Martinique, located in the heart of the Lesser Antilles, is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, offering waters rich in fish and seafood. Martinicans prefer fish due to its accessibility and local character. Explore how fishing is organized on the island, the most coveted species, ancient techniques employed, and the regulations that safeguard the marine life of this Caribbean paradise.
The Port of Basse-Pointe, located in the north of Martinique, is a place steeped in history and life. Once an important pier for sugarcane, this port ...
The Martinique Island: Fishing and Regulations
Martinique is an island that is part of the Lesser Antilles. Bordered on one side by the Atlantic Ocean and on the other by the Caribbean Sea, its waters are rich in fish and seafood. Fish, being cheaper, more accessible, and local, is one of the main foods consumed on the island.
How is fishing organized in Martinique?
Fishermen set off to work very early in the morning. Starting from 3:30-4:00 AM, they're already on the water as it's…
… when the fish are most active, making fishing more fruitful.
They have well-defined water areas and cannot encroach on their neighbor's territories, such as those of Sainte-Lucia or the Dominican Republic. Furthermore, it's possible to fish with a rod, whether one is an experienced or novice fisherman.
Finally, for practicing spearfishing, one must be over 16 years old, have liability insurance, avoid night fishing, signal their presence at the surface, not fish within 200 meters of beaches and fishing gear, and stay at least 50 meters away from swimmers.
What are the most caught fish in Martinique?
Martinicans each have their preferences when it comes to fish.
Most often, after fishing trips, the catch includes Snapper, Marlin, Tuna, Jack, and Dorado. These are then sold in local fish markets, following short distribution channels.
However, a portion of the catch is also sold in supermarkets and fishmongers.
What are the ancestral fishing techniques used?
Martinique has a strong heritage left by the Amerindians who lived on the island in the past. From this heritage, certain fishing techniques such as seine fishing or using fish traps (nasse) have endured.
Seine fishing, practiced in certain communities of the island, is a tradition involving up to a hundred people. It involves deploying a large net by fishermen on a boat, and people onshore pull the net together to bring in a haul of fish.
Once brought ashore, the catch is shared among all participants. This collective practice is open to all volunteers, whether fishermen or not.
The Amerindian heritage is also visible in the tools used by fishermen. The fish trap, made of wicker and wire mesh, is widespread in Martinique and dates back to that era.
When a fishing boat returns to port, rather than using phones or social media, the fishermen use a Lambi shell horn that resonates throughout the town so that customers can come and make their purchases.
Fishing regulations in Martinique
Fishing in Martinique is highly regulated. Fishermen can fish all year round but always in a responsible manner.
However, some marine species can only be caught during certain periods. For example, Titiris can only be fished from August 1st to October 1st, and lobsters from January 1st to June 30th.
Consideration must also be given to the sizes of marine animals and recommendations from authorities before venturing out, or face fines.
Certain types of vessels are also prohibited in Martinique's waters, as well as fishing for turtles, Goliath groupers, rays, and sharks, among others.
You can find all the guidelines and recommendations from Martinique's authorities on the prefecture's website or on associations' sites like "Asso mer."