It is fact that the Falklands waters are noted for their squid production and the fisheries have been very successful since the first fishing zone around the Falklands was declared in October 1986 and a fishing license regime was introduced in February 1987. Revenue from the sale of fishing licenses has been as high as £20-25 million. The Falklands has a recent major review of fisheries policy concluded with the agreement on three significant policy initiatives, including the development of aquaculture and marine farming.
It is informed that the Falkland Islands Development Corporation, responsible for encouraging the economic development of the Islands, outlined a three-year programme of development for the Aquaculture Project. Its aim was to enable the Falkland Islands to develop the foundations for an aquaculture industry, specifically infrastructure and local expertise.
The Aquaculture Project also supports local industry in its attempt to develop aquaculture projects. This project is set to run until the end of 2009 and by then an exit strategy will have been put in place to ensure the best use of the information and expertise that have been developed. Dan Fowler, Aquaculture Project Manager, commented that having spoken to representatives of the fishing industry, he believes people would be keen to get involved with aquaculture if they felt there was a decent case and sufficient support for the industry from the Falkland Islands Government and Development Corporation.
