Some members of the local fishing community appear to be in support of the Antigua & Barbuda government’s decision to sign a maritime boundaries agreement with France that will confine fishers from Guadeloupe, while protecting local stakeholders, from intrusion.
A number of fishermen, who did not wish to be named due to limited knowledge of the agreement, believe that it was a step in the right direction.
The men said there has been problems with intrusion in the past and it is pleasing to see that the government is initiating steps to remedy the situation.
You need to know what you have if you are going to protect it. It took a while, but eventually now we are looking at it again, the fisher-folk said.
According to last week’s Cabinet notes, the delimitation agreement is the mid-way point between both islands, in keeping with international law and the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention.
Information Minister Melford Nicholas told a recent press conference that the agreement was undertaken by the Department of Marine Services and the boundary lines have already been established and set and will be registered with the required international agency.
2016 The Daily Observer Ltd.