The Fish Sanctuaries Network: Jamaica’s Quiet Fisheries Success Story

Karl A. Aiken^1*, 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 *
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  (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 20^th 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?

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 20^th 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

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 20^th 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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Use of a Maritime Domain Awareness Tool for Detecting Fishing Activity in the Waters of Caribbean States

Peter A. Murray^a*, Terry Ettienne^b, Rolerick Sobers^c, Neville Wint^b, and Chadine Allen^b

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat, Belize City, Belize. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ^a
CARICOM Implemention Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS)^b and Regional Security System (RSS)^c

ABSTRACT

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States are concerned that Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and associated transnational organized crime in the fishing industry constitute a serious threat to their economies. Collectively, they undermine efforts to improve management and governance of resources, and jeopardize food security and blue economic development of these countries. Recently progress has been made in combating elements of IUU fishing. Monitoring, Control and Surveillance systems are now able to adopt the blended capability of many technologies to provide optimal, bespoke approaches. Maritime domain awareness tools, quickly and automatically detect deceptive movement of vessels which suggests questionable activity by vessels identified as fishing vessels. Using its Maritime Domain Awareness System (MDAS), the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security can provide statistics on vessel movement that can be attributed to vessels engaged in fishing related activities, using evolving and frequently updated Artificial Intelligence Algorithms. Using a time series of reports produced by CARICOM IMPACS from its MDAS, we analysed movement of vessels identified as flag state fishing vessels for CARICOM Member States. In 2018, there appeared to be a trend of increasing fishing activity, from January to December, but a subsequent decrease was recorded in 2022. The average number of activity hours (the amount of time spent actively engaged in fishing) increased in 2022 to almost ten times the 2018 average. In 2018 and 2022, there were noticeable reductions in observed fishing activity from July to August. Venezuela showed the highest average annual fishing activity from 2019 to 2022. For fishing activity hours by CARICOM Member State vessels, Belize led the way. Increased fishing activity by “unknown” flags was observed from 2019 through 2022. There is a wealth of data in MDAS reports that CARICOM Member States may not be utilising optimally. In-country discussions among fisheries administrations/agencies, coast guard agencies, defence force agencies, and maritime administrations regarding collaboration on data analyses can enhance the fight against IUU fishing. States should cooperate to improve understanding and knowledge of the problem, identify countermeasures, and build capacity to prevent, deter and eradicate IUU fishing and associated fisheries crime in the region.

HOW TO CITE: Murray, P. A., T. Ettienne, R. Sobers, N. Wint and C. Allen, 2026. Use of an Automatic Identification System Based Maritime Domain Awareness Tool for Detecting Fishing Activity in the Waters of Caribbean States. Contribution 6.4, p 414-427 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20^th 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=934

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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

Shanna- Lee Thomas¹, Camilo Trench¹, Dale Webber², and Mona Webber³

Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica¹;
Centre for Marine Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica²;
Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica³
Email: 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. , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

ABSTRACT

Jamaica’s Queen conch closed-season is based on a temperature-influenced annual spawning activity derived using data from other Caribbean countries. No reproductive and spawning season determination had previously been done for Jamaica. With rising sea surface temperatures and increasing temperature variability across the region, it may be necessary to revise annual closed seasons. Our study therefore sought to design assessments of conch reproductive activity in relation to sea temperatures. Adult Queen conch (mean lip thickness 16.9 mm) were tagged and stocked at a ratio of 2:3 males to females in 50m2 pens in substrate consisting of seagrass, rubble and coarse sand within the Discovery Bay Fish Sanctuary. These were observed for 7 months in 2022 to indicate densities and temperatures at which spawning occurred. Prior to stocking, conch abundance surveys were conducted between July and August 2020 at six sites in the bay and these were repeated at the end of the stocking experiment in November 2022. Data collected from the penned conch included the number of occurrences of mating, pairing and spawning, the presence of egg masses, and temperature for both captive and wild conch (found adjacent to the pens). Conch displayed 8 occasions of spawning (one female spawning 5 times) with 2 occasions of pairing and 1 mating occasion. Peak spawning activity was recorded in August and September, with maximum sea water temperature of 30.65°C. Mean temperatures across Jamaica’s north coast showed an increase between May to October, and decreased thereafter. Conch abundance surveys conducted in 2021 and 2022 in the bay indicated densities of 10.1 ha-1 and 7.5 ha-1 respectively with populations dominated by juveniles and sub-adults. The protocols developed in Discovery Bay will be expanded to other areas around Jamaica with the expectation that these findings will help inform measures to manage conch stocks in Jamaica’s SFCAs towards sustainable harvesting in nearby fishing grounds.

