The Evolution of Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting of Fisheries Data for the Commonwealth of Dominica

Derrick Theophille and Kurt Hilton

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Dominica Fisheries Division, Commonwealth of Dominica

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ABSTRACT

Fisheries data collection is essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector. Limited fisheries data presents uncertainty at varying levels leading to decreased productivity and economic loss. Utilising new and emerging technologies within the fisheries sector allows for more efficient decision-making since there is an ability to record and report more quickly, comprehensively and efficiently. Spanning a 29-year period, data collection and management in Dominica have seen significant changes. This has included paper-based data collection at landing sites, a data input clerk inputting data, storage of data in Microsoft Access, and data analysis using Microsoft Excel. More recently, however, there has been a shift to utilising electronic data collection forms in Kobotoolbox and analysis and reporting of data using the R statistical software. In this paper, we document the evolution of fisheries data collection and storage in the Commonwealth of Dominica, highlighting the challenges and future trajectory using low-cost and open-source methods and technologies for data collection, data manipulation, data analysis, and reporting. The use of new and inclusive methods of data collection presents a greater scope for the collection of information, leading to a reduced cost of data collection as well as time spent on the analysis and reporting of standardised or automated results.

HOW TO CITE: Theophille, D. and K. Hilton, 2026. The Evolution of Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting of Fisheries Data for the Commonwealth of Dominica. Contribution 3.13, p238-248 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=918

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Socio-Economic Features of Antigua’s Small-Scale Fisheries Sector – Implications for Economic Security and Sustainable Development

Ian Horsford

Fisheries Division, Point Wharf Fisheries Complex, St. John’s, Antigua, West Indies.

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ABSTRACT

Effective governance of small-scale fisheries requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of fishery systems. The term “fishery system” is defined here as a functional unit with complex interactions amongst social, economic, cultural, environmental, biological, legal, and political elements. In the Caribbean context, there is a dearth of scientific literature on the social and economic aspects of small-scale fisheries despite a binding Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy and associated protocols that recognise the importance of taking social and economic factors into consideration regarding fisheries management and development. The objectives of this study were to: 1) update the socio-economic profile of fishers in Antigua as part of the National Fisher Registry programme; and 2) determine the status and trends with respect to key socio-economic metrics and their implications for fisheries management and development. Regarding status and trends, there were significant gains in gender equality with the proportion of females employed in fisheries doubling over the past decade from 2.7% to 5.9%. Significant increases in human capital among fisherfolk was observed as reflected by educational attainment increasing exponentially since the late 1990s with most fishers (77.2%) having a secondary education or higher thereby enhancing labour mobility and resilience. “Occupational pluralism” was a common livelihood strategy or a means of economic security for fishers, depicted by 51.6% of fishers having another occupation or source of income within fisheries or outside of the fisheries sector, in 2019. The small-scale fisheries sector served as a “safety net” in times of economic crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, depicted by the number of people renewing their fisher licence or registering and licensing for the first time increased by 262% when compared to the mean number of fisher licences issued in the pre-pandemic years. Given that economic crises tended to result in “spikes” in fishing effort, future studies should focus on understanding the labour market dynamics of fisheries and other related sectors, including recruitment and retention, to ensure the long-term sustainability of fishery resources.

HOW TO CITE: Horsford, I., 2026.  Socio-Economic Features of Antigua’s Small-Scale Fisheries Sector – Implications for Economic Security and Sustainable Development. Contribution 3.12, p225-237 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=917

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Comparative Analysis of Shark Capture Data: Species Composition, Diversity, and Abundance Along the Northeast Coast of Trinidad

