Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries
Report written by Senior Fisheries Officer, Elizabeth Mohammed, with additional information from:
Director of Fisheries (Ag) – Nerissa Lucky; Fisheries Officers – Lara Ferreira, Louanna Martin,
Shandira Ankiah, Harnarine Lalla, Nadia Ramphal, Shane Durgah, Recardo Mieux, Allys Forte, Marc Bejai;
Senior Fisheries Researcher – Judy-Ann Bennett of the Fisheries Division;
and Fisheries Services Officer – Jenise Kirk of the Department of Marine Resources and Fisheries
Trinidad and Tobago (TTO) is located northeast of Venezuela between 10° and 11° N and 60° 30’ and 62° W. The country is separated from Venezuela by the 7 to 20 mile wide Gulf of Paria. The overall land area is 5,128km2 with 704 km of coastline and an Exclusive Economic Zone area of 77,502km2, making the ocean space some fifteen times the land space. According to the World Bank, agriculture, forestry and fishing contributed 0.96% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021, representing a decline from 1.17% the previous year. The fisheries sector contributes about 14% of agricultural GDP and 0.1% of the national GDP, the contribution to GDP being dominated by the oil and gas sector. Nevertheless, fisheries is an important contributor to food security, employment, and domestic and foreign trade, and it supports and enhances the social, economic and cultural stability of its numerous fishing communities. Annual landings in the marine capture fisheries are estimated at about 13,084 metric tonnes, with the ex-vessel value of the commercial landings from Trinidad (70% total landings) being in the vicinity of TT$242.8 million. TTO is a net importer of fish and fish products (chilled, frozen, processed or live); in 2022 the value of exports was estimated at TT$90.7 million and the corresponding value of imports was estimated at TT$366.6 million. There are at least 25 companies in Trinidad engaged in the import and export of fish and fish products. Overall, the fishing subsector comprises about 2,892 fishing vessels and about 6,001 fishers. In 2012, through surveys at fish landing sites, over 800 land-based workers were identified as being directly involved in the fishing sector in Trinidad, performing a range of roles: vendors, wholesale truckers, hustlers at fish landing sites, fishing boat and net builders/repairers, electricians, mechanics, welders and others involved in refrigeration. While in general most fishers and vessel owners are male (based on a 2015 vessel census it was estimated that 90% of the artisanal vessel owners in Trinidad were male), there is an undetermined number of females assuming both roles. Females tend to dominate in the respective processing activities. Annual aquaculture production of food fish is approximately 17 tonnes (valued at approximately TT$255,000).
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HOW TO CITE: Mohammed, E., N. Lucky, L. Ferreira, L. Martin, S. Ankiah, H. Lalla, N. Ramphal, S. Durgah, R. Mieux, A. Forte, M. Bejai, J-A. Bennett , and J. Kirk, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Trinidad and Tobago. Contribution 10.16, p 174-228 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=970
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Suriname's marine ecosystems, nestled within the Amazon-Guianas ecoregion, are impacted by the North Brazil Current and the Guianas Current, resulting in low-salinity, nutrient-rich waters. The marine biodiversity, including estuaries, mudflats, sandy beaches, and mangrove forests, are profoundly influenced by the Amazon River plume. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Suriname features a wide continental shelf, transitioning from turbid brown waters near the coast to nutrient-poor blue oceanic waters further offshore. Such zoning affects marine life distribution, from estuarine catfishes to offshore pelagic species.
The fisheries landscape of Suriname is diverse, with inshore activities characterized by small wooden boats using an assortment of nets. The coastal fisheries, distinguished by a transition from brown to green waters, utilize gillnets that drift with tidal movements. Offshore, fisheries is predominantly (semi-) industrial, focused on demersal fishes, shrimps, and large pelagic species.
Suriname's fisheries are economically pivotal. In 2022, the sector harvested 30,847 tons of fish and 2,117 tons of shrimp, contributing to 2.3% of the nation's GDP. A significant fraction of Suriname's working population, specifically 3,950 fishers and 2,193 ancillary workers, relies on this industry. Consequently, the stability of the fishing industry holds paramount importance for the nation's socioeconomic fabric.
