The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development: Potential for Regional Ocean Science Coordination and Partnership

Lorna V Inniss, Ph.D, Alex E Palomino and Cesar Toro, Ph.D,
Marck Oduber, Ph.D, and Soraya Silva, Ph.D

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ABSTRACT

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (the Ocean Decade) has the vision of “the science we need for the ocean we want.” The preparatory work completed within the first three years of the Ocean Decade emphasized the co-design aspects and successfully created a large Community of Practice in the Tropical Americas and Caribbean Region (TAC) for implementation. The Ocean Decade provides a framework for diverse actors to identify, generate and use ocean science for sustainable development, aimed to catalyze existing and new partnerships to address specific needs of citizens, industry and communities to optimise the benefits of the ocean to humans. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO leads the implementation of Decade Actions that respond to 10 Challenges in ocean health and wellbeing. The seven (7) outcomes to be achieved by 2030 through collaborative science are: A Clean Ocean, A Safe Ocean, A Predicted Ocean, A Healthy and Resilient Ocean, A Productive Ocean, An Accessible Ocean and An Inspiring and Engaging Ocean. The Tropical Americas and Caribbean (TAC) Region is already working on improving ocean governance through the establishment of an Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) among relevant intergovernmental bodies. This new paradigm envisions Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP), young people, community representatives, industry and civil society participating in the governance, management and conservation of marine resources, an investment that brings measurable returns to all sectors, while minimising the impact of humans on the ocean and ensuring sustainability. The proposed TAC Ocean Decade Task Force will work with partners to unpack ocean science needs for all-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk reduction, as well as ecosystem health, alternative livelihoods and wider societal gains, and increasing wealth, especially within small island developing states (SIDS). Thus, a successful Ocean Decade in 2030 establishes a foundation of credible and relevant science that supports the Sustainable Blue Economy, ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction, fisheries conservation, and responds to the needs of states to implement global and regional treaties on the ocean.

HOW TO CITE: Inniss, L.V., A. E. Palomino and C. Toro,  M. Oduber, and S. Silva, 2026. The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development: Potential for Regional Ocean Science Coordination and Partnership.  Contribution 8.6, p576-587 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=950

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Transforming Our Seas and Oceans Resources Collaboratively with Accredited Development Partners for the Benefit of all 13 years of progress: 2010 – 2023

Alwyn R. Ponteen, MSc;
Chief Fisheries and Ocean Governance Officer – Government of Montserrat

ABSTRACT

The United Kingdom Overseas Territory (UKOT) Montserrat, a Small Island Development State (SIDS) within the global ocean space, recognises the significant role that the natural capital of the fisheries and ocean sector plays in its socio-economic growth and achievement of long-term sustainable development and well-being. Through extension from His Majesty’s Government (HMG) UK, the Government of Montserrat (GOM) is committed to its International Binding and Non-Binding Agreements.

For decades, the complexities of ineffective legal instruments, inadequate human capital, natural occurrences, human induced circumstances, coupled with climate change, alien invasive species and pollution continue to create adverse social and environmental issues. It was therefore critical to empower policy and decision makers to develop and implement an adaptive, holistic and harmonized natural capital framework for making effective use of the resources in a way that embeds sustainability and facilitates decision-making processes.

In 2010, the GOM took the bold step of embarking on an ambitious but realistic and adaptive programme aimed at transforming our seas and ocean resources collaboratively with accredited development partners with a shared vision. This was achieved by applying nature-based solutions, good governance, adaptive management, technological innovation, sound science and evidence-based information to strengthen the global effort in advancing environmental protection and sustainability for the nation’s socio-economic growth and well-being.

To achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, the GOM has imbedded SDG 17, Partnership for the goals and its associated targets, as the nucleus for strengthening the wealth economy framework of natural capital in the long term. As a small island developing state, sustainable financing, capacity building, technology just to name a few have been a real challenge over the years.

