Transforming Our Seas and Oceans Resources Collaboratively with Accredited Development Partners for the Benefit of all 13 years of progress: 2010 – 2023

Alwyn R. Ponteen, MSc;
Chief Fisheries and Ocean Governance Officer – Government of Montserrat

ABSTRACT

The United Kingdom Overseas Territory (UKOT) Montserrat, a Small Island Development State (SIDS) within the global ocean space, recognises the significant role that the natural capital of the fisheries and ocean sector plays in its socio-economic growth and achievement of long-term sustainable development and well-being. Through extension from His Majesty’s Government (HMG) UK, the Government of Montserrat (GOM) is committed to its International Binding and Non-Binding Agreements.

For decades, the complexities of ineffective legal instruments, inadequate human capital, natural occurrences, human induced circumstances, coupled with climate change, alien invasive species and pollution continue to create adverse social and environmental issues. It was therefore critical to empower policy and decision makers to develop and implement an adaptive, holistic and harmonized natural capital framework for making effective use of the resources in a way that embeds sustainability and facilitates decision-making processes.

In 2010, the GOM took the bold step of embarking on an ambitious but realistic and adaptive programme aimed at transforming our seas and ocean resources collaboratively with accredited development partners with a shared vision. This was achieved by applying nature-based solutions, good governance, adaptive management, technological innovation, sound science and evidence-based information to strengthen the global effort in advancing environmental protection and sustainability for the nation’s socio-economic growth and well-being.

To achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, the GOM has imbedded SDG 17, Partnership for the goals and its associated targets, as the nucleus for strengthening the wealth economy framework of natural capital in the long term. As a small island developing state, sustainable financing, capacity building, technology just to name a few have been a real challenge over the years.

HOW TO CITE: Ponteen, A.R., 2026. Transforming Our Seas and Oceans Resources Collaboratively with Accredited Development Partners for the Benefit of all. Contribution 8.5, p563-575  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=949

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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
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

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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FULL SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATION

Download CRFM Special Publication No. 37:

Proceedings of the CRFM 20^th Anniversary Scientific Conference

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Dr. Einar Hjörleifsson, visiting data expert from the United Nations University –Fisheries Training Programme (UNU-FTP), Iceland, finished his short-term assignment on fisheries data usage on 3 March 2017. During his wrap-up meeting with the CRFM Secretariat, continued support through CRFM’s partnership with the UNU-FTP was discussed. Summarizing his observations and recommendations, Dr. Hjörleifsson said that “There are already a lot of fisheries data collected by CRFM countries, although one could always ask for more. The approach I took in this short assignment was to attempt to lay a foundation for use of commonly collected data and applying the R software. The R software has already been endorsed by the CRFM scientific working groups, and once the basics of the software is mastered, it opens up new ways to efficiently explore, visualize and summarize fisheries data. R has a steep learning curve, but after the basics are mastered, R opens up myriads of doors for users to analyze other types of data, such as biological, socio-economic and VMS data with only a few additional technical skills”.

While the wrap-up meeting recognized that data management remained an area of continuing weakness for CRFM countries, CRFM’s Deputy Executive Director, Susan Singh-Renton, pointed out that “We identified sensible approaches to support continued capacity building for CRFM’s fisheries data experts, taking into account working conditions and constraints experienced both at the national and CRFM regional levels.” She explained further that “Specifically, the solutions identified as having the most potential for success were: establishing a pool of national experts who could work regionally also, as needed; accommodating for at least two main user preferences in terms of software packages for data analysis, i.e. R and Excel; and, using the CRFM Dgroup space for peer networking “

Additionally, during the 2-month visit, Dr. Hjörleifsson had developed a website (http://www.hafro.is/~einarhj/crfmr/) for sharing advice, ideas and case studies on data usage to satisfy CRFM fisheries reporting and management needs, with a special focus on using R, which is free, available online statistical and computing software. This website is expected to be maintained for a while, and especially if CRFM data users find it helpful and are also willing to contribute further to its development as part of our learning process.

