Belize City, Belize, 3 June 2026 (CRFM)—The Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), a regional inter-governmental body of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), convened its Twentieth (20^th) Regular Meeting today. The Council, comprised of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Blue Economy Ministers from the Caribbean, deliberated via teleconference on key issues confronting the sector. These include bolstering aquaculture development, improving food security, strengthening resilience to climate and disaster risks through insurance, and notable gains in addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Before delving into these pressing matters, the Council elected Hon. Randy Baltimore, Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Antigua and Barbuda, as Chair. Minister Baltimore succeeds Hon. Kyle Hodge, Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources, Anguilla, who rendered stellar service as Chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council during the previous year.

In accepting the Chairmanship, Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting sustainable use of marine resources, supporting fisherfolk livelihoods, and advancing innovative solutions to challenges facing the fisheries sector, including climate change, illegal fishing, and marine resource management.

Minister Baltimore said: “The Government of Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to working closely with CRFM Member States and regional partners to further the sustainable development of the Caribbean’s fisheries and blue economy sectors during its tenure as Chair.”

He noted that he had recently been assigned to the portfolio following national elections in the Member State. Supported by the Chair of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum, Mr. Ian Horsford, Chief Fisheries Officer, Antigua and Barbuda, the Ministers effectively addressed a range of topics, resulting in the passage of 19 resolutions critical to the advancement of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

 

Minister Baltimore chairing the Council meeting from Antigua and Barbuda (Photo: Government of Antigua and Barbuda)

 

In addressing the Council at the conclusion of the meeting, CRFM Executive Director, Dr. Marc Williams said: “The Caribbean stands at a pivotal moment when sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, the Blue Economy, climate resilience, and ocean governance must be integrated to secure prosperity for present and future generations. I encourage all Member States to maintain their strong engagement in implementing today's resolutions and to continue supporting the CRFM as a premier regional institution for fisheries and ocean governance.”

The Ministers approved a new 5-year aquaculture action plan, as well as a new biennial work plan and budget for the CRFM, spanning 2026-2027. They also received updates on three regional initiatives through which critical work is being undertaken by the CRFM, in collaboration with its Member States and institutional partners, to strengthen the sector. These are the Canadian-funded Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries (STAR-fish) Project, the IICA/EDF-EU Food Security Project, as well as the GEF/FAO/CAF/CRFM BE-CLME+ Project: Promoting National Blue Economy Priorities Through Marine Spatial Planning in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Plus.

“The Council’s decisions on the CRFM work plan and budget, financial management, staffing, and strategic priorities provide a strong foundation for advancing the CRFM’s goals and delivering tangible benefits to the people who depend on our marine resources,” Dr. Williams said.

The Council is scheduled to meet again later this year, during the 20^th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica.

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Belize City, Tuesday, 2 June 2026 (CRFM)—Amid rising energy costs and growing climate pressures affecting Caribbean Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is ramping up clean energy interventions under the CAD4.324 million STAR-Fish Project: “Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries.”

Implementation activities across participating countries—Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname—will focus on strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of fisheries and aquaculture through clean energy solutions and low-carbon development. Planned interventions include the identification and deployment of renewable energy technologies, including cold storage solutions to improve cold chain efficiency, as well as support for selected fisheries to pursue low-carbon certification.

Participants engaged in the “Powering Change: Fueling a Gender-Responsive Energy Transition in Fisheries” training and workshop series held in Grenada during Year 2 of the STAR-Fish Project’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion consultancy implemented by EnGen Collaborative.

 

At the 2^nd Regional Project Steering Committee Meeting held on 14 May 2026, Sherron Barker, Regional Project Coordinator for the STAR-Fish Project, presented the approved 2026–2027 Work Plan and Budget, which will guide the next phase of implementation. Key near-term priorities include developing viable business models to support investment in clean energy technologies, advancing the conversion of selected fish processing operations, and strengthening market opportunities for low-carbon certified fisheries.

Ms. Ena Ćimić, STAR-Fish Project Lead at the High Commission of Canada to Jamaica, representing Global Affairs Canada (GAC), acknowledged that the Caribbean’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors are important drivers of economic activity, livelihoods, and food security across the region. Addressing the meeting, she noted that, “the sectors also remain highly vulnerable to climate change, rising energy costs, and evolving market demands.”

Ms. Ćimić added: “the activities implemented through this project position STAR-Fish to further strengthen institutional capacity, advance gender-responsive approaches, and support the adoption of sustainable energy technologies within the fisheries and aquaculture sector, while also improving access to finance, enhancing competitiveness, and building resilience to climate and disaster risks across participating countries.”

Reflecting on progress during the previous year, Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, noted that STAR-Fish advanced key technical workstreams, including renewable energy business model development, carbon footprinting, and low-carbon certification processes. He added that Project Year 2 marked an important transition as the project moved from foundational planning toward more structured and coordinated implementation across participating countries.

