Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, together with a high-level delegation from the United Kingdom Government affiliates and private sector organisations, joined the Honourable Premier, Dr Ellis L Webster, and Ministers of Government to form part of a panel of presenters in sharing Anguilla’s Blue Economy vision at a special press briefing on Monday, January 23.
The visiting delegation partnered with the Ministry of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment, led by the Hounourable Minister Quincia Gumbs-Marie, to celebrate a week of activities under the theme “Building Livelihoods, Upholding Environmental Stewardship”. The delegation included: Mr Patrick Halling, Marine and Fisheries Policy Holder, OTD, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); Ms Jo Stockill, Head of Global Marine, Marine Management Organisation (MMO); Dr Silvana Birchenough, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS); Dr Alexandra Cunha, Senior International Biodiversity Officer, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC); Mr Jody Bragger, Co-founder, TellUs Conservation; and Alison Freeman, Fisheries Programme Manager, The Fishmongers’ Company.
The Honourable Premier, Dr Ellis L Webster, who comes from a family of fisherfolk, expressed gratitude for the part that fishing played in his life and upbringing. He also shared his passion for the industry and stressed the need for a balance in protecting our marine resources while reaping the benefits of the Blue Economy.
“There are those who would be concerned when they hear the words ‘marine protection’. They may think we are trying to push them away from fishing on the reefs and zones that they are accustomed to fishing on. We want to balance between being able to preserve fishing as an industry and preserve our ocean as an economic zone. We also have to be able to understand that we need to protect certain areas so that we can have those industries and the economy in the years to come.
“We need to preserve, conserve and protect our marine resources. We need to protect the feeding grounds for our fish [as well as] the breeding grounds which is our coral. We have to make sure that we have a balance. That is what I want to see – protecting our marine resources and still being able to access the economic viability and the economy that it provides,” Premier Webster said.
Minister Quincia Gumbs-Marie said that “the Blue Economy has transformed and supported Anguilla for generations.” She noted that while the term ‘Blue Economy’ is relatively new, the concepts and traditional importance have always been a part of Anguillian life. “What is different is a renewed focus and an intensified desire to highlight and realise the untapped potential of the Blue Economy,” she observed.
“Our blue resources are the most important endowment known to us. For decades, we have shared the desire to explore our 200 nautical miles as an aspiration that requires balanced engagement. It will require a sound management plan and stewards who carefully engage with our scarce resources.
“The Ministry of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment, is seeking to bring public and private stakeholders together to redefine and enhance the role of the coastal and marine space in the sustainable development of Anguilla.
“There is an untapped opportunity to do so much more with the resources that are available. There is potential to sustainably generate much more income and employment, diversify our economy, reduce our food-import dependency, overcome our climate and economic vulnerabilities and protect our unique and significant biodiversity assets.”
She acknowledged that Anguilla is limited in its own resources to explore our vast ocean territory, and emphasised the importance of partnerships and collaboration in supporting and financing the required efforts for developing an Anguilla Blue Economy.
HE, Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam noted Anguilla’s role as a regional player in the development of the Blue Economy.
“This work underpins Anguilla’s aspirations to provide a framework of best practice and support to balance sustainable use of natural resources alongside enhanced protection measures. Anguilla’s maritime heritage, expansive coastal waters, the commitment of Anguilla to its environmental assets and the relationship with agencies that are with us this week, will be key to the establishment of a strong, resilient and vibrant Blue Economy.
“Anguilla is well-placed to be a leader and a role model for the region in progressing the Blue Economy, and getting this balance right in order to enable sustainable and responsible development,” she stated.
Ms Jo Stockill, Head of Global Marine, Marine Management Organisation (MMO), shared the role of the United Kingdom in achieving the UKG’s ambition for clean, healthy, safe and biologically diverse oceans and seas.
“The MMO’s vision is for a prosperous ocean. The MMO is England’s marine manager and regulator. So, our role is to protect and to develop the seas and coasts for the benefit of generations to come. We do that by ensuring a balance between economic growth, livelihoods and also protecting the marine environment,” she stated.
She also noted that the MMO offers a number of expert services to overseas UK partners. These include fisheries management, developing marine spatial plans and marine licences, manage effective decision-making and management measures for protected areas, habitats and species.
The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science’s (CEFAS) representative, Dr Silvana Birchenough, noted that her organisation is “very passionate about the marine environment.” She noted that their “expertise lies in keeping our seas, oceans and rivers healthy and productive and our seafood safe and sustainable.” She noted that her organisation’s goals are similar to the UN’s goals as well as Anguilla’s goals.
Other speakers at Monday’s press briefing shared their areas of expertise with regard to the Blue Economy and how their expertise could interface with or impact Anguilla’s Blue Economy vision. Minister Gumbs-Marie noted some of the challenges the delegation planned to address. She indicated that their expertise would be shared in scheduled meetings and planned workshops slated to take place during the week.
“They are here today because we see the potential for collaboration to achieve our goals for the Blue Economy development. Together, we will address challenges such as biodiversity loss, coastal erosion, ocean pollution, carbon removal, and work together to trigger actions for effective change in the way we approach fisheries, tourism, climate and our overall health and governance of our oceans,” the Minister said.
Activities for Blue Week included meetings with government officials, partner organisations, the BANG, the Ocean Governors Committee, workshops on Fisheries and Marine Management, tours of Anguilla’s marine parks and coastal areas, engagements with students at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, and culminating in a special Market Day on Friday afternoon.
