Mariculture in Jamaica: An Evaluation of Potential, Opportunities and Challenges

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In September 2019, Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer Mike Frinsko travelled to Jamaica for two weeks to help evaluate opportunities for finfish mariculture in the island nation. Mr. Frinsko holds a MSc in Wildlife Ecology with a focus in Aquaculture from Mississippi State University and works as an Aquaculture Specialized Agent with North Carolina Extension. This assignment is the first in a sequence of projects concerned with jumpstarting the Jamaican mariculture industry, and Mike aimed to evaluate the potential of the business by taking into account the available resources including market demand, host knowledge, monetary and natural resource availability and facility location. 

Jamaica continues to experience modest, but sustained population growth. Fish is a commonly consumed protein staple, something that has historically been plentiful as a fresh or fresh-on-ice product. As the demand for fish products is increasing, artisanal fishers have had to reach farther and deeper to outlying areas of the coastal reefs to supply market needs. Obtaining the daily supply of fresh fish is becoming more difficult each year (often by spearfishing), placing the estimated 50,000 or more fishers' livelihoods in increasing jeopardy. 

This assignment came to be when Mr. James Henniger, a Jamaican ex-pat from the U.S., requested a Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer expert to evaluate his situation and to strategize with him how to help bring his vision of mariculture to reality. Mr. Henniger and his wife are currently engaged in business, developing various value-added local food products including spices, cosmetics and condiments. Their interest is to become successful and profitable, as well as to support employment opportunities for area residents in an underserved coastal community located in Alligator Pond, Manchester Parish. Many of the residents of this village are artisanal fishers. 


Due to the coastal resources of beachfront, clean water, labor and utilities; James wanted to investigate the feasibility of rearing marine fish to market in offshore cages - Mariculture. Having access to the processing business, he is also interested in providing basic fish processing as a value-added opportunity. During the assignment, the volunteer worked at creating more linkages that could support James in supplying the necessary guidance on his ventures. At the end of the assignment, Mr. Frinsko supplied a detailed step-by-step plan to be implemented to successfully test the viability of Mariculture in Jamaica. 

“Mariculture is an inherently gratifying albeit, challenging industry. Beginning work with limited monetary and infrastructure resources adds to this challenge. Globally, many corporations bring large investments to creating facilities ready to enter the market, fully integrated, to compete in large competitive markets. With that being said, a number of successful companies began with one net pen and two-three employees! Jamaica is a wonderful country with an amazing mariculture potential. With good planning, hard work, and creativity, James can be successful. His opportunity is strong, especially to begin by supplying niche markets. 

Of all the overseas assignments I’ve participated in, this was one of the most enjoyable. My host, James Henniger, was a pleasure to work with; creative, energetic and openminded. I’m optimistic for his success. The country staff of Partners of the Americas was great. I always felt safe and comfortable and that all my activities were made to be as efficient and productive as possible. This was my first visit to Jamaica. It is a beautiful country, with wonderful people. I hope to have the opportunity to be part of a follow-up assignment as the mariculture and aquaculture industries move forward.”

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