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This July, the Agence territoriale de l'environnement (ATE) has anticipated the reading needs of holidaymakers. At least those who are particularly interested in the biodiversity of Saint-Barthélemy, and those who are committed to preserving the environment. But that's not all. In its long newsletter, published online this Friday, July 25, the ATE offers entries on a wide range of subjects (see box). These include an article devoted to the 2024 assessment of professional fishing in Saint-Barth.
Sea bream tops the list
This document presents data supplied by some of the island's fishermen. The report is therefore partial, since ATE was only able to draw on figures from 18 of the 32 active vessels referenced in 2024 (there will be 34 in 2025). Nonetheless, even if partial, the balance sheet provides a more accurate picture of professional fishing activity.
Sea bream and rock fish are the two most important fruits of the fishery in terms of quantity: 39.4 tonnes for the former and 33.4 for the latter. Lobster comes third, with 25.8 tons caught in 2024, followed by tuna (12.9), coulirou (8.7), wahoo (7.9) and burgo (3 tons).
The report also details the methods used, ranging from freediving (burgo, lambi, lobster) to the use of traps (lobster, fish), as well as underwater hunting, nets, FADs (fish aggregating devices), trolling and more.
A specific legal framework
The Territorial Environment Agency points out that the Collectivité territoriale adopted specific regulations for sea fishing in 2015. "This regulatory framework made it possible to reiterate and simplify reporting obligations," explains the ATE. However, since it came into force, very few forms have been transmitted. Fishermen often justify this situation by the lack of access to the same rights as their French counterparts, particularly with regard to tax-free fuel. "
In 2023, the Collectivité introduced an individualized supply aid scheme, available to fishermen who are members of the Comité territorial des pêches et de l'aquaculture. One of the conditions for benefiting from this scheme is the transmission of fishing logs. These sheets provide essential information for the management of fishery resources in Saint-Barthélemy waters," stresses ATE. In particular, they list the dates of fishing trips by fishing method, the duration of the trips, the gear used, the fishing time per gear and the quantities caught by species, expressed in kilograms. Each record is drawn up on a monthly basis. "
To complete the catch data and fishing practices, the sales logs of each vessel must be collected. This will enable analysis of the average price per species.
In 2025, the Agence territoriale de l'environnement specified that 16 applications for personalized assistance had been submitted to its services, for 34 active vessels.
"Copious newsletter and new website for ATE
The 21st ATE newsletter was published on Friday July 25. The contents are copious. Fauna, flora, geology, maritime news, a summary of the educational activities carried out throughout the school year, species conservation plans, a review of the studies carried out in Saint-Barth by eminent scientists - there's no shortage of subjects.
In addition, ATE announces the launch of its new website (www.agencedelenvironnement.fr). The Agency writes: "It is designed to be practical, entertaining and coherent, highlighting important information on the structure's missions: regulations, information linked to the management of the Saint-Barthélemy Marine Nature Reserve, protection and preservation of biodiversity, environmental policing and fisheries policing. All in French and English, to make the information accessible to as many people as possible. "Visitors will be able to find all the forms they need: volunteer work, fishing permits, commercial activities in the Nature Reserve, clearing applications, plant imports, etc., not to mention all the teaching aids available. Not forgetting all the educational material on biodiversity, and contacts. Like the emergency number for reporting a wounded animal, an unusual scene or an offence (0690317073). Enjoy your visit.
