Aquaculture and Mariculture Commission to Meet on August 9

V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources
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Commercial fisherman Gerson Martinez was approved for the V.I. Aquaculture and Maritime Commission by the Rules and Judiciary Committee of the 34th Legislature. (Photos by Barry Leerdam and Alvin Burke Jr. Legislature of the Virgin Islands)

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Aquaculture and Mariculture Commission, created under Act No. 6471, will conduct its inaugural meeting from 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 9, virtually.

The commission’s initial charge is to create a comprehensive plan within 18 months to guide the aquaculture and mariculture industry in the Virgin Islands.

World Food Day included a virtual presentation on UVI’s aquaponics program. Students can earn an aquaculture certificate in the School of Agriculture Program. (Zoom capture)

Commission members are Kirk Lewis, aquaculture developer; William Tobias, marine biologist; Gerson Martinez, commercial fisher; Dr. Usman Adamu, University of the Virgin Islands; Dr. Louis Petersen, Department of Agriculture; and Dr. Nicole Angeli, Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

“The opportunity to work closely with members of the farming and fishing community to streamline and strategically create an aquaculture and mariculture industry in the Virgin Islands is long overdue. We look forward to working with stakeholders on this project,” said DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol.

The community is strongly encouraged to participate and to provide statements during the public comment period. Please email DFWelectronic@usiv.onmicrosoft.com or call 773-1082 on St. Croix for information on how to connect to the meeting.