Building the Capacity of Aquaculture and the Blue Economy in the Caribbean

Dr. Juli-Anne Russo

Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub
Via Monte Roncone, Allumiere 00051, Italy
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ABSTRACT

Despite a global increase in aquaculture, the Caribbean remains at 0.05%. Aquaculture is commonly associated with the intensive culture of salmon in developed countries and the culture of tilapia and shrimp in developing countries. The suit of species to be cultured in the region goes beyond these given the diverse ecosystems and may include species such as conch, marine finfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, aquarium species, oysters, mussels, seaweeds and other aquatic plants, to name a few. Many blue foods are rich in bioavailable micronutrients and can be produced more sustainably. For Caribbean countries, aquaculture has the potential to positively address the problems of nutrition and food insecurity, the unsustainable exploitation of marine resources, and socio-economic inequalities. Conventional approaches to promoting aquaculture have largely failed. Most components necessary for aquaculture development in the region remain underdeveloped, including human and technical resources and the general knowledge required to take advantage of its opportunities. For instance, vast coastal areas have hardly been explored for mariculture / blue foods development which can become the cornerstone of coastal communities. Additionally, given the critical state of important marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves due to overexploitation, the potential for aquaculture as an alternate source of fish protein and alternative livelihood activities has yet to be taken seriously. The Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub (CAEIH) seeks to leverage and strengthen this framework through scientific research, with the introduction of aquaculture curriculum in secondary and tertiary institutions, and partnership initiatives to realize regional targets such as the CARICOM commitment to a 25 percent reduction in food imports by 2025 and the global 2030 agenda. In this way, we intend to identify and monitor key performance indicators at all levels of human and technical capacity in aquaculture production including the participation of women and youth.

HOW TO CITE: Russo, J-A., 2026. Building the Capacity of Aquaculture and the Blue Economy in the Caribbean. Contribution 9.2, p618-625 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=953

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Promoting a Fishery-Centered Blue Economy Through Co-Benefits and Knowledge Sharing

Nariaki Mikuni^*1, Saori Imamura^*2, Rita Straughn Mitchel^*3 and Hiroaki Terashima^*2

JICA project for Forming Good Practices of Islands-type Blue Economy in Palau,
Former project member of CARIFICO^*1
P.O. Box 359 Koror, Palau 96940
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IC Net Limited. Member for the Project for Strengthening Sustainable Use
and Management of Coastal Fisheries Resources in the CARICOM Countries (COASTFISH)^*2

LA Tower 27 F., 11-2 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama-shi, 3306027, Japan.
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Department of Fisheries, Saint Lucia^*3
Pointe Seraphine Castries Saint Lucia
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ABSTRACT

The Caribbean region is currently witnessing a diverse range of projects aimed at promoting the blue economy. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is formulating a strategy that recognizes co-benefits and knowledge sharing as fundamental drivers for advancing the blue economy. This strategy encompasses several stages: viz. 1. Development of concrete examples through pilot activities; 2. Extraction of knowledge from these examples (including good practices and lessons learned) and accumulation in a comprehensive database or toolbox; 3. Implementation of seminars and workshops to facilitate knowledge sharing and the formation of a multilateral cooperation framework or platform involving governments, donors, international organizations, and public-private-academic sectors; and 4. Development of an international strategy or initiative to promote the blue economy and the establishment of a positive cycle that enhances the priority of pilot activities in national development plans, increases budget allocation and donor funding, and implements additional pilot activities based on the initiative. These components draw upon Japan's extensive experience in co-benefits, such as fisheries resource co-management, food value chains, and the concept of satoumi, which seeks to enhance production and biodiversity through harmonious human-nature interaction. Furthermore, the strategy incorporates effective mechanisms for knowledge sharing, including the utilization of an online knowledge database or toolbox specifically focused on small-scale coastal fisheries, as well as national public presentation events featuring representatives from successful fishermen groups. In this context, JICA has been actively implementing pilot projects in the Caribbean, including the co-management of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), the integration of food value chains with tourism sector through processing seafood products and diver-driven lionfish eradication as well as the satoumi approach through utilizing seaweed cultivation. In future, collaborative efforts with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), governments, and donors, including JICA, are expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, formulation, and accumulation of further examples, effectively promoting the blue economy.

HOW TO CITE: Mikuni, N., S. Imamura, R. Straughn Mitchel and H. Terashima, 2026. Promoting a Fishery-Centered Blue Economy Through Co-Benefits and Knowledge Sharing.  Contribution 9.1, p606-617 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=952

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A Modernised and Results-Based ICT Framework to Strengthen Institutional Governance, Administration, Productivity, Outreach, Visibility, and Engagement

Adele O. Ramos

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat
Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City, Belize
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ABSTRACT

Since its inauguration in 2003, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has placed high priority on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for effective institutional governance and stakeholder engagement. During the initial period (from its official establishment by CARICOM Heads of Government in 2002 to 2012), the CRFM’s focus—notwithstanding the limitations of the technologies that then existed—was on information dissemination and data services to support the programs of the CRFM and to enhance its impacts on the fisheries and aquaculture sector, with a focus on the fishing industry and fisherfolk organizations in Members States. The strategic growth in the CRFM’s ICT framework reached its pinnacle during the 2013-2021 period, with direct benefits redounding to those CRFM Member States which also benefited from capacity strengthening in ICT through the CRFM’s alliances with institutional partners. It was during this period that the CRFM finalized its Communications and ICT strategies to address the needs of the Secretariat, Member States and other stakeholders; deployed a new website and the CRFM Data Portal; as well as mainstreamed the use of teleconferencing for electronic meetings and virtual stakeholder engagements, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced efficiencies to the organization, while ensuring its continued effectiveness even during the mobility restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rising influence of social media platforms during this era also provided further impetus for the CRFM to disseminate information through different channels. This monumental shift in the CRFM’s ICT landscape positioned the organization closer to fulfilling its core functional objective of ‘Effective collaboration with member states and stakeholders.’ This third period (2022-2030) focuses on addressing key constraints and harnessing opportunities through a results-based approach to ICT and the further modernization of the CRFM’s ICT framework to serve its growing regional and international audiences.

HOW TO CITE: Ramos, A.O., 2026.  A Modernized and Results-Based ICT Framework to Strengthen Institutional Governance, Administration, Productivity, Outreach, Visibility, and Engagement. Contribution 8.7, p588-605 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=951

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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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