 

 

Westmoreland, Jamaica Seamoss farmers participated in consultations and capacity-building activities under the “Powering Change: Fueling a Gender-Responsive Energy Transition in Fisheries” initiative implemented through the STAR-Fish Project’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion consultancy led by EnGen Collaborative.

 

Dr. Williams added: “One of the project’s key achievements during the reporting period was the completion of major activities on gender equality and social inclusion. This work strengthened understanding of gender and social issues associated with the clean energy transition, supported the development of national and regional guidance tools through Gender Action Plans (GAPs) for Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and advanced gender-responsive capacity building and stakeholder engagement across participating countries.”

Ms. Ćimić said that GAC welcomed STAR-Fish’s gender-responsive approach, vital to strengthening national capacities, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy transition are shared equitably.

“This aligns with Canada’s priorities of advancing gender equality, climate action, and sustainable, inclusive growth, while also supporting expanded trade opportunities in the region,” she said, pledging GAC’s continued support for the CRFM initiative.

Dr. Williams said that the project now enters Project Year 3 with “activities underway, strengthened governance arrangements, and a clearer pathway toward the practical application of renewable energy solutions across fisheries value chains in the Caribbean.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with all of you to support effective implementation and to contribute to a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive Caribbean fisheries sector,” Ćimić affirmed.

 

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Belize City, Belize, 24 April 2026 (CRFM)—The Caribbean Fisheries Forum, comprised of 17 heads of fisheries authorities across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is convening its 24th Regular Meeting this week. The Forum, which provides technical guidance to the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), began its meeting on Thursday, 23 April 2026, with deliberations on the CRFM’s Seventh Biennial Work Plan (2026-2027), which sets the framework for the regional fisheries body to advance the development of fisheries and aquaculture across the region. Today’s agenda is focused on pressing regional and international developments, as well as the status and trends of the sector.

 

 Across the Caribbean Community, approximately half-a-million people are employed in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, including 122,198 fishers, 4,926 aquaculture farmers, and 412,078 others who hold fisheries-dependent jobs across the value chain.

 

Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM, said: “The Caribbean Fisheries Forum provides the CRFM with a platform to discuss fish stocks, the blue economy, marine ecosystems, and fishing activities. Given the proximity of the Member States in the Caribbean and the transboundary nature of the fish stocks, cooperation is essential for the sustainable management of these stocks.” 

He added that, “The Forum meeting provides a platform for the Member States to share data, examine common challenges such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change, habitat degradation, and overfishing, and coordinate policies that protect resources while supporting livelihoods. Additionally, it reinforces partnerships among governments, fisherfolk organizations, researchers, and other nongovernmental organizations to foster trust, harmonize plans, improve enforcement, and attract funding for joint projects that benefit the CRFM Member States.” 

On Thursday, 24 April 2026, the Forum also held elections for a new Chair and Vice Chair, as well as members of the Executive Committee of the Forum and the Resource Mobilization Sub-committee. After the elections, Mr. Ian Horsford, Chief Fisheries Officer, Antigua and Barbuda, assumed the Chair, succeeding Mr. Remone Johnson of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the next year.

"In these times of geopolitical uncertainty, CRFM—through its various organs such as the Forum—remains a shining example of what can be achieved through multilateralism as we chart the way forward for the sustainable development of Caribbean fisheries and blue economy," Mr. Horsford said. 

The two-day meeting, which concludes today, Friday, 24 April, addresses the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture, as well as cross-cutting dimensions related to climate change, adaptation, and innovation, including the strategic adoption of renewable energy options within seafood value chains. The Forum’s deliberations also encompass initiatives to combat IUU fishing and fisheries crime, as well as gender mainstreaming in fisheries. 

Furthermore, the Forum is providing technical guidance on two new protocols under the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP): a protocol on marine spatial planning and the other on aquatic foods traceability, which involves tracking seafood across the value chain. Deliberations extend to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (the BBNJ Agreement), as well as the International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution—all important legal instruments for the sector. 

This week’s Forum meeting precedes the upcoming 20^th Regular Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, comprised of Ministers from the CRFM’s Member States.

 

COASTFISH PROJECT OUTPUTS

 

The Project for Strengthening Sustainable Use and Management of Coastal Fisheries Resources in the CARICOM Countries (COASTFISH) concluded in 2025. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded COASTFISH Project, implemented through IC Net Ltd. of Japan in collaboration with the CRFM, has successfully supported a diverse range of pilot initiatives across the region aimed at enhancing the sustainability and resilience of coastal fisheries. The CRFM is pleased to share some key outputs delivered under the project.

