Mahaut Fisheries Facility
The Mahaut Fisheries Facility, officially designated as the Mahaut Fish Landing Site, is a critical hub for the blue economy on the west coast of Dominica. Located in the bustling town of Mahaut within Saint Paul Parish, it serves one of the island’s most productive artisanal fishing fleets. Unlike the large industrial complexes in Roseau or Portsmouth, the Mahaut facility is designed for high-efficiency community-scale operations, bridging the gap between traditional coastal practices and modern food safety standards.
Recent Rehabilitation and Modernization
Following the significant damage sustained during the 2017 hurricane season, the facility has undergone extensive reconstruction. Recently, the government officially completed a comprehensive rehabilitation project under the Dominica Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (DEALCRP), funded by the World Bank.
The upgraded site now features:
- Specialised Storage: New locker rooms and secure storerooms for fishers to protect their engines and gear.
- Temperature Control: Enhanced refrigeration rooms and ice-making capabilities to ensure the cold chain” remains unbroken from boat to market.
- Office & Business Hub: A new upper-floor component designed to house administrative offices for the local cooperative and potential spaces for retail vending of fishing equipment.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Comprehensive electrical and plumbing upgrades, as well as slipway improvements to allow for safer boat handling during rough seas.
The Role of the Peter’s Fishers Cooperative
The heartbeat of the Mahaut fisheries sector is the St. Paul’s Fisherfolk Co-operative. Named after the patron saint of fishermen, this organisation manages the day-to-day logistics of the site and represents the interests of local boat owners and crew.
In April 2026, the cooperative reached a new milestone through the BioSPACE Project (funded by the European Union and the OECS). This initiative saw the handover of specialised insulated ice coolers to local fishers. These units are designed to maintain the quality of high-value catches like Tuna and Kingfish while at sea, significantly reducing post-harvest losses and increasing the income potential for vendors in Mahaut.
Socioeconomic Impact
The facility is more than just a place to unload fish; it is a community pillar. During the commissioning ceremony in late 2025, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Minister of State Jullan Defoe emphasised that these landing sites are intended to empower families by providing the genesis of economic activity.
Key Figures & Data (2024-2026)
| Feature | Detail |
| National Investment | Part of a larger EC$1.9 million landing site upgrade program. |
| New Fleet Support | Part of a contract for 51 new resilient vessels (19 to 25 feet). |
| Catch Influence | Mahaut contributes significantly to the local supply of Pelagic and Reef Fish. |
| Key Personnel | Acting Chief Fisheries Officer Wynnona Joseph. |
Note on Naming: While Mahaut Fisheries Complex is frequently used in casual conversation, the official designation is the Mahaut Fish Landing Site, reflecting its primary role as a launch and recovery point for the Fishing Villages in Dominica.
The facility remains a model of resilience, demonstrating how localised infrastructure can protect both the livelihoods of fishers and the food security of the entire Saint Paul Parish.
