Dear Source:
I am not a fisherman but it seems to me that the "fishing" industry would be greatly advanced if hydro-culture initiatives were started. Instead of depleting our resources as most of the world has, the Virgin Islands could concentrate on "seeding" fisheries and growing the preferred fish species in "cages". Over time, we could have as much fish as we wanted and have some left over to "seed" the oceans which may bring back the depleted species. We grow vegetables in a controlled environment–why not fish?
The idea is to have plenty of fish products for Virgin Islanders to eat. Yes, many species of fish are migratory and may not take to hatcheries but it has been proven all over the world, that over time, the hatcheries do work. Conch, lobsters and shellfish could be produced in great numbers thus reducing the cost to consumers and having some left over to export. There is federal money for these ventures if the Virgin Islands government would allow the rights to use coastal waters.
This continued bickering about who is right is monotonous. Start hydro farming and we all will have plenty to eat. Isn't that why we want fishing?
Paul Devine
St. John
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