HOW TO CITE: Fisheries Directorate, Suriname, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Suriname. Contribution 10.15, p 166-173 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=969
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The domestic fishing industry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has traditionally participated in small-scale and artisanal fishing, using traditional fish gear, methods, and vessels. Records indicate that there are approximately one thousand and thirty (1030) registered vessels and twenty-five hundred (2500) people employed within the sector in SVG. SVG has a large shelf inshore fishing area (2,000km2), a large EEZ (36,300km2), and a larger fisheries production potential than neighbouring island states. Most of its main fishery resources are shared with neighbouring Eastern Caribbean countries, and relatively little is known of their production potential. SVG’s main fisheries are: small coastal pelagic species, accounting for up to 50% of all SVG catch in weight; large pelagic species (regional and open ocean); demersal species including reef species caught to the south of St. Vincent and in the Grenadines; and deep slope species.
The industry contributes approximately 1 - 1.5% of the Gross Domestic Product of SVG with a per capita consumption of approximately 23 lbs of fish across an estimated population of one hundred and nine thousand (109,000) people. Fish landings are estimated at 2.9 million lbs with a corresponding value of EC$ 19.2 million. Fish imports average approximately 1.09 million lbs at a value of EC$ 6.4 million, while fish exports average 1.1 million lbs valued at EC$ 13.1 million (these figures represent the average data 2018 - 2022). Accordingly, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a net importer of fish and fish products.
HOW TO CITE: Fisheries Division, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Contribution 10.14, p 156-165 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=968
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Makeba B. Felix
Department of Fisheries Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security
and Rural Development Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is in the archipelago of islands in the Eastern Caribbean (see Figure 1) and has a land area of 617 km² and a population of approximately 182,000 people (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2015). The island is surrounded by a coastal shelf area of 522 km2 and a coastline that extends for 158 km (Walker, unpublished data). Saint Lucia’s fisheries sector consists of commercial and recreational marine wild-capture fisheries, marine and freshwater aquaculture, and post-harvest activities. In addition, marine-tourism activities such as sports fishing, SCUBA diving, and snorkeling are also administered under Saint Lucia’s Fisheries Regulations. The policy guidance for the sector is outlined in the National Policy for the Fisheries Sector of Saint Lucia 2020 – 2030. The fisheries sector has been a major form of employment and revenue in the coastal communities (The World Bank, 2019) providing livelihoods to over 1800 fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and, which is estimated at 0.62% of the national labour force (GOSL, 2023). It provides livelihoods along with offering immense opportunities for employment generation for people along the value chain, especially for youth and women, and for meeting national food and nutritional security and foreign exchange earnings.
HOW TO CITE: Felix, M.B., 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Saint Lucia. Contribution 10.13, p 139-155 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=967
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The Department of Marine Resources is directly responsible for the conservation, protection, and management of all marine resources within the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. As of 2022, the fisheries sector of the nation contributed 0.4% to the national GDP. In order to increase our GDP share and align with the 2025 agenda of decreasing food imports by 25%, we are presently engaged in various projects, including:
• The installation of additional Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) to increase the catch of ocean pelagic fish species.
• The cultivation of sea moss to alleviate some of the strain on our coastal fish stocks and create alternative employment opportunities for our fishers.
Currently, we are seeking to transform the fisheries sector by developing the necessary infrastructure at all the landing sites throughout the federation. The goal is to encourage fishers to invest in larger vessels that will assist them to catch ocean pelagic fish and to increase length of fishing trips. There are twelve (12) fish landing sites in St. Kitts and Nevis with most currently having little to no fisheries infrastructure.
HOW TO CITE: Department of Marine Resources, Saint Kitts and Nevis, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in St. Kitts and Nevis. Contribution 10.12, p 129-138 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=966
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Alwyn R. Ponteen Chief Fisheries and Ocean Governance Officer
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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The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) of Jamaica, formerly the Fisheries Division is a transitioning agency within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. The NFA is responsible for the conservation and sustainable utilization of the Jamaican fisheries resources in a manner that ensures optimum social and economic benefits to the people of Jamaica.
• VISION: The NFA is a model of excellence in Capture Fisheries and Aquaculture Management and Development
• MISSION: To facilitate the sustainable development of the Jamaican fisheries sector, including aquaculture, through effective and efficient management, regulation, administration, and participatory governance for the benefit of all Jamaicans
• STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE: To improve, the economic, social, and ecological value of capture fisheries and aquaculture while increasing the value of fisheries contribution to GDP by 2026.
