Anguilla 
Antigua and Barbuda 
Grenada 
Bahamas 
Barbados 
Belize 
Dominica 
Guyana 
Haiti 
Jamaica 
Montserrat 
St. Kitts and Nevis 
St. Lucia 
St. Vincent and the Grenadines 
Suriname 
Trinidad and Tobago 
Turks and Caicos 
CRFM and GRÓ FTP engage in Iceland on strategies to strengthen Caribbean fisheries
Belize City, Belize, 3 March 2026 (CRFM)—Representatives of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), headquartered in Belize, and the GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme (FTP), met last week to explore ways to strengthen cooperation with CRFM Member States and to further enhance the region's capacity in fisheries management and development. The discussion took place on Friday, February 27, 2026, at GRÓ FTP in Reykjavik, Iceland. Dr. Marc Williams, CRFM Executive Director, met with Mr. Thor Ásgeirsson, GRÓ FTP Director, and Stefán Úlfarsson, Specialist, to chart the way forward.
From left to right: Dr. Marc Williams, CRFM Executive Director; GRÓ FTP 2025-2026 fellow - Ms. Deandra Roberts of Jamaica; Mr. Thor Ásgeirsson, GRÓ FTP Director; and GRÓ FTP 2025-2026 fellow - Ms. Annakay Crawford of Jamaica
This engagement builds upon 18 years of collaboration between the parties. The CRFM and GRÓ FTP, formerly the United Nations University Fisheries Training Program (UNU FTP), entered into a memorandum of understanding in 2008 to enhance institutional capacity. Under this arrangement, Caribbean fisheries practitioners continue to benefit from GRÓ FTP training, including short courses, six-month training programs, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees.
Currently, the CRFM and GRÓ FTP are conducting a capacity needs assessment of the CRFM fisheries administrations and the CRFM Secretariat. Two GRÓ FTP fellows from Jamaica, Ms. Annakay Crawford and Ms. Deandra Roberts, are gathering and analyzing data for the assessment, which will provide the evidence that the Member States and the CRFM Secretariat need to chart the future direction of their respective organizations.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the FAO’s 2nd Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Subcommittee Meeting on Fisheries Management in Iceland, Ms. Crawford and Ms. Roberts briefed the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines delegation—Honorable Conroy Huggins, Minister of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation, and Climate Resilience, and Mr. Kris Isaacs, Senior Fisheries Officer—on their progress. The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to support the successful completion of the assessment reports.
Last September, the CRFM Ministerial Council—comprised of ministers responsible for fisheries, aquaculture and the blue economy from across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)—issued a resolution approving the CRFM Capacity Needs Assessment Roadmap 2025. The Council said it looks forward to the successful completion of the regional and national capacity assessment summaries that would support a more holistic response in addressing the gaps at both the regional and national levels.
Dr. Williams said: “The CRFM Secretariat acknowledges and thanks all Member States that have been contributing to the Capacity Needs Assessment. These inputs have been essential in enabling a comprehensive regional analysis of our institutional and human capacities, in accordance with the directives of the CRFM Ministerial Council. Continued collaboration is critical as the process advances toward validation and subsequent presentation to the Council.”
Since 2008, sixty-five (65) Caribbean fisheries professionals have benefited from training through GRÓ FTP. Several of the program's alumni have moved on to leadership roles within fisheries administrations, the CRFM Secretariat, and the CRFM Ministerial Council. Notably, Ministerial Council member, the Honorable Jullan Defoe, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy in Dominica, and the CRFM Secretariat’s Executive Director, Dr. Williams, both received fisheries training from GRÓ FTP.
GRÓ FTP, which promotes sustainable use and management of living aquatic resources, has reaffirmed its desire to continue supporting the development of fisheries management capacity and the training of future Caribbean leaders.
CRFM 20th Anniversary Technical Papers and National Reports now online!
The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is pleased to announce that the full proceedings of the Twentieth Anniversary Scientific Conference is now available online. The publication is listed on our official publications page, and individual papers can be accessed below. The publication is available in two volumes: Volume I: Technical Papers and Volume II: National Reports.
