Fisheries Division
Oversees all matters related to the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
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:
- The assessment, management and conservation of the marine fisheries resources of Trinidad and Tobago;
- Provision of specialized information services on marine fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago;
- Provision of administrative and extension services to the fishing and aquaculture industries;
- Provision of training to fish farmers on aquaculture and aquaponics systems and techniques[1];
- 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
- 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:
- People-Centred Development – We need everyone and all can contribute;
- Poverty Eradication and Social Justice – Preference for the Poor and Disadvantaged;
- National and Personal Security – Human Security for Peace and Prosperity;
- Information and Communication Technologies – Connecting Trinidad and Tobago and Building the New Economy;
- A more diversified Knowledge Intensive Economy – Building on the native Genius of our people;
- Good Governance – People Participation; and
- Foreign Policy – Securing our place in the world
Fisheries Management Bill – Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Units
The following is a list of units/desks within the Fisheries Division:
- Head Office
- Sub Offices
- Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance
- Marine Fishery Analysis Unit
- Environment and Trade Desk
- Aquaculture Unit
Note: All services are currently free i.e. there is no charge
Services
- EXPORT APPLICATIONS
- IMPORT APPLICATIONS AND DUTY RELIEF LICENCE: (commonly referred to as “Minister’s Licence”)
- Aquaculture: Food Fish Farmer (Aquaculturist) Registration
- Aquaculture: Extension Services
- Provisional approval for entry of a vessel on the record of Trinidad and Tobago Fishing Vessels – Artisanal vessels less than 40ft fishing solely in waters under national jurisdiction.
- Transfer of a Fishing Vessel- Artisanal Vessels less than 40ft fishing solely in waters under national jurisdiction.
- Inspection of swordfish and bigeye tuna for export and issue of Certificate of Eligibility for Export
- Import and Export Licences for chilled/ frozen seafood for commercial purposes
- Minister’s Licence for the importation of raw materials (fish and fish products) for processing
- GUIDELINES FOR THE IMPORT / EXPORT OF LIVE FISH
- Duty and VAT Exemption on Imported Engines, Engine Parts and Marine Accessories
- Engine Registration
- Fishing Vessel Transfer for commercial vessel fishing on the high seas
- Fishing Vessel/Engine Transfer for commercial vessel fishing within Trinidad and Tobago waters
- Fishing Vessel Subsidy (25%)
- Fishing Vessel Subsidy (10%)
- Fisher Registration
- Entry on the Record of Trinidad and Tobago Fishing Vessels of commercial vessel intending to fish/fishing within Trinidad and Tobago waters
- Entry on the Record of Trinidad and Tobago Fishing Vessels of commercial vessel intending to fish/fishing on the high seas
- VAT Exemption on Marine Accessories and Engine Parts
- Duty and VAT Exemption on Imported Vessels
- Import of vessel to be used for commercial fishing
- VAT Exemption on new locally built fishing vessels
- Rebate on Gasoline, Diesel and Oil used in fishing vessels
- Subsidy for vehicle to be used in commercial fishing
- Training in Maritime Services Requirements and Seafood Technology
- Information Services
- Processing of Aquaculture incentive claims
- Training in Aquaculture
- Import of raw materials (fish and fish products) duty free for processing purposes – Minister’s Licence
- General Guidelines to Importers and Exporters: Requirements for Applications to Import and Export Fish
- Fisheries and Maritime Training
Contact Information
FISHERIES DIVISION – HEAD OFFICE
#35 Cipriani Boulevard
Newtown
Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 623- 6028/8525
Fax: (868) 623-8542
Email: fishdiv@gov.tt
AQUACULTURE UNIT
Aquaculture Demonstration Centre
Bamboo Settlement #2
Churchill Roosevelt Highway
Valsayn
Tel: (868) 462-4348, 462-4337, 462-4344
Email: aquacultureunit@hotmail.com
MARINE FISHERY ANALYSIS UNIT
Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Western Main Road, Chaguaramas
Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Tel: (868) 634-4504; (868) 634-4505
Fax: (868) 634-4488
El Reposo Demonstration Station
Oropouche Road
Sangre Grande
Tel: (868) 668-2712
Regional Administration South Office
#8 Inverness Street
Cocoyea
San Fernando
Tel: (868) 225-4727