Restorative Aquaculture: How Commercially Important Sea Urchins Can Aid in Coral Reef Recovery

Stacey Williams

 Institute for Socio-Ecological Research, Puerto Rico

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ABSTRACT

Sea urchins are commercially important as their gonads, also known as roe or uni, are considered a delicacy in many countries. However, sea urchins also play an important ecological role as they are the main herbivores in marine habitats. Herbivores are essential on coral reefs as they control the abundance of benthic algae, which would otherwise outcompete corals and other benthic organisms for space. Currently, many Caribbean coral reefs lack herbivores and are dominated by macroalgae and a dangerous encrusting alga, Ramicrusta spp. The Institute for Socio-Ecological Research (ISER) has developed a novel approach in improving coral reefs by enhancing sea urchin populations in Puerto Rico through restorative aquaculture techniques. ISER is executing two different techniques to produce urchins for restoration purposes. Post larval settlers of the long spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, are collected from the field, brought back to the laboratory, and grown to a young adult size. Recently, we developed a small scale hatchery and have been closing the life cycle of the West Indian sea urchin, Tripneustes ventricosus, in the laboratory. More than 5,500 lab-reared D. antillarum and more than 300 T. ventricosus, have been restocked to coral reefs all around Puerto Rico. Significant changes in the benthic structure were observed during the first week after the restocking. Significant reductions of fleshy macroalgae (Dictyota spp.) and thick turf algal/sediment mats (TAS), both unsuitable substrates (e.g., coral settlement), contributed to this change. Additionally, preliminary observations show that coral outplants have a higher chance of surviving when herbivores are present because they do not need to compete for space against cyanobacteria and macroalgae. Our work shows that producing sea urchins through aquaculture techniques provides direct ecological benefits to coral reefs and should be integrated in all coral restoration plans.

HOW TO CITE: Williams S.M, 2026.  Restorative Aquaculture: How Commercially Important Sea Urchins Can Aid in Coral Reef Recovery. Contribution 5.3, p346 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=927

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Looking Back Before Moving Forward: Learning From History to Develop Aquaculture and Mariculture in Barbados

Christopher Parker and Colvin Taylor

Barbados Fisheries Division. Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification, Princess Alice Highway, Bridgetown, Barbados

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ABSTRACT

To meet local demands, Barbados currently imports much more fish and fish products than it produces. In recent years this disparity has worsened by the significant reduction in catches of flyingfish and dolphinfish resulting from the mass influxes of Sargassum spp. into traditional fishing grounds. Against this background, the Barbados Fisheries Policy (BFP) 2023-2033 requires Government to support the contribution of sustainable aquaculture to economic growth, food security and income diversification. At this juncture, it is prudent to critically review and assess the island’s past aquaculture and mariculture ventures with the objective of discerning any lessons learnt and applying these to the formulation of sound policies and plans for the development and management of vi–able and sustainable aquaculture and mariculture in Barbados. This is the main objective of this paper. Scarcity of available land and water resources significantly limits opportunities for large-scale, land-based aquaculture ventures in Barbados. As such, the island’s few commercial-scale ventures have necessarily utilized Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). However, most of these businesses have not been sustainably profitable for various reasons, with most not progressing beyond the pilot-phase. Small-scale “backyard” ventures often rearing primarily Tilapia in small tanks as well as in aquaponics arrays, have emerged as the predominant forms of aquaculture on the island. Options for mariculture are also constrained by the island’s densely populated land area and limited and crowded coastline. It is emphasized that it is the duty of government through cogent legislation to ensure that all aquaculture and mariculture ventures are financially sustainable and redound to the benefit of Barbados without damaging the environment. To this end, a new policy framework for aquaculture and mariculture and regulations were approved by Cabinet on 9th June 2023. Regular consultation with stakeholder experts is necessary for implementation and to chart the way forward for the sector.