The CRFM expresses its sincerest gratitude and appreciation to all who contributed in any way to this monumental undertaking, especially the 130 authors who contributed their invaluable expertise. Together, the publications total almost 900 pages, comprised of 77 papers, including 17 reports on the status of fisheries and aquaculture across the CRFM Member States. Below are the 10 thematic areas captured in the publication:
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LIST OF PUBLISHED PAPERS AND REPORTS
Session I: Fisheries and Food Security in the Region
1.1 | Driving Circular Economy By Transforming Fish Parts From Processing (“Fish Waste”): a Barbadian Case Study for Resource Optimization in the Caribbean Countries
Authors: Yvette Diei Ouadi et al
1.2 | Food for Thought: Fisheries and Aquaculture Contributions to Food Security in the Caribbean
Authors: Maria Delesalle et al
1.3 | Strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary Capacity of the Fisheries Sectors within CARIFORUM Countries for Improved Market Access Under the Economic Partnership Agreement
Authors: Janet L. Lawrence and Peter A. Murray
1.4 | Inventory of Marine Fish and Aquaculture Factory Processing Establishments in CRFM Member States
Authors: S. C. Grant et al
Session II: Legal, Policy and Institutional Frameworks for Fisheries
2.1 | The Regional Aspect of Fisheries Governance in the Wider Caribbean
Authors: Robin Mahon and Lucia M. Fanning
2.2 | Review of the Legal and Policy Framework for Sustainable Use of the Living Marine Resources of the CRFM Member States
Author: Milton O. Haughton
2.3 | Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Suite of Laws for the Barbados Fisheries Sector
Authors: Shelly-Ann Cox et al
2.4 | A Review of National Intersectoral Committee (NIC) Governance Arrangements for Shrimp and Groundfish in the Northern Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (NBSLME)
Author: Sanya S. Compton
2.5 | Developing a Policy Framework for Gender Mainstreaming in the Fisheries Sector
Author: Peter A. Murray
2.6 | The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: CARICOM’s Interests, Participation and Outcome
Author: Nigel Durrant
2.7 | The Need for Rigor in the Fisheries Space - Why the Term “IUU Fishing” is a Hindrance
Author: Ian Ralby
Session III: Data and Science for Sustainable Fisheries Development & Management
3.1 | Implementing a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan to Inform Fisheries Governance in the Wider Caribbean
Authors: Lucia M. Fanning and Robin Mahon
3.2 | Analysis of Trends in Production, Fleet, Trade and Economic Contribution of the Fisheries and Aquaculture in CRFM Member States
Authors: Pranaya Parida et al
3.3 | Data Management for Fisheries Management: Addressing Challenges and Unleashing Revolutionary Innovations
Author: Vilhjálmur Hallgrímsson
3.4 | Leveraging Lessons From the Caribbean to Enhance the Value-Chain Approach in Developing Sustainable Small-Scale Capture Fisheries
Authors: Alexander S.T. Girvan et al
3.5 | Commercial Sea Cucumber Stock Assessment to Determine Sustainable Quotas in Belize
Authors: Kenneth Esquivel et al
3.6 | DIGIFISH: Data Driven Solutions to Inform Decision Making
Authors: Shelly-Ann Cox et al
3.7 | Video methodologies for deep water surveying of queen conch (Strombus gigas): a comparison study in Turks & Caicos Islands
Authors: J Van Rijn et al
3.8 | Modern Tools for Fisheries Data Collection and Data Management: Experiences From Suriname
Authors: Tomas Willems et al