HOW TO CITE: Thomas, S-L., C. Trench, D. Webber and M. Webber, 2026. 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. Contribution 6.3, p399-413 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=933

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Sustainable Harvesting of Commercial Species in the Belize Exclusive Economic Zone

Silvana N. R. Birchenough, Andria Rosado, and Arlene Young *

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Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas

ABSTRACT

The Caribbean region is widely recognised to be a hot spot for marine biodiversity. The area hosts a wide range of habitats and species of conservation and fisheries importance. The main and most economically important fisheries in the area concentrates on spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) and queen conch (Strombus gigas). These species are key to sustaining sources of protein intake, livelihoods, and economic trade for local Caribbean communities. These two species have fluctuated throughout the years and their distribution has remained in similar quantities in landings since 2005. The queen conch peaked in 2012 following high sample density and increasing shell length, whilst the spiny lobster has generally remained stable in terms of landings. However, there are limited datasets across some years, which have created gaps in the current assessments. The general concept of effort was described by the number of fishing days, which has generally increased from 1990 to 2011. The rate of change in effort from 2006 to 2011 was mirrored by that in queen conch landings, but these values were inverse when compared to the spiny lobster landings, due to limited distribution of conch resulting from over exploitation. The country’s new government and new ministries have enacted new legislation and new opportunities to continue to explore and protect queen conch and spiny lobster, whether by a remit for Marine Protected Areas (MPA) or under dedicated Nature-based Solutions (NBS) approaches. The need to acquire data and fast evidence to support these stocks under a changing climate (including ocean acidification) is of interest. A recent effort has called for an informed and participative compilation of a stakeholder-supported strategy. A solid management plan has been developed and implemented to support management and conservation in the face of climate change. This presentation showcases options to support management and conservation decisions over a robust stakeholder participation with active and transparent discussions, workshops and activities.

HOW TO CITE: Birchenough, S.N.R., A. Rosado, and A. Young, 2026. Sustainable Harvesting of Commercial Species in the Belize Exclusive Economic Zone. Contribution 6.2, p398 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20^th 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=932

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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,

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ¹ 
49, Rue Palestine, Delmas 75, Haiti. Tel: +509 3403 8455
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Monier, Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia, Tel: +1758 484 2655
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44 White Drive, Five Rivers, Aruca, Trinidad and Tobago.
Tel: +1868 642 4129 / +1868 221 6654 Cell/WhatsApp: +1868 707 1660.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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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Outlook and Key Considerations for Sustainable Commercial Aquaculture Development in CARICOM

Samia Sarkis, Yvette DieiOuadi, and Eric Wade

SubRegional Office of Latin America and the Caribbean, Barbados

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ABSTRACT

The most recent study led by FAO and facilitated by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism CRFM was conducted in 2022, which provided a synopsis of the aquaculture sector in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member countries, the challenges in expanding and diversifying the sector, and actions-oriented recommendations. With an overwhelming response rate, this very informative study reported that the majority of aquaculture production is concentrated in Jamaica, Belize, Haiti and Guyana. The total production for CARICOM countries was 3 402 metric tons in 2020 (FishStatJ, 2022), valued at 13 305 000 USD. Almost ¾ of the aquaculture production in the CARICOM countries focused on freshwater species (70%) in 2020; brackish aquaculture accounts for approximately ¼ of total aquaculture production (26 %) and marine aquaculture operations for less than 5 percent of total production. This sector is therefore at its infancy. Key validated findings of this study were the lack of infrastructure, available technology, level of appropriate skill set, and investment, considered main limitations in obtaining reliable seed supply, affordable feed supply and in developing aquaculture in CARICOM. Additional challenges faced by Small Island Developing States SIDS included limited expertise, high production costs, poor seed supplies, and extreme and destructive weather events. Furthermore, access to financial resources is a challenge for this relatively new industry in the Caribbean. Four key points were identified as the way forward by CARICOM countries: 1. Reducing the reliance of CARICOM countries on imported seed and feed supplies, 2. Diversifying aquaculture production in line with environmental sustainability, 3. The need for a regulatory aquaculture framework, and 4. Increase investments in aquaculture. This complements a regional review of the sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, which study suggested that the industry required better governance, the adoption of adequate technologies and best practices,as well as increased efforts for environmental sustainability, and foresight to deal with climate and market changes. One promising approach to promote sustainable commercial aquaculture in CARICOM developed following this FAO/CRFM study is the recently launched Digital Aquaculture Library in 2023. This comprehensive online platform serves as a registry for regulators, managers, aquaculturists, and funding agencies in the Caribbean region. It facilitates the exchange of valuable information among CARICOM countries and other Caribbean states, enabling stakeholders to share insights, best practices, and lessons learned. The Digital Aquaculture Library also helps CARICOM countries gain knowledge from successful aquaculture practices in other regions and apply it to their own contexts. It also facilitates training programs and the transfer of technical know-how to develop human resources and technical capacity. The library provides access to educational materials, workshops, and expert guidance, empowering aquaculturists to enhance their skills and contribute to sustainable development. Additionally, it connects funding agencies with aquaculture projects, attracting investments and promoting collaboration between the private and public sectors. The platform encourages regional collaboration and resource pooling to build necessary infrastructure, such as shared facilities, research centres, and technology transfer hubs. Overall, the Digital Aquaculture Library represents an essential tool for CARICOM member states to overcome challenges and barriers, promote sustainable aquaculture, and drive growth in the region, ultimately contributing to the development of a resilient and thriving aquaculture industry in the Caribbean.