HOW TO CITE: Parker, C. and C. Taylor, 2026. Looking Back Before Moving Forward: Learning From History to Develop Aquaculture and Mariculture in Barbados. Contribution 5.2, p331-345 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 Secretariathttps://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=926

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A Bioeconomic Approach for Sea Cucumber Mariculture in the Caribbean

Ricardo Anthony Morris

Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub

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ABSTRACT

  The downturn of the lucrative multi-species sea cucumber trade in the Asian market has in the last decade led to an increase in fishing pressure in other regions where the fishery previously did not exist. This has led to an increased threat of unsustainable fishing, overexploitation of stocks, loss of biodiversity, negative ecological impacts, and the destabilization of sensitive ecosystems and coastal communities targeting these species. All these impacts have been realized in the Latin America and Caribbean region including Jamaica, whose management has been slow or unresponsive in adapting to the sudden demand for the species. On the other hand, this demand and high prices for the species present several opportunities including for aquaculture and mariculture which can provide economic benefits, supplement already overexploited fisheries, and contribute to the restoration and resilience of coastal ecosystems to climate change impacts. A bioeconomic approach to investigation and then implementation of sea cucumber mariculture can provide an inefficient means of optimizing ocean space, inputs (costs), economic benefit, and ecological contribution. This is given that space and cost are major limitations to aquaculture and mariculture development in small island states like those in the Caribbean. The approach involves an initial experimental mariculture phase where wild seeds (juveniles) are collected and kept in identical enclosures on the seabed in different densities and habitat conditions. Over time, biological indicators such as ambient conditions, mortality, and growth, are monitored along with applicable costs which could include feed, security, lease arrangements, etc. Following this monitoring period, a bioeconomic assessment is conducted to determine the optimum harvest time and harvest size for the targeted market along with the different density habitat conditions. The results are expected to provide critical management and policy development information, with the potential for being scaled up, about the viability of sea cucumber mariculture as a business in conditions specific to the Caribbean.

HOW TO CITE: Morris, R.A., 2026.A Bioeconomic Approach for Sea Cucumber Mariculture in the Caribbean. Contribution 5.1, p330 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=925

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Reflections on a Collaborative Program to Build Capacity in the Caribbean Fisheries Resource Management Sector

Nancy Montes* and Charles Sidman

Florida Sea Grant, University of Florida Gainesville, Florida, USA.

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ABSTRACT

Capacity development, a process by which an organization or institution strives to improve the skills of its professional staff, is often cited as a priority for strengthening fisheries and ocean management in developing regions, including the Caribbean. Needs span the disciplines of social, physical, and environmental sciences and include topics related to aquaculture development; marine spatial planning; data collection and analysis; geo-spatial technologies; and fisheries stock assessment (Montes and Sidman, 2019). These skills may be imparted to staff on-the-job and/or through participation in professional trainings, typically provided through partnerships among governments, regional institutions, and international organizations. Trainings are often of short-duration and provide participants with basic knowledge and exposure to needs-related concepts. Extended learning opportunities that provide cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and incorporate user-defined projects can equip participants with greater expertise and added confidence to apply the knowledge gained, given sufficient support from their organizations or institutions. During the past decade, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has prioritized capacity building, in part, through its support of a training program for fisheries management professionals at the University of Florida, undertaken through a cooperative agreement with Florida Sea Grant (FSG). This program has also benefited from the sponsorship of professional organizations, such as the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI). The evolution of this capacity-building program from on-site to virtual learning platforms – made necessary in response to COVID-19 – is evaluated through a survey of former program participants. The paper explores the reach of the training program throughout the Gulf and Caribbean regions; the motivations that drive program participation; the ways in which learned skills are being applied; the personal and professional benefits that have accrued to former participants; and future training opportunities.

