Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PORTOFSPAIN223
2009-05-13 19:38:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Port Of Spain
Cable title:  

SHRIMP-TURTLE: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO UPDATE

Tags:  EFIN SENV ETRD TD 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO3608
RR RUEHGR
DE RUEHSP #0223 1331938
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 131938Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9849
INFO RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC
RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000223 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR OES/OMC JAMES HOGAN, WHA/EPSC, WHA/CAR
USDOC FOR NOAA - JEFF GEARHART, JACK FORRESTER, ERIC HAWK

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN SENV ETRD TD
SUBJECT: SHRIMP-TURTLE: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO UPDATE

REF: (A) 08 State 45122 (B) 09 State 45122
(C) 09 State 36739

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PROTECT ACCORDINGLY

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000223

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR OES/OMC JAMES HOGAN, WHA/EPSC, WHA/CAR
USDOC FOR NOAA - JEFF GEARHART, JACK FORRESTER, ERIC HAWK

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN SENV ETRD TD
SUBJECT: SHRIMP-TURTLE: TRINIDAD & TOBAGO UPDATE

REF: (A) 08 State 45122 (B) 09 State 45122
(C) 09 State 36739

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PROTECT ACCORDINGLY


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: State/OES requested Post follow up on the January
2009 Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Certification Visit. EconOff spoke
with GOTT Fisheries officials Elizabeth Mohammed and Luanna Martin
concerning their progress. No progress has been made since GOTT
failed to regain the Section 609 certification. The Fisheries
Division remains hopeful that the Draft Fisheries Management
Regulations, currently on the legislative agenda, will be passed
this year. END SUMMARY.

--------------
Positive Policy Changes
--------------


2. (SBU) The Fisheries Division published a Draft Policy for the
Fisheries in June of 2007. The Draft Fisheries Management
Regulations, if passed, will give force to this policy. The policy
document states that GOTT will ensure the protection of turtles is
consistent with international agreements and conventions. Guided by
the new policy, GOTT will also reduce turtle capture and mortality.



3. (SBU) The 1916 Fisheries Act allows for a limited turtle hunting
season. The 1958 Conservation of Wild Life Act prohibits the capture
of turtles. GOTT recognizes this inconsistency and, under the new
policy, will harmonize the legal regime for marine turtle
protection. Mohammed indicated that the main obstacle is Tobago,
where it is traditional to harvest sea turtles for food. The policy
document includes discussion of creating alternative employment
opportunities for stakeholders affected by the new turtle
protections.

--------------
Delayed Push for Locally Made TEDS
--------------


4. (SBU) During the January 2009 visit, representatives from
State/OES and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) urged the Fisheries Division to encourage fishers and
stakeholders to construct TEDs locally. Fisheries officials agree
that locally constructed TEDs would save stakeholders money and deny
them of the excuse that TEDs are too expensive. However, they cited
staffing shortages as the reason they have been unable to conduct
the desired outreach.


5. (SBU) COMMENT: While the Fisheries Division appears committed to
a successful TEDs program, achieving the certification standard U.S.
law requires will take both political support and resources that are
currently lacking. END COMMENT


RIES