Local fishermen warned of active hurricane season

ZIZ News…July 5, 2010 – A senior fisheries officer has warned fishermen in St Kitts and Nevis of the active hurricane season the region is predicted to experience this year.

The hurricane season began on June 1st and will end on November 30th.

In St Kitts, there are over 350 fishermen.

ZIZ news spoke with acting senior fisheries officer, Ralph Wilkins says the hurricane season negatively impacts the fishing industry.

He says, “Fishers are usually advised of hurricanes approaching the federation, days in advance. This allows them to draw their traps and pots closer to shore and secure their vessels.

Mr. Wilkins says failure to take warning of hurricane activities; a fisherman can find himself in major problems.

“If you didn’t hear a hurricane bulletin before going out to sea and not equipped with the proper technology, a fisherman can find himself right in the path of a hurricane.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts eight to fourteen named hurricanes during the 2010 hurricane season.