HOW TO CITE: Ponteen, A.R., 2026. Transforming Our Seas and Oceans Resources Collaboratively with Accredited Development Partners for the Benefit of all. Contribution 8.5, p563-575  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=949

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Regional Cooperation on Marine Biodiversity and Fisheries Management in the Wider Caribbean Region

Corbin Christopher, UNEP-Cartagena Convention Secretariat; Rossin Lucile, Conruyt Géraldine and Pusineri Claire SPAW-RAC

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ABSTRACT

The Cartagena Convention is the only regionally binding legal agreement for the protection and sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea. Through its pollution and marine biodiversity programmes, the Convention Secretariat and its Regional Activity Centres (RACs) play a critical role in supporting protection of the marine environment and sustainable use of its resources. With the need for more effective regional policy coordination mechanisms for governance of the Caribbean Sea, the cooperation model established between the Secretariat and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) should be upscaled and replicated. Within the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR), several initiatives focus on integrated ocean governance, marine spatial planning, and an ecosystem-based approach to sustainably managing shared living marine resources. Linkages between fisheries management, marine biodiversity conservation and pollution prevention formed an ideal framework for existing cooperation between the Convention Secretariat and CRFM. The RAC for the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife Protocol (SPAW) of the Cartagena Convention supports Governments with information, technical expertise and assistance to develop and implement programs and projects for sustainable fisheries. Through a new initiative – CAMAC, SPAW RAC, builds on the relationship with CRFM to support the: 1) assessment of interactions between human activities and marine megafauna, 2) strengthening of regional cooperation, and 3) identification of recommendations for mitigation. Initial findings show that Caribbean fisheries are mainly artisanal, but fishing techniques and pressures vary between territories, some targeting mainly pelagics on FADs, while others still using nets and traps targeting reef and demersal fish. Most identified significant interaction cases involved sea turtles and sharks, only a few cases were identified for marine mammals and none for seabirds. This type of cooperation can guide how future programmes and projects are developed and ensure integration across the multiple agencies working on regional ocean governance.

HOW TO CITE: Corbin, C.,  L. Rossin,  G. Conruyt and  C. Pusineri, 2026. Regional Cooperation on Marine Biodiversity and Fisheries Management in the Wider Caribbean Region. Contribution 8.4, p555-562 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=948

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An Examination of Integrated Marine Planning and Management in CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean Region

Mikhail Amsterdam

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

The Caribbean region is vast yet interconnected with multiple natural resources and opportunities for marine economic development activities. While the region has several integrated organizations with governance responsibilities, the focus of this dissertation is the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which is comprised of fifteen (15) Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and five (5) associate members with the remaining wider Caribbean countries having observer participation. The investigation findings indicate that CARICOM and the wide Caribbean consider Climate Change, Fisheries Management, territorial disputes, tourism, invasive species and conservation the six (6) main drivers which promote the adoption of integrated marine planning and management practices in the region. Further, the research reflects that international obligations, blue economic development, resource loss and conflict resolution as the underlying reasons for political/strategic importance being placed on marine management, which is a key distinction when we consider genuine stewardship versus political correctness. CARICOM has implemented several regional projects, policies and management groups aimed at ensuring collaborative management and shared responsibility. The Cartagena convention protocols on oil spill, land-based sources and special wildlife protected areas are amongst the initiatives reviewed for their regional coverage and impact on regional integrated marine management. The European Union’s approach and policy milestones achieved as part of its integrated maritime management were identified and used to create insights on how CARICOM could adopt a similar regional management policy like the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) which supports the European maritime economy and Protection of the EU maritime environment through cross cutting tools such as the MSP directive and MSPF. The conclusion surmises that CARICOM needs to outline a key strategic direction, identify priority areas for integration and establish robust governance institutions to ensure effective implementation of a regional integrated marine planning and management approach, these points were supported using the questionnaire responses received regional and international MSP experts.

HOW TO CITE: Amsterdam, M., 2026.  Planning and Management in CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean Region  Contribution 8.3, p538-554 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=947

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Regional Cooperation Among CRFM, OSPESCA and WECAFC for Sustainable Fisheries in the Caribbean

Milton O. Haughton

 Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Belize

ABSTRACT

This contribution examines the collaborative relationship among three regional fisheries bodies in promoting sustainable fisheries in the Caribbean. It considers their functions, and their strengths and weaknesses in relation to sustainable management of marine fish stocks. Shared fish stocks, including migratory and straddling species, which extend beyond the jurisdiction of any one state, can only be managed effectively through cooperative efforts of all states and entities that share the stocks or participate in the fisheries. Regional fisheries bodies have emerged as the only realistic means of facilitating conservation and management of such stocks to ensure they provide sustainable contribution to the economic development of the states. The paper highlights the challenges of regional cooperation for sustainable development and conservation of shared stocks that are largely under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of coastal states in the Caribbean region.