3.9 | Assessing the Spatio-Temporal Dynamics and Overfishing Implications for Guyana’s Seabob Shrimp Industry
Authors: Ray Netwon and Mikhail Amsterdam
3.10 | Digitizing the Vessel Inspection Process in Barbados
Authors: Adriel Jackman et al
3.11 | Comparative Analysis of Shark Capture Data: Species Composition, Diversity, and Abundance Along the Northeast Coast of Trinidad
Authors: Imran Khan et al
3.12 | Socio-Economic Features of Antigua’s Small-Scale Fisheries Sector – Implications for Economic Security and Sustainable Development
Author: Ian Horsford
3.13 | The Evolution of Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting of Fisheries Data for the Commonwealth of Dominica
Authors: Derrick Theophile and Kurt Hilton
3.14 | Improving Social and Economic Resilience Through Enhanced Regional Trade in Fish and Seafood
Authors: Milton O. Haughton and Adele O. Ramos
3.15 | Biology and Diseases of Panulirus argus on Saint Kitts and Nevis
Authors: Nicole A. M. Atherley Herbert et al
Session IV: Capacity Building in Fisheries
4.1 | CRFM’s Training and Capacity Building Activities: 2003-2023
Authors: Pamela Gibson et al
4.2 | Investigating the Economic Implications of Weather-Related Damages and Theft on Fishing Vessels: a Survey-Based Analysis in the Coastal Communities of Trinidad
Authors: Vivan Alexander et al
4.3 | Women Empowerment in the Belize Fishing Industry
Authors: Sandra C. Grant et al
4.4 | Reflections on a Collaborative Program to Build Capacity in the Caribbean Fisheries Resource Management Sector
Authors: Nancy Montes and Charles Sidman
Session V: Aquaculture and Marine Science
5.1 | A Bioeconomic Approach for Sea Cucumber Mariculture in the Caribbean
Authors: Ricardo Anthony Morris (rescheduled to Thursday)
5.2 | Looking Back Before Moving Forward: Learning From History to Develop Aquaculture and Mariculture in Barbados
Authors: Christopher Parker and Colvin Taylor
5.3 | Restorative Aquaculture: How Commercially Important Sea Urchins Can Aid in Coral Reef Recovery
Author: Stacey M. Williams
5.4 | Investigating the Effectiveness of Three Different Growing Methods for Seamoss Farming in Saint Lucia
Author: Makeba B. Felix
5.5 | Evaluating the outcomes of selective breeding in optimizing the growth performance of tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) for commercial production in the Bahamas
Authors: Mia Avril and John Reid
5.6 | Outlook and Key Considerations for Sustainable Commercial Aquaculture Development in CARICOM
Authors: Samia Sarkis et al
Session VI: Fisheries Conservation and Management
6.1 | Historical Local and Traditional Knowledge and Key Messages for Present-Day Holistic Fisheries Management – An Example from Haiti
Authors: Susan Singh-Renton et al
6.2 | Sustainable Harvesting of Commercial Species in the Belize Exclusive Economic Zone
Authors: Silvana N. R. Birchenough et al
6.3 | An Assessment of the Reproductive Activity of Queen Conch (Aliger gigas) in Captive and Wild Populations in the Discovery Bay Special Fishery Conservation Area, Jamaica
Authors: Shanna-Lee Thomas et al
6.4 | Use of a Maritime Domain Awareness Tool for Detecting Fishing Activity in the Waters of Caribbean States
Authors: Peter A. Murray et al
6.5 | Update on the Status and Management of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the CARICOM Region
Authors: Maren Headley et al
6.6 | What is the Right Balance Between International Management and the Involvement of Fishing Communities in the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries?