In February, Dr. Hjörleifsson also visited Suriname and Dominica, where, in close collaboration with two identified national fisheries data experts, Mr. Mario Yspol (Suriname) and Mr. Derrick Theophille (Dominica), he studied the specific operational situations in these two countries. In reflecting on the Suriname visit, Mr. Yspol said that “Dr. Hjörleifsson examined the systems and procedures for data entry and analysis. We also looked at data that were being gathered but not being analysed, such as vms data. The visit was very short but Dr. Hjörleifsson was able to demonstrate another way of doing things, using the tools of the R software. Since Dr. Hjörleifsson’s visit, I have found the R software and tools to be very effective for improving the quality of data analysis outputs. After a review of the basics of R, the whole system seems so logical and clear. Now it is a question of practice.”  

In the case of Dominica, Mr. Theophille noted that “Dr. Hjorleifsson's visit, while brief, was useful for assessing already progressing R-based projects, such as the national fisheries statistics report that I am tailoring to run automatically when needed. I've since begun revision of the methodology and source code after Dr. Hjorleifsson's input.” Mr. Theophille then went on to point out that “Dominica is primed to utilize R at an even greater level than before, making data analysis easier and reporting more reproducible. A number of R projects are already underway locally and soon it is hoped these products may be shared with the region.”

The country missions, as well as consultations with national fisheries data experts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, helped greatly to provide Dr. Hjörleifsson with insight concerning country-level challenges and good practices as well, and these were considered carefully in the wrap-up meeting discussions. Dr. Hjörleifsson’s written report of his assignment will become available to the UNU-FTP and the CRFM by the end of March 2017.

Photo Caption: “Mr. Shamal Connell (left) from the Fisheries Division in St. Vincent and the Grenadines seen explaining fishing operations to Dr. Einar Hjörleifsson (right)  at Barrouallie landing site on the west coast of St. Vincent.” 

Belize City, Friday, 13 January 2017 (CRFM)—Through the long-standing partnership between the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the United Nations University Fisheries Technical Programme (UNU-FTP) in Iceland, the University has deployed one of Iceland’s top fisheries data experts to the CRFM Secretariat for a short site-based assignment, to provide operational support and guidance at the country level for improving the management and usage of fisheries data systems.

The visiting expert is Dr. Einar Hjörleifsson, who has been working at the Marine Research Institute, Iceland, since 1996. Dr. Hjörleifsson’s primary role has been data analysis and stock assessment. Over the same time, he has been working at the UNU-FTP in a role as a teacher and student supervisor. During his visit to the Caribbean, Dr. Hjörleifsson will be working under the guidance of CRFM’s Deputy Executive Director, Dr. Susan Singh-Renton.

Dr. Singh-Renton emphasized that, “Dr. Hjörleifsson’s present assignment with the CRFM is intended to allow him to give special ‘on-the-ground’ attention to all aspects of the fisheries data systems in two CRFM countries that have made reasonable investments both for the present and the future of their data systems. Hence, the assignment is expected to build further on such investments.”

CRFM’s Statistics and Information Analyst, June Masters, who will also be working closely with Dr. Hjörleifsson, expects that, “The countries involved will get the opportunity to critically examine their respective fisheries data collection system and make improvements where possible.”

Fortunately, Dr. Hjörleifsson has worked with the CRFM on previous occasions on behalf of the UNU-FTP, to deliver training in statistics and stock assessment to CRFM fisheries professionals, and so he is no stranger to the data challenges in the CRFM countries.

As he began his assignment this week with gathering information on the status of data systems and their usage in the CRFM region, and holding discussions with key informants both at the national and regional levels, Dr. Hjörleifsson indicated that his first aim would be to “enhance skills and increase efficiency in fisheries data analysis and report writing.”

While efforts to improve data management have been sustained over the years through various regional initiatives and also since the founding of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) in 2002, data management remains a significant stumbling block for advancing fisheries management goals within the region and globally. Hence, CRFM very much welcomes the present visit by Dr. Hjörleifsson, which will help CRFM States to take a fresh look at an old problem!