Imran Khan, Vivan Alexander, and Dennis Sammy

Future Fishers, Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago

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ABSTRACT

Sharks play a crucial role in balancing marine ecosystems. They occupy a wide range of habitats and play a significant role in maintaining biodiversity. Some shark species, such as reef sharks, help maintain the health of coral reef ecosystems. However, over one-third of shark species globally are threatened with extinction. In the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) waters, which account for 14% of global shark species, many species face significant risks. Future Fishers (FF) 2022 baseline data collected across the seven landing sites shows that over 60% of shark species caught are vulnerable, and over 29% critically endangered. The continued harvesting of these vulnerable species poses a significant threat to ecosystem health, diversity and fisherfolk livelihoods. Accordingly, the purpose of this observational study is to examine the relation between shark species, fishing methods, and landing sites and quantity and price of sharks landed within Northeastern Trinidad and Tobago. Data was collected from extensive fieldwork resulting from 1288 unique observations from 62 fishers ranging from January 2022 to Dec 2022. Data collectors were employed and trained to collect catch records that were then entered into the FF database called “FISHNET”. The data analysis will involve a comparative evaluation of records across landing sites as well as over the 12-month period. The result of these analyses will provide a greater understanding of the local context that may impact livelihood and future shark harvest. This information can aid in the development of targeted conservation strategies and measures that can be applied locally and regionally.

HOW TO CITE: Khan, I., V. Alexander, and D. Sammy, 2026. Comparative Analysis of Shark Capture Data: Species Composition, Diversity, and Abundance Along the Northeast Coast of Trinidad. Contribution 3.11, p211-224 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=916

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Digitizing the Vessel Inspection Process in Barbados

Adriel Jackman¹, Shelly-Ann Cox¹, Derrick Theophille², Khyle Pooler¹, and Seymour Nurse¹

Fisheries Division, Bridgetown, Barbados¹

Fisheries Division, Roseau, Dominica²

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ABSTRACT

Barbados is known the world over for unique vessel designs that promote a rich fishing culture. In 2022, the registered fishing fleet was estimated at 1,156 vessels which range from small open rowboats (less than 6m) that fish at nearshore reefs, to well-equipped inboard-engine powered longliners (over 22m) that target tunas and swordfish as far as 200 miles offshore and beyond. The vessel inspectorate maintains a vessel registry and conducts inspections to determine compliance with prescribed safety standards and guidelines. In recent years, an average of 150 inspections are completed every quarter using hard copy forms that provide a checklist to ensure that vessels are seaworthy and outfitted with the required machinery and equipment. The inspection form includes several data fields that require a tedious data entry process and manual reporting. Ultimately, this gives an opportunity to review the inspection process and create an electronic form to support a new era of digital transformation. A recent collaboration with the Fisheries Division of Dominica supported the digitization and improvement of the vessel inspection form using KoboToolbox. This platform supports powerful and intuitive data collection tools to support an expedited process of inspection. The e-form integrates pick lists to support efficient data collection, validation to ensure that the data collected is appropriate, and skip logic which enables the inspector to focus on the requirements for that specific scenario. In addition, it allows for many types of information to be captured, including photos and videos which are automatically linked to the traditional text and numeric data. The time between data collection and data availability for review, analysis and reporting is significantly reduced. Further developments include testing the interoperability with the vessel registry and the creation of R statistical programming scripts to support efficient and standardised data analysis and the automation of reports.

HOW TO CITE: Jackman, A., S-A. Cox, D. Theophille, K. Pooler and S. Nurse, 2026. Digitizing the Vessel Inspection Process in Barbados. Contribution 3.10, p203-210 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=915

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Assessing the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics and Overfishing Implications for Guyana’s Seabob Shrimp Industry

Ray Newton and Mikhail Amsterdam

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department, Regent and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana.
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ABSTRACT

This paper focused on the dynamics of Guyana's *economic Seabob shrimp industry, using various mechanisms such as journals and articles to increase data efficiency, and then secondary data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Department to map and indicate Spatio-temporal patterns of Guyana's fishing dynamics over a 6 year period. Total Catch per annum was calculated utilizing the formula total landings of sea bob processed (peeled tail) weight in kilograms divided by total number of standardized days-at-sea yearly which indicated over fishing of the seabob shrimp. Each map's average locations were indicated by a crimson-to-dark red color shift, indicating heavy fishing on the coast of region 6 for the 6 year study with total size of these patches changed from year to year as the capture rate grew until years 2018 and 2019 which is due to Seabob shrimp aggregation behavior and environment, enabling for considerably simpler identification and capture procedures, resulting in a more focused fishing effort and a higher Total Catch per year which will eventually exhaust the resource. 