Author: Lester Gittens
6.7 | The Fish Sanctuaries Network: Jamaica’s Quiet Fisheries Success Story
Authors: Karl A. Aiken et al
6.8 | Ten Years of Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) Closed Season: Evidence From Antigua and Barbuda’s Small-Scale Fishery
Authors: Ian Horsford and Hilroy Simon
6.9 | Utilization of Artificial Reefs for Enhancement of Spiny Lobster Resource
Authors: Hiroaki Terashima et al
6.10 | Uncovering Stakeholder Perspectives on Belize's Managed Access Program: Implications for Sustainable Fisheries Management
Author: Eric Wade
6.11 | Recommended Strategies to Protect Parrotfish Populations in Barbados
Authors: Christopher Parker and Shelly-Ann Cox
Session VII: Climate Change, Ocean Acidification, Disaster Risk Management and Recovery
7.1 | The Role of Climate Risk Insurance in Building Resilience of the Fisheries Sector– the Coast (Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility) Example and Application
Authors: Isaac Anthony et al
7.2 | Gender Perspectives in Social, Blue and Climate Justice
Authors: Maria Pena and Patrick Mcconney
7.3 | Sargassum in the Caribbean: Challenges and Opportunity for Blue Growth Based on the Circular Economy Approach
Authors: Mario Ayalon et al
Session VIII: International & Regional Cooperation and Partnerships
8.1 | Fisherfolk Organisations in Fisheries Governance and Policy
Authors: Patrick Mcconney and Maria Pena
8.2 | Regional Cooperation Among CRFM, OSPESCA and WECAFC for Sustainable Fisheries in the Caribbean
Author: Milton O. Haughton
8.3 | An Examination of Integrated Marine Planning and Management in CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean Region
Author: Mikhail Amsterdam
8.4 | Regional Cooperation on Marine Biodiversity and Fisheries Management in the Wider Caribbean Region
Authors: Geraldine Conruyt et al
8.5 | Transforming Our Seas and Oceans Resources Collaboratively with Accredited Development Partners for the Benefit of all
Author: Alwyn R. Ponteen
8.6 | The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development: Potential for Regional Ocean Science Coordination and Partnership
Authors: Lorna V Inniss and Cesar Toro
8.7 | A Modernized and Results-Based ICT Framework to Strengthen Institutional Governance, Administration, Productivity, Outreach, Visibility, and Engagement
Author: Adele O. Ramos
Session IX: The Future of the CRFM in Blue Economic Growth
9.1 | Promoting a Fishery-Centered Blue Economy Through Co-Benefits and Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Nariaki Mikuni and Saori Imamura
9.2 | Building the Capacity of Aquaculture and the Blue Economy in the Caribbean
Author: Juli-Anne Russo
9.3 | Laying the Foundation for Blue Economic Growth in the Caribbean: the BE-CLME+ Project
Authors: Milton Haughton & Maren Headley
Session X: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in CRFM Member States
10.1 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Anguilla
Author: Remone Johnson
10.2 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Antigua and Barbuda
Author: Hilroy Simon
10.3 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | The Bahamas
Author: Alexandra Sinclair
10.4 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Barbados
Author: Gregory Franklin
10.5 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Belize
Author: Kenneth Esquivel
10.6 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Dominica
Author: Kurt Hilton
10.7 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Grenada
Author: Justin Rennie
10.8 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Guyana
Author: Denzil Roberts
10.9 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Haiti
Author: CRFM Secretariat
10.10 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Jamaica
Author: Dr. Azra Blythe Mallett
10.11 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Montserrat
Author: Alwyn Ponteen
10.12 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Saint Kitts and Nevis
Author: Kadean Smithen
10.13 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Saint Lucia
Author: Makeba Felix
10.14 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Author: Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard
10.15 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Suriname
Author: Zojindra Arjune
10.16 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | Trinidad and Tobago
Author: Shandira Ankiah
10.17 | National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture | The Turks and Caicos Islands
Author: Kathy Lockhart
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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Religious Affairs,
Turks and Caicos Islands, Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management
Document prepared by Kathy Lockhart, MSc., Assistant Director Fisheries
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Turks and Caicos Islands. (August 2023)
FISHERIES AT A GLANCE
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) and Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management (FMRM) has been through significant changes from natural phenomenon (storms), economic effects (economic downturns COVID19), and inter-government department changes. FMRM and the Ministry have been actively reviewing priority areas in the fisheries sector; drafted proposed amendments to the fisheries legislation, sought stakeholder participation for alternatives and diversification for the commercial fishery, and collaborated with external agencies for internationally funded research/data collection for the fisheries. As the fisheries industry is evolving, the TCIG continues to develop alternative aspects of the fisheries. Alternatives include re-development of Aquaculture with guided legislation instruments, increase and strengthen the recreational fishing activities, investigate pelagic fishing activities and harmonize the various stakeholder needs of the fisheries including food security. Both Caribbean Spiny Lobster and Queen Conch continue to be captured as commercially important fisheries for export. However, the domestic market has increased in both need and economic incentives for all marine fisheries including that of the Fin-fish fishery. The current Government has taken the approach to encourage and maintain food security from both the fisheries and agriculture sectors. With the assistance of internationally funded projects, TCIG has been able to obtain additional data for the Queen conch, development of Stakeholder landing sites and development of Fin-fish age & growth parameters.
