Some people on the street are saying that the people representing our Fisheries Ministry don't have a clear understanding of what the words "sustainable use" mean. I don't totally agree with them as I know there are some very good people working at our Fisheries Ministry. Anyway, according to a definition I pulled from the net:

Sustainability is sometimes known as the capacity to endure. In ecology, the word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. Long-lived and healthy wetlands and forests are examples of sustainable biological systems. For humans, sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of well being, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

With that in mind and after you read Antigua in the news again, when it comes to international whaling from June 23rd, 2011 you can clearly see how the there seems to be a problem with the words "sustainable use". On July 1st, 2011 we see an article published in Antigua's Daily Observer where once again our fisheries department stands firm in their stance that all is well and the fishermen, divers, snorkelers and consumers have it all wrong. Despite all of these parties agreeing that the fish stocks are extremely diminished, our government's fisheries department says there is no shortage at all, as indicated within this article: Bad weather and poor catch affect fish supply.

Quote from article: "A check with Antigua Fisheries, however, revealed there was no shortage of fish there. General Manager Mavis George was unable to say just how much fish is purchased on a weekly basis from local fishermen, but she indicated there was no lack of fish at the department.

“We are not out of stock, but a lot of boats are down. She said large vessels such as those operated by Andy Roberts, which bring in thousands of pounds of fish are currently not operational.

The problem, she said, is that many people prefer snappers and when they are told there is none, they automatically assume there is no fish."

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Eli Fuller is a former olympian and Antiguan entrepreneur who owns and operates Adventure Antigua Tours and Eli's Eco Tours. His blog Adventure Antigua often covers important topics about Antigua's fragile ecosystem. Be sure to visit his blog and business website.