MARINE DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE UNDERUTILIZED SPECIES AS SURPRISE SEAFOOD OPTION AT UPCOMING AGRICULTURE OPEN DAY

(MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts, 23 April 2024):  

With an intense focus on food security, the Department of Marine Resources St. Kitts and Nevis, will be promoting the use of underutilized species at the upcoming 29th edition of the Agriculture Open Day on Thursday and Friday.

This initiative will be executed through surprise seafood tasting at the department’s booth on both days as visitors can expect to be pleasantly served an unexpected food item featuring the underutilized species as the main ingredient.

Speaking with the Media and Communication Unit in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Head of the Fish Extension Services Division, Kharim Saddler explained the importance of introducing a surprise seafood option to patrons.

He said, “By diversifying our consumption of marine resources, we alleviate the pressure on overexploited species and mitigate the environmental impacts of fishing practices. We want our people to feel empowered to make informed choices that support sustainable fisheries and ecosystem resilience. We also want them to taste a variety of seafood so that they can branch off from the traditional fish that we eat and expand their culinary horizon. This is why it’s important to introduce a variety of options so that they could feel comfortable and more confident about buying the seafood they consume.”

Mr. Saddler also spoke in detail about the idea of introducing this mystery food item and noted why the department is choosing to reveal it at the Agriculture Open Day.

“Well, why not Agriculture Open Day? This fair presents us with the perfect opportunity to engage with a large number of attendees from diverse backgrounds, in the same venue at the same time which gives us feedback in real time so it would be wise to take advantage of that. The free tastings provide a hands-on educational experience as well as an avenue for us to promote sustainable seafood consumption in an exciting way”, he expressed.

He then invited all to join the Department of Marine Resources at this week’s Agriculture Open Day noting that a team of fisheries and marine experts will be on hand to share knowledge and dive deeper into discussions on preserving and protecting our marine resources.

The 29th annual Agriculture Open Day is scheduled to run from 9 a.m.to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday.

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