HOW TO CITE: Newton, R. and M. Amsterdam, 2026. Assessing the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics and Overfishing Implications for Guyana’s Seabob Shrimp Industry. Contribution 3.9, p194-202 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=914

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Modern Tools for Fisheries Data Collection and Data Management: Experiences From Suriname

Tomas Willems^1,2*, Alisha Pengel² and Yann Laurent³

Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Cornelis Jongbawstraat 50, Paramaribo, Suriname¹

Centre For Development and Sustainable Fisheries (CeDePesca), Rondeau 361, Mar del Plata, CP 7600, Argentina²

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome RM, Italy³

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ABSTRACT

Fisheries data and statistics are key to assess and monitor the status of exploited living marine resources and to inform evidence-based policy making for sustainable fisheries management. In the recent years, fisheries managers are faced with increasing data needs to meet reporting requirements, including biological, environment, social and economic information at national, regional and international level. The marine fishing sector in Suriname is relatively large and diverse, and collecting the required data is challenging. In revising the Suriname fisheries data collection system over the last three years, three modern tools and approaches were implemented to make the collection, processing and storage of fisheries data more efficient and reliable. (1) Digital forms were introduced to enter the data from landing samples collected by data enumerators at artisanal fishery landing sites. The forms were self-developed using KoboToolbox and eliminate the need to enter paper datasheets into large Excel spreadsheets, a tedious process prone to errors. (2) To process the large amounts of Excel spreadsheets containing raw data collected in the field (artisanal fleet) or self-reported by vessel operators (industrial fleet), data processing scripts written in Python were deployed to process and reformat the data, perform quality control and prepare the data for uploading in the database. (3) FAO’s Calipseo platform was deployed as a central, web-based fisheries information system where all data are securely stored and statistics are computed. The introduction of these modern tools for fisheries data collection requires good internet connection, adequate data storage and back-up policies and, most critically, digital skills and expertise. Nevertheless, the tools are readily available and have the potential to make fisheries data collection more user friendly, more efficient and more accurate in many situations. Their adoption will therefore help to meet the increasing need for detailed fisheries statistics, in support of sustainable resource management and compliance with various reporting requirements.

HOW TO CITE:  Willems,  T., A. Pengel and Y. Laurent, 2026. Modern Tools for Fisheries Data Collection and Data Management: Experiences From Suriname. Contribution 3.8, p184-193 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=913 

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Video methodologies for deep water surveying of queen conch (Strombus gigas): a comparison study in Turks & Caicos Islands

van Rijn¹, J., Austin, R.², Henry, T.³, Littlewood, A.² and Lockhart, K.³

 Wild Conscience¹; Joint National Conservation Committee (JNCC)²; Department of Fisheries & Marine Resource Management (FMRM), Turks & Caicos Islands³

ABSTRACT

Queen conch (Strombus gigas) remains one of the most important fishery resources in the Wider Caribbean Region, but growing demand has led to problems of over-fishing, illegal landings, and declines. In Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), queen conch is the second most important commercial fishery, supporting a large export trade (>$3.5m USD per year) as well as a domestic market. Deep-water adult populations of queen conch are considered critical spawning stock refugia but have proved challenging to study using dive surveys due to safety considerations and practical limitations. Previous underwater visual surveys (UVS) in TCI have relied on scuba divers that have not been able to survey deeper waters where adult populations of queen conch may be present, resulting in incomplete stock assessments. This study compares two novel UVS methodologies that could provide a safer, more time and cost-effective way to survey queen conch at deeper depths: the established towed video array method (TVM) and more novel underwater drone (ROV). 