HOW TO CITE: Lockhart, K., 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in The Turks and Caicos Islands. Contribution 10.17, p 229-239 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume II: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 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=971
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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Report written by Senior Fisheries Officer, Elizabeth Mohammed, with additional information from:
Director of Fisheries (Ag) – Nerissa Lucky; Fisheries Officers – Lara Ferreira, Louanna Martin,
Shandira Ankiah, Harnarine Lalla, Nadia Ramphal, Shane Durgah, Recardo Mieux, Allys Forte, Marc Bejai;
Senior Fisheries Researcher – Judy-Ann Bennett of the Fisheries Division;
and Fisheries Services Officer – Jenise Kirk of the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries
OVERVIEW
Trinidad and Tobago (TTO) is located northeast of Venezuela between 10° and 11° N and 60° 30’ and 62° W. The country is separated from Venezuela by the 7 to 20 mile wide Gulf of Paria. The overall land area is 5,128km2 with 704 km of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone area of 77,502km2, making the ocean space some fifteen times the land space. According to the World Bank, agriculture, forestry and fishing contributed 0.96% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021, representing a decline from 1.17% the previous year. The fisheries sector contributes about 14% of agricultural GDP and 0.1% of the national GDP, the contribution to GDP being dominated by the oil and gas sector. Nevertheless, fisheries is an important contributor to food security, employment, and domestic and foreign trade, and it supports and enhances the social, economic and cultural stability of its numerous fishing communities. Annual landings in the marine capture fisheries are estimated at about 13,084 metric tonnes, with the ex-vessel value of the commercial landings from Trinidad (70% total landings) being in the vicinity of TT$242.8 million. TTO is a net importer of fish and fish products (chilled, frozen, processed or live); in 2022 the value of exports was estimated at TT$90.7 million and the corresponding value of imports was estimated at TT$366.6 million. There are at least 25 companies in Trinidad engaged in the import and export of fish and fish products. Overall, the fishing subsector comprises about 2,892 fishing vessels and about 6,001 fishers. In 2012, through surveys at fish landing sites, over 800 land-based workers were identified as being directly involved in the fishing sector in Trinidad, performing a range of roles: vendors, wholesale truckers, hustlers at fish landing sites, fishing boat and net builders/repairers, electricians, mechanics, welders and others involved in refrigeration. While in general most fishers and vessel owners are male (based on a 2015 vessel census it was estimated that 90% of the artisanal vessel owners in Trinidad were male), there is an undetermined number of females assuming both roles. Females tend to dominate in the respective processing activities. Annual aquaculture production of food fish is approximately 17 tonnes (valued at approximately TT$255,000).
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HOW TO CITE: Mohammed, E., N. Lucky, L. Ferreira, L. Martin, S. Ankiah, H. Lalla, N. Ramphal, S. Durgah, R. Mieux, A. Forte, M. Bejai, J-A. Bennett , and J. Kirk, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Trinidad and Tobago. Contribution 10.16, p 174-228 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume II: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 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=970
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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in SURINAME
National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in SURINAME
OVERVIEW
Suriname's marine ecosystems, nestled within the Amazon-Guianas ecoregion, are impacted by the North Brazil Current and the Guianas Current, resulting in low-salinity, nutrient-rich waters. The marine biodiversity, including estuaries, mudflats, sandy beaches, and mangrove forests, are profoundly influenced by the Amazon River plume. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Suriname features a wide continental shelf, transitioning from turbid brown waters near the coast to nutrient-poor blue oceanic waters further offshore. Such zoning affects marine life distribution, from estuarine catfishes to offshore pelagic species.
