The mission of the Fisheries Division is to facilitate the sustainable development of the Fisheries and Aquaculture sectors, through effective governance, knowledge-sharing, stakeholder participation in management and efficient delivery of services.

The Fisheries Division is charged with the responsibility to oversee all matters related to the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. This includes:

1. The assessment, management and conservation of the marine fisheries resources of Trinidad and Tobago;
2. Provision of specialized information services on marine fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago;
3. Provision of administrative and extension services to the fishing and aquaculture industries;
4. Provision of training to fish farmers on aquaculture and aquaponics systems and techniques[1];
5. Administering and enforcing national fisheries laws and other relevant national laws – Fisheries Act Chapter 67:51; Control of Importation of Live Fish Act Chapter 67:52; Archipelagic Waters and Exclusive Economic Zone Act, No. 24 of 1986; Fishing Industry (Assistance) Act 1955 Chapter 85:03; Value Added Tax Act Chapter 75:06; Customs Act Chapter 78:01; and Trade Ordinance; and
6. Implementing port, coastal, flag and market State obligations under regional and international agreements concerning fishing or fishing-related activities.

The Policy Agenda for the fisheries sector is developed within the context of, and is underpinned by, the seven interconnected Pillars for Sustainable Development, namely:

1. People-Centred Development – We need everyone and all can contribute;
2. Poverty Eradication and Social Justice – Preference for the Poor and Disadvantaged;
3. National and Personal Security – Human Security for Peace and Prosperity;
4. Information and Communication Technologies – Connecting Trinidad and Tobago and Building the New Economy;
5. A more diversified Knowledge Intensive Economy – Building on the native Genius of our people;
6. Good Governance – People Participation; and
7. Foreign Policy – Securing our place in the world.

Units

The following is a list of units/desks within the Fisheries Division:

1. Head Office
2. Sub Offices
3. Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance
4. Marine Fishery Analysis Unit
5. Environment and Trade Desk
6. Aquaculture Unit

Note: All services are currently free i.e. there is no charge