The study, which outlines the specifications and operation of the two methods, also provides a qualitative analysis of the costs and benefits encountered which can be used to inform queen conch density and abundance survey planning and future monitoring efforts in the wider Caribbean. Despite the potential benefits offered by the underwater ROV, such as the ability to survey a wider range of habitats without risk of environmental damage, and reduced personnel required for transport and operation, the current high costs, maintenance, and functionality required to perform transect surveys, suggests the TVM offers a more time and cost-effective method for surveying queen conch at greater depths. The study formed part of a wider project focussing on sustainable management of the queen conch fishery in TCI and informed the completion of abundance surveys on the Caicos Bank: an expansive underwater plateau south of the Caicos Islands.

HOW TO CITE: van Rijn, J., R. Austin, T.  Henry, A. Littlewood, and K. Lockhart, 2026. Video methodologies for deep water surveying of queen conch (Strombus gigas): a comparison study in Turks & Caicos Islands.  Contribution 3.7, p172-183 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=912 

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DIGIFISH: Data Driven Solutions to Inform Decision Making

Richéda Speede¹*, Shelly-Ann Cox²*, Vernel Nicholls³, Veta Wade⁴, Jen Cole⁴, Ché Greenidge⁵, Juan Carlos Marti⁶, Kelvin Carter⁷, Adriel Jackman²; Corresponding author*: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Blue Shell Productions¹; Fisheries Division, Bridgetown, Barbados²; Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisation (BARNUFO)³; Pelagic Data Systems⁴; Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust⁵; Remora Fishing Traceability⁶; Mr. Fish Inc⁷

ABSTRACT

DigiFish aims to promote the use of digital technologies and innovative data analytical methods to support the application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) in Barbados. Phase 1 of DigiFish is being implemented by Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO) and Blue Shell Productions in collaboration with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust and Pelagic Data Systems (PDS). This initiative piloted the installation of 30 PDS vessel tracking devices on small-scale vessels in Barbados to illustrate how fishing effort changes through space and time. The pilot demonstrates how vessel tracking systems can be used to make informed decisions about how fisheries can be best managed to balance diverse societal and environmental objectives while improving livelihoods. It also aims to foster productive partnerships between industry stakeholders, the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) and Barbados Coast Guard (BCG) in applying integrated data solutions to support fisheries management and MSP. This pilot is now being replicated in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Phase 2 of DigiFish aims to address the fragmentation of seafood value chains and promote traceability by transforming landing sites into intelligent spaces. The project seeks to pilot the installation of 40 Remora Vessel Monitoring Devices (VMS) aboard longline vessels and station two Smart Scales in the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex. The data intelligence and visualization platform will compile the data collected to determine catch location, calculate fishing effort, analyze landings, and begin the traceability certification process. These same data are also relevant for eco-labels related to the premium growing market of responsibly-caught fish. This phase is being implemented by Blue Shell Productions in collaboration with Remora Fishing Traceability and Mr. Fish Inc. In this paper, we provide an overview of the initiative, present a data analytics summary, and offer recommendations for sustaining and scaling up this initiative across the Caribbean. 

HOW TO CITE: Speede, R., S-A. Cox, V. Nicholls, V. Wade, J. Cole, C. Greenidge, J. C. Marti, K. Carter, and A. Jackman, 2026.   DIGIFISH: Data Driven Solutions to Inform Decision Making. Contribution 3.6, p159-171 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=911

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Commercial Sea Cucumber Stock Assessment to Determine Sustainable Quotas in Belize