HOW TO CITE: Montes, N. and C. Sidman, 2026. Reflections on a Collaborative Program to Build   Capacity in the Caribbean Fisheries Resource Management Sector. Contribution 4.4, p320-329 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=924

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Women Empowerment in the Belize Fishing Industry

Sandra C. Grant^*1, Ralna Lewis Lamb², Peter A. Murray¹, Nidia Chacon³, Isabel Martinez⁴, Deseree Arzu²

Contact information of author(s)

CRFM Secretariat, Belize (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )¹,

Wildlife Conservation Society, Belize (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )²,

The Nature Conservancy, Belize (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )³,

Belize Fisheries Department (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )⁴

ABSTRACT

Women’s empowerment is the process by which females who have been denied the ability to make strategic life choices acquire such an ability. There are gender inequalities in the distribution of power in the Belize fisheries sector. Perceptions on gender equality amongst women in the fisheries sector is that they are not treated fairly, and they do not have equal opportunity within a male dominated sector. Within Belize’s fisheries sector, women are not generally engaged, consulted, or valued; consequently, they cannot fully attain their potential contribution to fisheries management and development. Yet, they make significant contribution to the fisheries sector. Women are involved in pre-harvest activities (preparing meals, vessels, fishing equipment, and bait for fishing trip; planning fishing trips, organizing crew); fishing operations; post-harvesting activities (processing, marketing, sale); and the preparation of fish meals (nutrition). Intensified and focused efforts are needed to engage Belizean women and strengthen their capacity for action across segments of the fisheries sector. This paper draws on the case study of Belize’s interventions to address the issues women face in the fisheries sector to illustrate key lessons of the transformative potential of women empowerment. The interactions of resources (access to material, human, and social resources), agency (processes of decision-making and negotiation), and achievements (well-being and outcome) combine to influence women’s empowerment. Women became empowered by their acquisition of new skills, greater knowledge of the marine ecosystem in which they work, and external interventions. Thus, they were able to influence decisions about their future and with confidence they are more willing to participate in decision-making.

HOW TO CITE: Grant, S.C., R. Lewis Lamb, P. A. Murray, N. Chacon, I. Martinez and D. Arzu. 2026. Women Empowerment in the Belize Fishing Industry. Contribution 4.3 IN CRFM, 2026. Papers presented at the CRFM 20^th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 35, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=923

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Investigating the Economic Implications of Weather-Related Damages and Theft on Fishing Vessels: a Survey-Based Analysis in the Coastal Communities of Trinidad

Dennis Sammy, Vivan Alexander, Imran Khan and Evana Douglas

Future Fishers, Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago

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ABSTRACT

The fishing industry on the northeast coast of Trinidad holds great importance as a major economic driver in the region, providing employment, income opportunities and supporting local businesses. Fishing provides a sustainable protein source for the community and is an integral part of cultural traditions and community life in these seven villages. However, the lack of safe ports for securing the valuable fishing assets has resulted in damage and destruction of vessels owing to harsh weather conditions and theft. Accordingly, Future Fishers investigated the economic impact of these events on the lives of fishers. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential consequences of the lack of safe ports for fishing vessels. Primary data were collected using a two-step process. First, fisherfolks registered in the Future Fishers database were contacted to identify those who were affected. Second, phone or in-person interviews were used to elicit information from those who were impacted. The information collected was the date and location of the events, the type and extent of damages, what caused the damage and the estimated cost and time to repair. The preliminary findings suggest that adverse weather conditions and theft have a significant impact on fishers and their fishing communities. The study has practical implications for multiple stakeholders, including local villages, government agencies, and fishers. They will gain insights into the economic impact of extreme weather events and the urgent need for safe ports and facilities that sustain the local fishing industry.

HOW TO CITE: Sammy, D., V. Alexander, I. Khan and E. Douglas, 2026. Investigating the Economic Implications of Weather-Related Damages and Theft on Fishing Vessels: a Survey-Based Analysis in the Coastal Communities of Trinidad. Contribution 4.2, p288-298 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=922

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Capacity building in fisheries - CRFM’s Training and Capacity Building Activities: 2003-2023