Jamaica has a land mass of 10,991 km2, a coastline of 1,022 km and an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of approximately 274,000 km2 or 24.9 times its land mass (Figure 1). The fisheries sector is an important contributor to income generation, employment, foreign exchange earnings, food and nutrition security, social and economic stability, and alleviation of poverty. Many coastal communities depend on fishing as their primary source of income, which is passed down through many generations, not just as a livelihood but “a way of life”. Locally, capture fisheries and aquaculture contribute to approximately 20% of the overall supply of fish and fish products, accounting for 0.52% of overall GDP in 2020. Fisheries also play an important role in the lives of women. Most are vendors and processors, but some are boat and gear owners.
HOW TO CITE: National Fisheries Authority, Jamaica, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Jamaica. Contribution 10.10, p 109-118 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=964
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The Republic of Haiti occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola while the remaining two thirds, to the east, is the Dominican Republic (David et al, 2021). Haiti has four large islands – Turtle Island, Cow Island, Gonâve Island, and the Cayemites as well as a number of small islands (Figure 1). Its 27, 750 km2 supports a population of 11.5 million people (World Bank, 2022). Haiti’s coastline is ~1,500 km and its continental shelf has an area of ~5,000 km2; there is nearly 20, 000 hectares of natural and artificial water bodies (FAO, 2017). The overall narrowness of the continental shelf is believed to be one of reasons for Haiti’s limited coastal demersal fisheries. Ocean pelagic resources contribute to the majority of the Haiti’s capture fisheries, which is exclusively artisanal.
Artisanal marine fisheries account for more than 82% of total fish production and the introduction of motorized boats and fish aggregating devices (FADs) for fishing offshore led to an increase in fisheries landings (UNCTAD, 2022). The fisheries sector plays an important role in the economy of the country. At the end of 2018, fishing accounted for 13.6 % of gross domestic product (GDP) and provided more than half of the quantities of fish consumed locally. Species targeted include: pelagics such as the Dolphinfish (family Coryphaenidae) and Blue marlin (Makaira nigricans); and demersals such as Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), Common grunt (Haemulon plumierii), Snapper (Lutjanus synagris), Redband parrotfish (Sparisoma aurofrenatum), Longspine squirrelfish (Holocentrus rufus) and Bigeye mojarra (Eucinostomus havana).
HOW TO CITE: National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture – Haiti. Contribution 10.9, p 103-108 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=963
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Guyana is a relatively small producer of fish and seafood when compared to global volume, however in the Caribbean region, Guyana has historically led all producing nations. Guyana exports a significant portion of its production, by value. In recent years many of the resources that underpin the industry have shown the effects of excessive human and environmental impacts, both targeted and accidental. As Guyana experiences its rapid industrial development the demand for fish and fish products increases along with the negative effects on local fish population. This summary report serves to provide the Member States of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism with a work progress during the year 2022 related to agreed CRFM objectives, plans and the provisions. The document highlights implementation of agreed policy and management instruments, as well as country-level efforts to enhance the management of the sector in a way to ensure participants benefit from the available resource, thus ensuring economic and social stability.
HOW TO CITE: Fisheries Department, Guyana, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture – Guyana. Contribution 10.8, p 85-102 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 Secretariathttps://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=962
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Grenada, an archipelagic state, consists of mainland Grenada, as well as Carriacou, Petite Martinique and several smaller islands along the east coast and to the north of the mainland that forms part of the southern chain of islands with St. Vincent known as the Grenadines. The state is located 12o07’N and 61o40’W and lies between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago.
Grenada fisheries sector consists primarily of an open access marine fishery that has been developing from artisanal and small-scale to commercial operations. Over the past two decades, the sector has been one of the fastest growing sectors in the national economy. It is a major contributor to poverty alleviation, employment and income generation, foreign exchange earnings and savings, an important source of protein and minerals and provides sustainable livelihoods and social well-being to the population. During this period, the value of total fish catch increased from twenty-six million EC dollars in 2003 to almost forty million EC dollars in 2022. Similarly, fish exports increased from almost twelve million EC dollars to almost thirty million for the same period. Currently, overall investments in infrastructure and services in the fisheries sector are now valued at approximately four hundred million EC dollars. The sector now provides direct and indirect employment to over seven thousand people who account for about 15% of the labour force.
HOW TO CITE: Fisheries Division, Grenada, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Grenada. Contribution 10.7, p 67-84 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=961
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