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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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