HOW TO CITE: Sarkis, S., Y. Diei Ouadi, and E. Wade, 2026. Outlook and Key Considerations for Sustainable Commercial Aquaculture Development in CARICOM. Contribution 5.6, p371-384 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=930

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Evaluating the outcomes of selective breeding in optimizing the growth performance of tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) for commercial production in the Bahamas

Mia C. Avril and John Reid

Cape Eleuthera Island School This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ,

Aquasafra Inc. & Waterfield Technologies, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

ABSTRACT

Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) is the second most farmed fish globally and is the most introduced aquaculture species. Different strains of tilapia have been developed through selective breeding programs over the years to optimize its three main performance traits: growth rate, hardiness, and marketability. Of all the strains developed, one of the most popular is the red hybrid tilapia (O. urolepis female was crossed with a red-gold male O. mossambicus), which was developed to improve the aforementioned traits under commercial production conditions. A strain of the O. aureus crossed with O. niloticus tilapia with a white colour was also developed to optimize both growth and marketability. This comparative study assessed the growth potential of two tilapia strains (red hybrid, and O. niloticus X O. aureus White hybrid) in a recirculating aquaponics system in the Bahamas. Tanks were established with fry of each strain, starting off at roughly 5 grams. Fish were fed 5% of their body weight daily using commercial tilapia starter feed (40% protein). The fish weight was monitored, and feed conversion ratios were calculated on a weekly basis for the duration of the study period. The results indicated that for all the parameters measured, the O. aureus X O. niloticus strain showed more favourable growth under prevailing Bahamian climate than the red hybrid tilapia. It can therefore be concluded that farmers in the Bahamas and in similar climatic regions should consider the O. niloticus as a strain of economic significance for cultivation.

HOW TO CITE: Avril, M.C. and J. Reid, 2026. Evaluating the outcomes of selective breeding in optimizing the growth performance of tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) for commercial production in the Bahamas. Contribution 5.5, 359-370 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=929

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Investigating the Effectiveness of Three Different Growing Methods for Seamoss Farming in Saint Lucia

Makeba B. Felix

 Fisheries Biologist Department of Fisheries, Castries, Saint Lucia

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ABSTRACT

Seamoss is a common marine macroalgae found globally, that has been cultivated in Saint Lucia for decades. Recently, seamoss production in Saint Lucia has increased significantly, fueled by increased global demand. This is reflected in the price increase of seamoss after 2019 when more people joined the sector owing to job loss on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased production of seamoss has been beneficial to the economic sector in Saint Lucia and may have contributed to the country’s coastal blue carbon store. Increased loss of planting material occasioned by unfavourable weather and sea conditions influenced an investigation into determining the most effective growing methods for seamoss farming in Saint Lucia. Test plots were set established at various locations using three growing methods, namely: a biodegradable tube net, a plastic tube net, and the traditional plastic monoline. The rate of growth of the seamoss and the substrate material’s durability were monitored and compared across the three growing methods. The traditional monoline method proved to be effective as it allowed for the continued growth of the propagule, by promoting the free movement of nutrients and sediments off the plants. However, the plastic tube net, was the most successful growing method since it retained the most propagules during periods of rough seas and had the highest overall growth rate.

HOW TO CITE: Felix, M.B., 2026. Different Growing Methods for Seamoss Farming in Saint Lucia. Contribution 5.4, p347-358 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=928

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