The fisheries landscape of Suriname is diverse, with inshore activities characterized by small wooden boats using an assortment of nets. The coastal fisheries, distinguished by a transition from brown to green waters, utilize gillnets that drift with tidal movements. Offshore, fisheries is predominantly (semi-) industrial, focused on demersal fishes, shrimps, and large pelagic species.
Suriname's fisheries are economically pivotal. In 2022, the sector harvested 30,847 tons of fish and 2,117 tons of shrimp, contributing to 2.3% of the nation's GDP. A significant fraction of Suriname's working population, specifically 3,950 fishers and 2,193 ancillary workers, relies on this industry. Consequently, the stability of the fishing industry holds paramount importance for the nation's socioeconomic fabric.
HOW TO CITE: Fisheries Directorate, Suriname, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Suriname. Contribution 10.15, p 166-173 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume II: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 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=969
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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
OVERVIEW
The domestic fishing industry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has traditionally participated in small-scale and artisanal fishing, using traditional fish gear, methods, and vessels. Records indicate that there are approximately one thousand and thirty (1030) registered vessels and twenty-five hundred (2500) people employed within the sector in SVG. SVG has a large shelf inshore fishing area (2,000km2), a large EEZ (36,300km2), and a larger fisheries production potential than neighbouring island states. Most of its main fishery resources are shared with neighbouring Eastern Caribbean countries, and relatively little is known of their production potential. SVG’s main fisheries are: small coastal pelagic species, accounting for up to 50% of all SVG catch in weight; large pelagic species (regional and open ocean); demersal species including reef species caught to the south of St. Vincent and in the Grenadines; and deep slope species.
The industry contributes approximately 1 - 1.5% of the Gross Domestic Product of SVG with a per capita consumption of approximately 23 lbs of fish across an estimated population of one hundred and nine thousand (109,000) people. Fish landings are estimated at 2.9 million lbs with a corresponding value of EC$ 19.2 million. Fish imports average approximately 1.09 million lbs at a value of EC$ 6.4 million, while fish exports average 1.1 million lbs valued at EC$ 13.1 million (these figures represent the average data 2018 - 2022). Accordingly, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a net importer of fish and fish products.
HOW TO CITE: Fisheries Division, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Contribution 10.14, p 156-165 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume II: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 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=968
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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in SAINT LUCIA
National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in SAINT LUCIA
Makeba B. Felix
Department of Fisheries Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security
and Rural Development Saint Lucia
INTRODUCTION
Saint Lucia is in the archipelago of islands in the Eastern Caribbean (see Figure 1) and has a land area of 617 km² and a population of approximately 182,000 people (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2015). The island is surrounded by a coastal shelf area of 522 km2 and a coastline that extends for 158 km (Walker, unpublished data). Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector consists of commercial and recreational marine wild-capture fisheries, marine and freshwater aquaculture, and post-harvest activities. In addition, marine-tourism activities such as sports fishing, SCUBA diving, and snorkeling are also administered under Saint Lucia’s Fisheries Regulations. The policy guidance for the sector is outlined in the National Policy for the Fisheries Sector of Saint Lucia 2020 – 2030. The fisheries sector has been a major form of employment and revenue in the coastal communities (The World Bank, 2019) providing livelihoods to over 1800 fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and, which is estimated at 0.62% of the national labour force (GOSL, 2023). It provides livelihoods along with offering immense opportunities for employment generation for people along the value chain, especially for youth and women, and for meeting national food and nutritional security and foreign exchange earnings.