Pamela A. Gibson, Sandra C. Grant and Peter A. Murray

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat

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ABSTRACT

In the two decades since the inauguration of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) on 27 March 2003, one of its core strategic objectives has been capacity building and institutional strengthening. As part of its efforts to achieve this strategic objective, the CRFM has been providing training opportunities in several fishery related disciplines through cooperative agreements with various regional and international academic institutions, through both degree programs and shorter-term training courses. Additionally, training and capacity building activities have been conducted as part of specific projects implemented by the CRFM. Over the twenty-year period, upwards of 1,650 training and capacity building opportunities have been made available to Caribbean nationals through formal cooperative arrangements and/or project-specific activities. This paper presents an overview of the cooperative arrangements in place, background information on the annual/biennial training courses, and information on various training/capacity building opportunities provided to the CRFM Member States. The information takes into account the related fishery disciplines offered, disaggregated by gender and beneficiary Member States.

HOW TO CITE: Gibson, P.A., S. C. Grant and P. A. Murray, 2026. CRFM’s Training and Capacity Building Activities: 2003-2023. Contribution 4.1, p279-287 IN CRFM, 2026. Papers  presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. Volume I: Technical Papers. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=921

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Biology and Diseases of Panulirus argus on Saint Kitts and Nevis

Nicole A. M. Atherley Herbert, Michelle M. Dennis, Mark A. Freeman

Center for Conservation Medicine & Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis

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ABSTRACT

The Caribbean spiny lobster, P. argus, is a commercially important species found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Since P. argus fisheries generate approximately US $1 billion annually, regulations are in place to protect the fisheries and ensure sustainability of the resource. Countries within the region have adopted regulations to achieve this objective, including closed seasons and minimum landing size requirements. In a study conducted on Saint Kitts and Nevis from 2017 to 2020, morphological and histological data were collected, it was determined that minimum size at maturity occurs at 87 mm carapace length while peak reproductive activity occurs from March to May. Although there are few known diseases of P. argus, the PaV1 virus has negatively affected several P. argus populations in some countries. Disease surveillance functions to determine the health of the fishing stock and to discover emergent pathogens which may threaten the fisheries. In this study, lobsters at the adult, juvenile and postlarval stages were screened grossly and histologically for signs of disease. Molecular techniques were also used to identify the aetiological agents of pathologies observed. Parasites such as Ameson herrnkindi (a novel microsporidian parasite), Carcinonemertes conanobrieni, an egg-predator previously reported in Florida and Colombia, and previously undescribed Carcinonemertes sp. were found. Such scientific data can prove instrumental in the management of P. argus stocks including the identification of determination of potential closed seasons, establishing minimum legal size, and assessing aquaculture suitability. Based on our data, March to June could be adopted as the closed season for Saint Kitts and Nevis.

HOW TO CITE: Herbert, N.A.M.A., M. M. Dennis and M. A. Freeman, 2026.  Biology and Diseases of Panulirus argus on Saint Kitts and Nevis. Contribution 3.15, p265-278 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=920

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Improving Social and Economic Resilience Through Enhanced Regional Trade in Fish and Seafood

Milton O. Haughton and Adele O. Ramos

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat

Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City, Belize

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ABSTRACT

This paper provides a brief overview and analysis of the trade in fish and fishery products in the Caribbean Community, with a view towards promoting the expansion of intra-regional trade to improve food security and social and economic resilience. It considers the current status and trends in fish production, export, import and annual per capita consumption; the legal and policy frameworks for regulation of intra-regional trade; and impediments to the expansion of intra-regional trade; and then concludes with a few recommendations to improve intra-regional trade in fish and fishery products. These include further studies and policy measures to overcome the impediments identified and create a more conducive environment for seafood safety, transportation, and value addition and expansion of intra-regional trade, while ensuring sustainable use of the fisheries resources through the implementation of effective management and conservation measures.

HOW TO CITE: Haughton, M. O. and A. O. Ramos, 2026. Improving Social and Economic Resilience Through Enhanced Regional Trade in Fish and Seafood. Contribution 3.14, p249-264 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=919

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

Derrick Theophille and Kurt Hilton

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

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ABSTRACT

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

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

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