Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that The Aquaculture & Mariculture Commission, created under Act No. 6471, will conduct its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, August 9th, 2023, from 9AM – 11AM 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.
Commission members are Mr. Kirk Lewis, aquaculture developer; Mr. William Tobias, marine biologist; Mr. 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 Commissioner 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 340-773-1082 on St. Croix for information on how to connect to the meeting.