HOW TO CITE: Felix, M.B., 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Saint Lucia. Contribution 10.13, p 139-155 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume II: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 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=967
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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
OVERVIEW
The Department of Marine Resources is directly responsible for the conservation, protection, and management of all marine resources within the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. As of 2022, the fisheries sector of the nation contributed 0.4% to the national GDP. In order to increase our GDP share and align with the 2025 agenda of decreasing food imports by 25%, we are presently engaged in various projects, including:
• The installation of additional Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) to increase the catch of ocean pelagic fish species.
• The cultivation of sea moss to alleviate some of the strain on our coastal fish stocks and create alternative employment opportunities for our fishers.
Currently, we are seeking to transform the fisheries sector by developing the necessary infrastructure at all the landing sites throughout the federation. The goal is to encourage fishers to invest in larger vessels that will assist them to catch ocean pelagic fish and to increase length of fishing trips. There are twelve (12) fish landing sites in St. Kitts and Nevis with most currently having little to no fisheries infrastructure.
HOW TO CITE: Department of Marine Resources, Saint Kitts and Nevis, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in St. Kitts and Nevis. Contribution 10.12, p 129-138 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume II: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 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=966
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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in MONTSERRAT
National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in MONTSERRAT
Alwyn R. Ponteen Chief Fisheries and Ocean Governance Officer
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The United Kingdom Overseas Territory of Montserrat as calculated by geodetic datum WGS 84 is geographically located at latitude 16°44'33'' N and longitude -62°11'14.5'' W (DMS) (Geodatos 2023). This mountainous lush-green volcanic land mass, is surrounded by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and boasts a rich and unique ocean biodiversity ecosystem.
Measuring approximately 11 miles long north to south and 7 miles east to west, the volcanic island is characterised by approximately 40 kilometres of coastline, with deep seas/oceans and steep benthic drop-offs, (Seaaroundus.org, 2013). Montserrat is a Signatory to the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and several other supporting international binding and non-binding agreements through extension by the United Kingdom Government.
Montserrat by legally claiming an ocean space of 3NM territorial sea as a whole and not piece meal, is recognising the critical component of sound scientific evidence-based ocean governance and management in the decision-making processes Montserrat as in many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the ocean provides food security and nutrition, socio-economic development, health and wealth from its essential ecosystem goods and services on which so many livelihoods depend. However, knowledge and understanding of Montserrat coastal and ocean environment is limited.
HOW TO CITE: Ponteen, A., 2026.National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Montserrat. Contribution 10.11, p 119-128 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume II: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 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=965
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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in JAMAICA
National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in JAMAICA
OVERVIEW
The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) of Jamaica, formerly the Fisheries Division is a transitioning agency within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. The NFA is responsible for the conservation and sustainable utilization of the Jamaican fisheries resources in a manner that ensures optimum social and economic benefits to the people of Jamaica.
• VISION: The NFA is a model of excellence in Capture Fisheries and Aquaculture Management and Development
• MISSION: To facilitate the sustainable development of the Jamaican fisheries sector, including aquaculture, through effective and efficient management, regulation, administration, and participatory governance for the benefit of all Jamaicans
• STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE: To improve, the economic, social, and ecological value of capture fisheries and aquaculture while increasing the value of fisheries contribution to GDP by 2026.
Jamaica has a land mass of 10,991 km2, a coastline of 1,022 km and an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of approximately 274,000 km2 or 24.9 times its land mass (Figure 1). The fisheries sector is an important contributor to income generation, employment, foreign exchange earnings, food and nutrition security, social and economic stability, and alleviation of poverty. Many coastal communities depend on fishing as their primary source of income, which is passed down through many generations, not just as a livelihood but “a way of life”. Locally, capture fisheries and aquaculture contribute to approximately 20% of the overall supply of fish and fish products, accounting for 0.52% of overall GDP in 2020. Fisheries also play an important role in the lives of women. Most are vendors and processors, but some are boat and gear owners.
HOW TO CITE: National Fisheries Authority, Jamaica, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Jamaica. Contribution 10.10, p 109-118 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume II: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 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=964
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