OECS Environment and Sustainable Development Unit - Sanitary Standards for Marine Products In the OECS Region

This study has found that there are substantial impediments to OECS countries developing their fishing industries particularly in relation to the export of fishery products. The study has taken a medium to long-term perspective, as structural change will inevitably be brought about by external market forces such as: The fact that OECS countries have virtually no control over the priceoffish in world markets. Exporters in OECS countries for species such as tuna are "price takers" in world markets; The likelihood that the WTO rules will overtime lead to increased competition from nearby countries that have economy of scale advantages over OECS countries;

This study has found that there are substantial impediments to OECS countries developing their fishing industries particularly in relation to the export of fishery products. The study has taken a medium to long-term perspective, as structural change will inevitably be brought about by external market forces such as: The fact that OECS countries have virtually no control over the priceoffish in world markets. Exporters in OECS countries for species such as tuna are "price takers" in world markets; The likelihood that the WTO rules will overtime lead to increased competition from nearby countries that have economy of scale advantages over OECS countries;