million landings declined by 2.4 percent, compared to the corresponding and Jacks registered a slight period last year. decrease of less than two percent. Preliminary figures released The reduction in Lobster by the Ministry of Fisheries catches was also reflected in indicate that an estimated earnings, which dropped from 432,320 pounds of fish were EC$314,000 during the first landed between January and March 2026, with a total value of quarter of 2025 to EC$230,000 over the same period this year. approximately EC$3.89 million. Minister of Fisheries Conroy During the same period in 2025, Huggins attributed the overall an estimated 404,000 pounds of increase in fish landings to the fish, valued at EC$2.7 million, recent acquisition of three new were landed. fishing vessels by local fishers, as The data reveal significant increases in the catches of several well as consistently strong Yellowfin Tuna catches. commercially important species. Yellowfin Tuna landings surged Continued on Page 3. by 73.3 percent, while Robin increased by 83.5 percent. Barracuda landings rose by seven percent, and Conch recorded a five percent increase. Despite the overall improvement, several key species experienced declines. Dolphin fish Longline fishing vessels – forty feet and more in landings fell by length – allows fishers to increase the time they 34.7 percent, spend on one fishing trip.