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 
An Examination of Integrated Marine Planning and Management in CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean Region
An Examination of Integrated Marine Planning and Management in CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean Region
Mikhail Amsterdam
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department, Regent and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive,
Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana.
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ABSTRACT
The Caribbean region is vast yet interconnected with multiple natural resources and opportunities for marine economic development activities. While the region has several integrated organizations with governance responsibilities, the focus of this dissertation is the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which is comprised of fifteen (15) Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and five (5) associate members with the remaining wider Caribbean countries having observer participation. The investigation findings indicate that CARICOM and the wide Caribbean consider Climate Change, Fisheries Management, territorial disputes, tourism, invasive species and conservation the six (6) main drivers which promote the adoption of integrated marine planning and management practices in the region. Further, the research reflects that international obligations, blue economic development, resource loss and conflict resolution as the underlying reasons for political/strategic importance being placed on marine management, which is a key distinction when we consider genuine stewardship versus political correctness. CARICOM has implemented several regional projects, policies and management groups aimed at ensuring collaborative management and shared responsibility. The Cartagena convention protocols on oil spill, land-based sources and special wildlife protected areas are amongst the initiatives reviewed for their regional coverage and impact on regional integrated marine management. The European Union’s approach and policy milestones achieved as part of its integrated maritime management were identified and used to create insights on how CARICOM could adopt a similar regional management policy like the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) which supports the European maritime economy and Protection of the EU maritime environment through cross cutting tools such as the MSP directive and MSPF. The conclusion surmises that CARICOM needs to outline a key strategic direction, identify priority areas for integration and establish robust governance institutions to ensure effective implementation of a regional integrated marine planning and management approach, these points were supported using the questionnaire responses received regional and international MSP experts.
HOW TO CITE: Amsterdam, M., 2026. Planning and Management in CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean Region Contribution 8.3, p538-554 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=947
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Regional Cooperation Among CRFM, OSPESCA and WECAFC for Sustainable Fisheries in the Caribbean
Regional Cooperation Among CRFM, OSPESCA and WECAFC for Sustainable Fisheries in the Caribbean
Milton O. Haughton
Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Belize
ABSTRACT
This contribution examines the collaborative relationship among three regional fisheries bodies in promoting sustainable fisheries in the Caribbean. It considers their functions, and their strengths and weaknesses in relation to sustainable management of marine fish stocks. Shared fish stocks, including migratory and straddling species, which extend beyond the jurisdiction of any one state, can only be managed effectively through cooperative efforts of all states and entities that share the stocks or participate in the fisheries. Regional fisheries bodies have emerged as the only realistic means of facilitating conservation and management of such stocks to ensure they provide sustainable contribution to the economic development of the states. The paper highlights the challenges of regional cooperation for sustainable development and conservation of shared stocks that are largely under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of coastal states in the Caribbean region.
HOW TO CITE: Haughton, M.O., 2026. Regional Cooperation Among CRFM, OSPESCA and WECAFC for Sustainable Fisheries in the Caribbean. Contribution 8.2, p537 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=946
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The Fish Sanctuaries Network: Jamaica’s Quiet Fisheries Success Story
The Fish Sanctuaries Network: Jamaica’s Quiet Fisheries Success Story
Karl A. Aiken1*, G. Andre Kong2 , Oliver Squire3 & Inilek Wilmot4
Fisheries Consultant, 33 Gerbera Drive, Kgn. 6, Jamaica1
& Fisheries Consultant, Maven Avenue Apartments, Kgn. 6, Jamaica2,
Oliver Squire , National Fisheries Authority, East Bustamante Port, Kgn.3,
Inilek Wilmot, Goldeneye Foundation, St. Mary4 *
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(corresponding author)1
ABSTRACT
Jamaica formerly lagged behind other Caribbean nations in the introduction of fish sanctuaries, but this is no longer true. In 2009, the government introduced nine small fish sanctuaries distributed around the island; and in 2023, there were 18 such sanctuaries. The areas selected satisfied ecological and fisheries criteria and importantly, have an associated fishers group chosen to enforce these special protected areas. The initial introduction was the result of two years of collaboration by the National Fisheries Authority (formerly Fisheries Division), and fishers’ groups, in conjunction with the then Fisheries Advisory Board. Nearly all sanctuaries include sheltered coastal habitats with mangroves, sea grass beds, sand patches, and coral while having modest fisheries resources, primarily juvenile in size. Close collaboration with and participation of fishers is a key feature of all the sanctuaries. The 18 MPA’s now include one offshore at Pedro Bank, the island’s major fishing ground and nearly all are doing well. Post-introduction studies have demonstrated that most fish sanctuaries have succeeded in increasing fish species diversity, abundance, and mean fish lengths as well as the restoration of several missing apex predator species over time. Algal cover has also significantly decreased compared to pre-sanctuary conditions. Coral restoration activities also occur in some sanctuaries with some success. One significant success indicator was the call by other fisherfolk groups for fish sanctuaries to be introduced in their areas as generally, Jamaican fish sanctuaries have been quietly succeeding in increasing coastal fisheries biomass.
HOW TO CITE: Aiken, K.A., G. A. Kong , O. Squire and I. Wilmot, 2026. The Fish Sanctuaries Network: Jamaica’s Quiet Fisheries Success Story. Contribution 6.7, p443-454 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=937
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What is the Right Balance Between International Management and the Involvement of Fishing Communities in the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries?