ABSTRACT

The sea cucumber fishery in Belize is small-scale. Sea cucumbers have been legally harvested since the fishery opened in 2009. Then, the Belize Fisheries Department granted a limited number of sea cucumber fishing licenses and permits to sea cucumber exporters. In 2016, new management interventions were made, including size limits, gutted weight, hours of landing, and managed access requirements for sea cucumber fishing. In 2022 regulation amendments included protecting the sea cucumber spawning months, increased size limits, and designated landing sites to be determined by the Fisheries Administrator. In 2022, the fishery didn’t open pending a stock assessment completed under this project. The Belize Fisheries Department and the University of Belize conducted the sea cucumber stock assessment in March 2023 in fishing areas 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, where sea cucumbers are more abundant. In each area, sampling stations were selected using stratified random sampling based on fishery-dependent habitat selection. Twenty-two sampling stations (81 transects) measuring 100 m x 4 m (400 m2) were surveyed. Transects were run perpendicular to the coast to capture depth and habitat contour. Data collected included species, their morphometric measurements, habitat types and depths. Species found were Holothuria floridana, H. mexicana, Isostichopus badionotus, H. thomasi, and H. grisea sea cucumbers. The most abundant were H. floridana and H. mexicana, followed by I. badionotus. Both H. floridana & H. mexicana, and I. badionotus were most abundant in the Placencia lagoon and islands in front of Placencia. The total abundance for H. floridana & H. mexicana was 1,996, 938.22 (biomass 1,249 US tons) and for I. badionotus, 47,110.6 kg (biomass 51.9 US tons). Using mortality rates for both species as per the scientific literature, the Schaefer Model provided an MSY of 143,799.56 kg for H. floridana and H. mexicana and 43,834.42 kg for I. badionotus. Therefore, the quota (75% - MSY) was established to be 134,922.73 kg for H. floridana & H. mexicana and 34,704.67 for I. badionotus.

HOW TO CITE: Esquivel, K., A. Rogers, A. Quiroz, V. Alamina, M. Vargas, F. Esquivel, E. Montejo, and J. Loria, 2026. Commercial Sea Cucumber Stock Assessment to Determine Sustainable Quotas in Belize.  Contribution 3.5, p149-159 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=910

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Leveraging Lessons From the Caribbean to Enhance the Value-Chain Approach in Developing Sustainable Small-Scale Capture Fisheries

Alexander S.T*. Girvan, Melanie Andrews-Bacchus, Sharon D. Hutchinson, Terrence Phillips

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ABSTRACT

Participatory Value Chain Analysis (VCA) provides a structured approach to developing sustainable small-scale fishery value chains by engaging key stakeholders in identifying gaps and providing suitable solutions to add value and create livelihood opportunities along seafood value chains. When small-scale fishery VCAs are used to inform policy and evaluate investment opportunities, they can yield significant positive results for environmental sustainability, social benefits and socio-economic resilience to climate change and economic shocks. VCAs can also contribute to the achievement of important regional and global goals, including the CARICOM 25% by 2025 Reduction in the Regional Food Bill initiative, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Strategic Plan 2022 – 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This paper is novel in reviewing the recent application of VCAs in Caribbean small-scale fisheries for Queen conch in Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Caribbean Spiny lobster in Jamaica; Mahi-Mahi in Barbados and Seabob in Guyana in order to obtain lessons learned, identify best practices, and make recommendations for improving VCAs in small-scale fisheries. The review outlines criteria for selecting and prioritising species for VCAs, guidelines for applying VCAs in Caribbean small-scale fisheries using participatory and gender-sensitive methods, and strategies for identifying and engaging key stakeholders in VCAs. The paper also discusses how VCAs can be used to better position sustainable small-scale fisheries development in the context of the Caribbean blue economy and contribute to the success of important global and regional food security and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

 HOW TO CITE: Girvan, A.S.T., M. Andrews-Bacchus, S. D. Hutchinson, T. Phillips, 2026.  Leveraging Lessons From the Caribbean to Enhance the Value-Chain Approach in  Developing Sustainable Small-Scale Capture Fisheries.  Contribution 3.4, p133-148 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=909

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Explore all 20^th Anniversary Scientific Papers

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