HOW TO CITE: Haughton, M.O., 2026.  Regional Cooperation Among CRFM, OSPESCA and WECAFC for Sustainable Fisheries in the Caribbean. Contribution 8.2, p537 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=946

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Fisherfolk Organisations in Fisheries Governance and Policy

Patrick McConney and Maria Pena

Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES)
University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
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ABSTRACT

Implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) has drawn attention to the important role resilient fisherfolk organisations need to play in fisheries governance and policy internationally, nationally, and locally. However, fisherfolk organisations are unlikely to be successful or sustainable unless the interactive relationships between them, ecological marine systems and political governing systems are well managed. Stewardship is a concept that has the potential to bridge these domains and provide practical guidance for all actors. Over the past two decades there has been increasing, even if only implicit, attention paid to stewardship in the CRFM region. Several policies, projects and other initiatives have tackled this matter. In this paper we examine some of these initiatives, their outputs, and outcomes. We suggest ways forward to build upon the foundation of progress and advance both the SSF Guidelines as well as the resilience of fisherfolk organisations in the CRFM region.

HOW TO CITE: McConney, P. and M. Pena, 2026. Fisherfolk Organisations in Fisheries Governance and Policy. Contribution 8.1, p527-536 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=945

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Sargassum In The Caribbean: Challenges And Opportunity For Blue Growth Based On The Circular Economy Approach

Mario Ayalon^3*, Milton Haughton², Rosie Paterson-Lima¹, Bruce Searle¹,
Terrell Thompson³, Maren Headley², Christian Genova, Abby Albright, Jaqui Day1

Plant and Food Research¹, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism²,
and Research-Engineer contractor³
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ABSTRACT

Since 2011, the mass of Sargassum in the Caribbean has increased dramatically and resulting in more than three times the normal amount of this seaweed in the region. In 2022, the mass of Sargassum in the region had a record of around twenty-two million tons in July and a similar figure is expected in 2023. Sargassum has a role in the marine ecosystem by providing fish nurseries, shelter for sea turtles and absorption of carbon dioxide. However, large volumes of this seaweed have a negative impact on the tourism sector, fishing industries, coral reefs and other coastal ecosystems, and the health of coastal residents. In 2020 the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded a three-year collaborative project, which is being implemented by Plant & Food Research (PFR) of New Zealand and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), to address Sargassum seaweed influxes in affected Caribbean countries. The project has four activity areas: raw material safety testing and harvesting operations review, product and process development, product commercialization strategy development and outreach and supply chain development. The raw material safety testing was done using Sargassum collected in Belize, Barbados, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic. The results confirmed the findings of previous studies that Sargassum has elevated levels of Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead, with concentrations above the maximum allowable limits for human food and animal feed. For the second activity, the project team reviewed twenty-three potential products derived from Sargassum to identify the most suitable for product development and commercialization within the context of the Caribbean environment. Based on the results of the raw material safety testing; the technologies required for harvesting, product development and production; market competition; and regulatory standards in respect of the end-products, the project team selected three products: liquid fertilizer, compost and building materials. The selection of the three products was guided by the circular economy principle of minimum waste generation, mitigation of heavy metal content in accordance with international regulations, and contribution to blue growth in the Caribbean region. Laboratory trials to produce liquid fertilizer and compost started in May 2023. The results obtained will define the operational conditions for production at pilot plant scale of the prototype products and value chains in 2024.

HOW TO CITE: Ayalon M., M. Haughton, R. Paterson-Lima, B. Searle, T. Thompson, M. Headley, C. Genova, A. Albright, and J. Day, 2026. Sargassum in the Caribbean: Challenges and Opportunity for Blue Growth Based on the Circular Economy Approach. Contribution 7.3, p517-526 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=944 

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Gender Perspectives in Social, Blue and Climate Justice

Maria Pena and Patrick McConney

Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES)
University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
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ABSTRACT

