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

*Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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

*E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

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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The Power of Data-driven Fisheries Governance

Vilhjálmur Hallgrímsson

Fisheries Technologies ehf.,
Chief Executive Director,
Básbryggja 15, 110, Reykjavík, Iceland
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ABSTRACT

Fisheries management is a complex field with limited research and comprehensive data on techniques and costs. Many fisheries worldwide face challenges due to knowledge deficiencies, lack of standardized data management solutions, and high costs.

Iceland's experience demonstrates how data-driven fisheries management can revolutionize practices and contribute to long-term sustainability and success. This paper aims to identify key challenges affecting fisheries management data systems and answer what an optimal fisheries management system would look like.

Our goal is to research how to develop dynamic, adaptable data management solutions while reducing costs, enabling other nations to emulate Iceland's success in fisheries management.

The insights gained from Iceland's experience could offer valuable guidance and tools to other fishing communities aspiring to establish sustainable fisheries management techniques.

HOW TO CITE: Hallgrímsson, V., 2026. The Power of Data-driven Fisheries Governance. Contribution 3.3, p120-132  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=908

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Analysis of Trends in Production, Fleet, Trade and Economic Contribution of the Fisheries and Aquaculture in CRFM Member States

Pranaya Kumar Parida¹, June Masters¹ and Sandra Grant²

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines¹
Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Belize²

ABSTRACT

The mission of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism is “to promote and facilitate the responsible utilization of the region's fisheries and other aquatic resources for the economic and social benefits of the current and future population of the region.” The sector’s aim is to provide employment and food security for the people of the region. Analysis and validation of the trends based on data in the CRFM Statistics and Information Reports for 2002 to 2022 was conducted. A technical and stakeholder assessment was carried out to investigate the trends observed. The data revealed that the marine capture production, since 2018, has steadily declined, while only eight CRFM Member States were actively involved in aquaculture production. Regarding trade in fish, imports have steadily increased both in value and weight; and exports have not kept up with imports. Many aspects of the fisheries have changed, by issues such as overfishing, climate change, ghost fishing, irresponsible fish farming, habitat destruction, land-based pollution and IUU fishing. However, the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the region continue to provide food and nutrition security for small-scale fishers and the people of the Caribbean region.

HOW TO CITE: Parida, P.K.,  J. Masters and S. Grant, 2026. Analysis of Trends in Production, Fleet, Trade and Economic Contribution of the Fisheries and Aquaculture in CRFM Member States. Contribution 3.2, p107-119 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=907

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Implementing a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan to Inform Fisheries Governance in the Wider Caribbean

Lucia M. Fanning¹* and Robin Mahon²

Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada¹ Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, UWI, Cavehill Campus, Barbados² *Corresponding author contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

ABSTRACT

Recognizing the complexity associated with the governance of fisheries in the Wider Caribbean, considerable effort and progress has been made over the past decade towards implementing a regional approach to effectively manage fisheries in the region. Given the proximity of the 45 countries and territories, coupled with the inherent transboundary nature of many of the key species found in the region, the effective management and governance of fisheries necessitates close collaboration among countries. Key to that collaboration is the need to optimize scarce human and financial resources through the collection and sharing of fisheries relevant data and information to better inform decision making at multiple levels. To assist with this task, countries of the CLME+ region (Caribbean Sea and North Brazil Current LMEs) adopted a 10-year Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Sustainable Management of the Shared Living Marine Resources of the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems. The SAP specified the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan to track the progress towards achieving the SAP objectives and to facilitate adaptive management. Using the Governance Effectiveness Assessment Framework (GEAF) comprising seven categories of indicators aimed at assessing whether good governance arrangements are in place and whether they are achieving the intended objectives, this paper provides an assessment of the seven categories of the GEAF for the baseline period of the SAP (2011-2015). Fisheries data used in the assessment were provided primarily by countries in the CLME+ Region and by the relevant intergovernmental organisations. In some cases, data and information from third party sources were used. The expectation was that comparable M & E assessments would continue over sequential five-year intervals to track progress and inform multi-level decision making.

HOW TO CITE: Fanning, L.M. and R. Mahon, 2026.  Implementing a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan to Inform Fisheries Governance in the Wider Caribbean. Contribution 3.1, p90-106 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20^th 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=906

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The Need for Rigor in the Fisheries Space - Why the Term “IUU Fishing” is a Hindrance

Dr. Ian Ralby

President, Auxilium Worldwide,
+14109351745; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

ABSTRACT

The term “IUU Fishing” has become colloquially synonymous with bad action in the fisheries space.  To confront both the sustainability and the security implications of IUU Fishing, however, there is a critical need for greater rigour in defining and dissecting the problem sets so that meaningful solutions can be pursued. Illegal fishing, unreported fishing and unregulated fishing are each distinct issues.  At the operational level, the actors who can address illegal fishing are usually maritime law enforcement agencies.  But the same navies, coast guards and marine police forces that address illegal fishing have little ability to do anything about unregulated fishing.  That is the purview of legislatures and regulatory agencies.  So even as a bucket of three seemingly related matters, “IUU Fishing” is a problematic term that combines issues that must be addressed by different actors.  Yet beyond illegal, unreported, or unregulated fishing, there are also other fisheries issues that are being mislabeled as “IUU Fishing,” making it difficult to recognize their true nature, and thus find effective measures to tackle them.  Drug trafficking on a fishing vessel, money laundering through the fishing sector, or using a fishing vessel to collect intelligence on a state’s maritime agencies are all outside of the ambit of “IUU Fishing,” but are certainly undesirable. In the Caribbean for example, criminal cartels are exploiting gaps between the actors and agencies focused on sustainability and those that are focused on security.  As a result, fisheries crimes – both on the water and in the financial record books – undermine the credibility and the integrity of the fishing sector despite not having a direct impact on fish stocks.  That degradation of the region’s fisheries space has also opened the door to state actors who are looking for inroads to gain strategic presence in the region.  As a result, the Caribbean must become more rigorous in recognizing the spectrum of undesirable fishing-related activities throughout the maritime domain, and working within and between governments to combat them.

HOW TO CITE: Ralby, I. 2026.  The Need for Rigor in the Fisheries Space - Why the Term “IUU Fishing” is a Hindrance. Contribution 2.7, p83-89 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=905

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The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: CARICOM’s Interests, Participation and Outcome

Nigel Durrant*

Agricultural Trade Specialist

ABSTRACT

After a long-winded process that commenced in 2001, the World Trade Organization (WTO), in June 2022, achieved an agreement on the disciplining of fisheries subsidies. The impetus for the negotiations had been the realization, at least in some quarters, that subsidies were contributing to the degradation of the world’s fisheries resources. CARICOM Member States, all of which place importance on fisheries as a component of their food security and economic development strategies, have an interest in sustainable exploitation of those resources, and from the outset, placed the onus on the nations with large-scale, distant-water industrial fishing operations to address the problem. The 2022 agreement represents a very partial outcome, given that it fails to address the core problem of overcapacity, which is a major driver of global overfishing. This paper addresses the main issues in the negotiations, the positioning of CARICOM Member States, the alliances that were forged, the main fault lines that arose in the talks, and the prospects for a more substantial outcome in future negotiations.

HOW TO CITE: Durrant, N., 2026.  The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: CARICOM’s Interests, Participation and Outcome [Abstract].  Contribution 2.6, p82 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=904

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