What is the Right Balance Between International Management and the Involvement of Fishing Communities in the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries?
Lester Gittens, PhD
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Department of Marine Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs,
Government of The Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas
ABSTRACT
The Caribbean spiny lobster has an extensive occurrence as it is found in numerous territories from Bermuda to the northern edge of South America. Fisheries based on this species are of equally widespread importance to the Caribbean region. Similarly, the threats to sustainable fishing are just as borderless. Such transboundary threats, the likes of which impact many species, include climate change, illegal fishing, limited management resources and paucity of statistical data. The often-global scale of such challenges necessitate international coordination and cooperation. Indeed this need has manifested itself through various binding and non-binding international agreements seeking to address an array of issues. However, amid the clear need for international management efforts, it should neither be forgotten nor disregarded that direct resource users, in individual communities, must have a say in the management of fisheries resources they depend on. This view is consistent with sustainable development goals. But how is the need for international management, sometimes involving people far removed from the day-to-day needs of communities in distant countries, balanced against the obligation to include communities in management processes? These contrasting ideals are not easy to achieve and can be compounded and confounded by a lack of a clear voice coming from communities. It will take international, national and community level efforts to overcome these challenges.
HOW TO CITE: Gittens, L., 2026. What is the Right Balance Between International Management and the Involvement of Fishing Communities in the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries? Contribution 6.6, p439-442 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=936
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Update on the Status and Management of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the CARICOM Region
Update on the Status and Management of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the CARICOM Region
Maren Headley, Milton Haughton, and June Masters
Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat
Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City, Belize
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ABSTRACT
The Caribbean spiny lobster fishery is one of the most commercially important fisheries in the region. In 2011, a baseline review on the status and management of the spiny lobster fishery was completed for the CARICOM region. The baseline review identified a number of critical steps that need to be taken towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of Caribbean spiny lobster fisheries. These steps included: i.) Improved data collection and regional standardization of data types; ii) Harmonized regulations at the sub-regional level; iii.) Review and reform governance systems at local, national and sub-regional levels; iv.) Assess and control the illegal lobster fishery. This paper seeks to determine the extent to which the critical steps identified in the baseline review have been achieved and identify current gaps and opportunities for improving management of the spiny lobster resource. The paper also provides an update on the resource status, management objectives, and current regulations for the lobster resource in 17 CRFM Member States. Current landing trends, exports volumes and monetary values are also provided by CRFM Member countries.
HOW TO CITE: Headley, M., M. Haughton and J. Masters, 2026. Update on the Status and Management of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the CARICOM Region. Contribution 6.5, p428-438 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=935
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Historical Local and Traditional Knowledge and Key Messages for Present-Day Holistic Fisheries Management – An Example from Haiti
Historical Local and Traditional Knowledge and Key Messages for Present-Day Holistic Fisheries Management – An Example from Haiti
Susan Singh-Renton1, Wilner Romain2, Sherry Constantine3, and Bruce Lauckner4
PO Box 10, Layou, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Tel: +1784 533 7621,
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1
49, Rue Palestine, Delmas 75, Haiti. Tel: +509 3403 8455
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2
Monier, Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia, Tel: +1758 484 2655
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3
44 White Drive, Five Rivers, Aruca, Trinidad and Tobago.
Tel: +1868 642 4129 / +1868 221 6654 Cell/WhatsApp: +1868 707 1660.
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4
ABSTRACT
A sample-based fisher interview survey throughout Haiti during 2002-04 provides comprehensive characterisation of Haiti’s marine capture fisheries sector, information about fisheries performance and fishers’ views/perceptions about management needs. The major resource types targeted by fishers were: reef fish (95%), small coastal pelagics (81%), lobster (43%), large pelagics (28%), and conch (27%). These target species also had good catch value. Over 88% of fishers fished to feed their families and targeted several resource types opportunistically. Catches were destined mainly for local use, although lobster was identified as a priority species for export. Decreases over time were reported for catch amount, catch size caught, and numbers caught for the main resource types. This was mainly due to heavy fishing, as well as adverse weather and environmental conditions. Fishers were knowledgeable and logical-minded, noting the importance of controlling fish sizes harvested, introducing closed seasons, and protecting spawning areas. The harvest and post-harvest practices provide insight about social resilience capacity of community level arrangements, which should continue to play a role in present-day initiatives for post-COVID recovery and the blue economy. Fishers expressed strong confidence in their capacity for conflict resolution and for supporting sustainable development of the industry, via: strengthening of fisher cooperation; cooperation with industry managers with regard to fisher education, innovation ideas; and improved industry controls. This provides a strong incentive for advancing a community/ co-management approach to fisheries management, especially considering Haiti’s extensive coastline and numerous coastal fishing communities. The co-management approach is encouraged also as a medium for preparing the coastal fishing communities to cope with the impacts of climate change.
HOW TO CITE: Singh-Renton, S., W. Romain, S. Constantine And B. Lauckner, 2026. Historical Local and Traditional Knowledge and Key Messages for Present-Day Holistic Fisheries Management – An Example from Haiti. Contribution 6.1, p385-397 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=931
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Reflections on a Collaborative Program to Build Capacity in the Caribbean Fisheries Resource Management Sector
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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The Evolution of Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting of Fisheries Data for the Commonwealth of Dominica
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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