Climate justice, blue justice and social justice are closely intertwined in small island developing states (SIDS) societies, villages and households engaged in small-scale fisheries (SSF). The English-speaking Caribbean exemplifies this at a time when fisherfolk, perceiving themselves as marginalised, are concerned about their invisibility in blue economy and climate change initiatives. Fisherfolk fear that large development investments lead to further marginalisation of SSF, including the roles that women play. Women predominate in postharvest seafood processing, distribution, and marketing in SSF. These value-added economic activities are often overlooked in official statistics and women may benefit from little to no social protection as self-employed entrepreneurs and fish workers. Women face challenges due to the nature of postharvest work combined with their domestic household responsibilities. Yet, they seldom speak of issues related to their domestic responsibilities when they discuss their fishery work. This is problematic. This paper examines these and other gender perspectives in social, blue and climate justice. Gender perspectives need to be better incorporated into SSF in CRFM Member States. Negative impacts on women’s health and well-being can extend to their family and community, impairing a country’s ability to cope with shocks, whether from climate or the global economy. There are potential impacts on food security and nutrition.

HOW TO CITE: Pena, M. and P. McConney, 2026. Gender Perspectives in Social, Blue and Climate Justice. Contribution 7.2, p502-516 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=943

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The Role of Climate Risk Insurance in Building Resilience of the Fisheries Sector– the Coast (Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility) Example and Application

Isaac Anthony, Elizabeth Emanuel, and Gina Sanguinetti Phillips

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ABSTRACT

The fisheries sector in the Caribbean is an important source of livelihoods and contributes significantly to food security, providing access to inexpensive protein in a region that is challenged to overcome its overdependence on a carbohydrate-focused diet. While the sector is not a leading contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of most countries, it is important to the development and stability of rural and coastal communities. Additionally, the importance of the fisheries value chain and linkages with other sectors such as tourism, is substantial. The COAST case study is presented to demonstrate how climate risk insurance can support governments in their efforts to build back better after a natural hazard event and create a resilient fisheries sector. The COAST parametric insurance product for the fisheries sector was developed by CCRIF SPC under the Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility with financial support from the World Bank and the United States State Department. A COAST policy provides coverage for losses caused by adverse weather to all players in the fisheries industry, for direct damages caused by tropical cyclones to fishing vessels, equipment and infrastructure. It promotes gender equity, as women in the fisheries sector are specifically included. This case study also demonstrates the role of climate risk insurance in advancing shock-responsive social protection. By participating in COAST, governments commit to strengthening their fisheries industry systems and registration procedures, as well as their social protection registries, leading to the sector being more sustainable and resilient to the impacts of climate change.

HOW TO CITE : Anthony, I., E. Emanuel, and G. Sanguinetti Phillips, 2026. The Role of Climate Risk Insurance in Building Resilience of the Fisheries Sector– the Coast (Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility) Example and Application. Contribution 7.1, p493-501 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=942

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Recommended Strategies to Protect Parrotfish Populations in Barbados

Christopher Parker and Shelly-Ann Cox

Fisheries Division, Bridgetown, Barbados
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ABSTRACT

Parrotfish are considered ecologically keystone species that play key roles as grazers, agents of bio-erosion of calcareous substrate, sediment production and transport in coral reef ecosystems and shoreline stabilisation. Recent reported declines in populations of some parrotfish species on Barbadian reefs due to several anthropogenic factors, has raised understandable alarm resulting in calls to significantly reduce or completely ban fishing of parrotfish. This of course will have significant impacts on the livelihoods of the many people involved in the island’s reef fisheries especially given the high commercial and cultural value of parrotfish more commonly known locally as ‘chubs’. Relevant scientific information on this issue is critically examined in this paper and a recommended holistic strategy is proposed to protect parrotfish populations while selectively mitigating the social and economic impacts on the more vulnerable participants in the reef fisheries that harvest parrotfish. The first overarching recommendation is that selective protection of parrotfishes or any subset of species in the family (i.e., corallivorous or non-corallivorous) is not supported. Instead, it is recommended that the focus should be on reducing fishing pressure on all reef fish species eliminating the incidences of wasteful ghost fishing and physical damage to reefs caused by the fishing activities. A co-management approach is recommended as being essential in the implementation of adaptive management measures that are grounded in participatory action research. This approach engenders buy-in, cooperation and effective compliance with a “carrot” rather than the “stick” approach, as is considered vital to the success of these initiatives.

HOW TO CITE: Parker, C. and S-A. Cox, 2026.  Recommended Strategies to Protect Parrotfish Populations in Barbados. Contribution 6.11, p485-492 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=941

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