 

Documents

   

 

 

   

 

 

 ACCESS DOCUMENTS

 

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Juvenile Queen Conch Survey

Guidelines for Installation and Monitoring of Artificial Reefs in Caribbean Countries

Outcome Statements for COASTFISH Project

Report on the Regional COASTFISH Seminar (Third Term)

Report of the First Regional COASTFISH Workshop

 

Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belize City, Belize, 23 March 2026 (CRFM)—Fishers from the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) recently concluded a very successful exchange in Grenada. From March 16-19, a delegation of six fishers, supported by two fisheries officers, gained firsthand knowledge on the construction and deployment of fish aggregating devices (FADs). FADs can be very effective in attracting fish in the open sea, thereby boosting production, exports, and economic impacts. The Turks and Caicos Islands hopes to also reap these long-term benefits from the recent fisher exchange. 

Representatives of Grenada, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the CRFM Secretariat based in Belize partnered to provide invaluable hands-on learning on FAD fishing technology for sustainable livelihoods 

(Photo: Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, Grenada)

 Grenada’s FAD technology has been modernized under the World Bank-funded project titled, Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC), which commenced implementation in 2022. However, Grenada was also one of six Member States of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) which benefited from the mainstreaming of FAD fishing technology under the Japan-funded Caribbean Fisheries Co-management (CARIFICO) project, implemented between 2012-2017 in partnership with the CRFM. Since then, the CRFM has been facilitating knowledge transfer to other Member States, building upon this foundational work. It previously facilitated a similar exchange through which Grenada also shared its FAD expertise with Jamaica. This exchange, executed through the fisheries authorities in Grenada and TCI, was also facilitated by the CRFM.

Grenada’s Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, Hon. Lennox Andrews, said: “I see this as one very good example where, as a people, we can come together and work together to share our knowledge, share experiences, and create the competence and the human resources that we all need to develop our region.”

CRFM Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Sandra Grant, noted that this fisher exchange will provide TCI fishers with an initial understanding of FAD technology and an opportunity to reflect on how it can be applied in the Turks and Caicos Islands to provide year-round income generation for fishers.

The goal of the fisher exchange was to strengthen regional fisheries cooperation and support sustainable livelihoods. The visit of the TCI delegation to Grenada provided valuable hands-on exposure to Grenada’s well-established FAD fishery, allowing participants to observe operations, fishing techniques, and the harvesting of key pelagic species, including yellowfin tunas weighing over 100 pounds. Participants also took part in the construction of FADs, gaining practical, technical experience that will be directly applicable to TCI’s planned FAD pilot programme. 

Turks and Caicos Islands fishers learn to build FADs in Grenada

(Photo: Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, Grenada)

By the end of the fisher exchange, it was clear that the Grenada experience—which enabled TCI fishers to witness the scale and efficiency of Grenada’s FAD operations—had a monumental impact upon the fishers who participated. In a closing session held last Thursday, Mr. David Clare said, “It’s the greatest fishing [technology] I’ve ever seen in my life, and it works perfectly!”

Another fisher, Mr. Kevin Harvey, noted how effective the FADs were in capturing fish in the middle of the ocean compared with trolling from shore to where the FADs had been deployed.

For his part, Mr. Dwaine Cox shared Mr. Clare’s enthusiasm for this invaluable learning opportunity. He said that they have been talking for a while about the need for the TCI to diversify its fishing industry, and the time has now come to do so.

 

 FADs deliver prized catch (105 lbs)

(Photo: Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, Grenada)

The Director of the TCI’s Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management, Mr. Alwyn R. Ponteen, stated: “The Department deeply values the traditional knowledge and dedication of the TCI fishers. They demonstrate a readiness to embrace new techniques with a progressive mindset. This programme represents a strategic and sustainable investment in the youths, men, and women who form the backbone of our fisheries sector. It also advances our collective commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 2, 8 and 14 - 'Zero Hunger', 'Decent Work and Economic Growth' and 'Life Below Water', respectively.”

Mr. Nigel Gibbs, Chief Fisheries Officer (Ag.), Fisheries Division, Grenada, said: “We do look forward to continued collaboration and believe that this is the beginning of a lasting Caribbean relationship that will grow stronger in the future."

 

The collaborators expressed their gratitude to Jamaica for its hospitality towards the TCI delegation during their stopover on their way to Grenada.

 

 The TCI delegation with Dr. Grant of the CRFM

(Photo: Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, Grenada)

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) remains resolute in its commitment to develop a sustainable FAD fishery as part of its Sustainable Livelihoods Strategy. TCIG plans to launch its FAD pilot programme in the coming months. This will include robust stakeholder consultations, FAD construction and deployment, development of a fisheries management plan grounded in best practices, and advancement of the necessary legislative reforms to support a sustainable FAD fishery.

– END –

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 2^nd 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.

 

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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FULL SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION

 

Download CRFM Special Publication No. 37:

Proceedings of the CRFM 20^th Anniversary Scientific Conference

Volume I: Technical Papers

Volume II: National Reports 

 

 

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

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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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