Belize City, Thursday, 19 June 2025 (CRFM)—The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is moving full speed ahead with the implementation of the Canada-funded STAR-Fish Project: “Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries.” This CAD 4 million initiative is designed to increase clean energy transition in Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture while building resilience, by addressing the need to improve competitiveness and unleash key economic drivers.

This month, the CRFM Secretariat welcomed two highly experienced project staff: Mr. Sherrón Barker – Regional Project Coordinator, and Mrs. Daintyann Barrett-Smith – Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist.

"The STAR-Fish Project represents an important opportunity to drive innovation and sustainability in Caribbean fisheries. I am honoured to support our partners in delivering real progress on climate resilience, gender equity, and clean energy transition in this critical sector for our region’s economies and communities," Mr. Barker said.

He joined the CRFM Secretariat in Belize City in February 2025, as the Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer under another regional initiative – the GEF/FAO/CRFM BE-CLME+ Project titled, “Promoting National Blue Economy Priorities Through Marine Spatial Planning in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Plus.” He previously worked as Project Manager for the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative, at the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica from 2023 to 2024.

In his new role as the Regional Project Coordinator for the STAR-Fish Project, Mr. Barker will oversee and coordinate the implementation of STAR-Fish. He also holds responsibility for planning, implementing, and ensuring the delivery of timely and quality project outputs.

Complementing his work, Mrs. Barrett-Smith will assess environmental and social risks, recommend solutions, ensure compliance with the relevant environmental and social safeguard policies and standards, as well as provide technical support for the implementation of the project and its activities. She will also lead the development of an environmental and social screening checklist for the project. She is furthermore tasked with identifying mitigation and corrective measures which may be required by the project. Of note is that Mrs. Barnett-Smith has also been retained to fill the role vacated by Mr. Barker as the Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer for the BE-CLME+ Project.

In 2024, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) approved the implementation of STAR-Fish—a four-year project which was developed by the CRFM to address climate resilience in the Caribbean. The Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada, has donated CAD 4 million to the project, while the CRFM has committed CAD 324,000 in counterpart funding. Although this project is being implemented in countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA)—namely Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname—the CRFM Secretariat is committed to ensuring that other Member States across the region garner as many spin-off benefits as possible.

The fisheries sector consumes energy across its value chain, particularly for fish processing—cooling, cleaning, drying, and freezing. The STAR-Fish Project seeks to demonstrate that energy costs can be substantially reduced by transitioning to renewable energy technologies. The project intends to ultimately increase clean energy transition in Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture by applying a gender-responsive approach to its interventions, as it supports the certification of low carbon or carbon neutral fisheries in the region and facilitates technical collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The STAR-Fish Project is pivotal for the advancement of the CRFM’s 2022-2030 Strategic Plan. It particularly supports the attainment of Strategic Goal 4, which envisions “Increased use of renewable energy and energy efficient harvesting, processing, and cold storage systems, and reduction of the region’s reliance on fossil fuels in fisheries and aquaculture.”

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About Global Affairs Canada:

Global Affairs Canada (GAC)—under the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Minister of International Trade; the Minister of Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs; and the Secretary of State of International Development—is responsible for advancing Canada’s international relations, including, inter alia: developing and implementing foreign policy; fostering the development of international law, international trade and commerce; and providing international assistance (encompassing humanitarian, development, and peace and security).

4 June 2025, Dominica--The Regional Seminar for the Project for Strengthening Sustainable Use and Management of Coastal Fisheries Resources in the CARICOM Countries (COASTFISH) has just concluded in Dominica after two days of spirited engagements.

Hon. Jullan Defoe, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green, Economy, Dominica, welcomed the attendees during the opening ceremony held yesterday.

The purpose of the regional seminar was to disseminate the outputs, achievements, good practices and lesson learned across several project activities which focused on strategies and actions to achieve co-management as a tool for resource management and for fostering better livelihoods. The ultimate goal is to further expand the co-management approach established during the project to the wider Caribbean, in line with the overall project goal.

The COASTFISH Regional Seminar brought together fishers and fisheries officials from the project's six participating countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Two experts from the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat, Dr. Sandra Grant - Deputy Executive Director and Dr. Maren Headley - Programme Manager, Fisheries Management and Development, provided integral technical support and delivered presentations during the course of the two-day event. Dr. Joeli Veitayaki, University of South Pacific, delivered a lecture on "The role of co-management in Fisheries Association in South Pacific Country," while Dr. Mitsutaku Makino, University of Tokyo, delivered a lecture on "Tool Box in Blue Economy in the Fisheries."

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded COASTFISH Project, implemented through IC Net Ltd. of Japan in collaboration with the CRFM has successfully supported a diverse range of pilot initiatives across the region aimed at enhancing the sustainability and resilience of coastal fisheries.

Here are some highlights:

• Among the pilot activities were the construction, deployment, and monitoring of artificial reefs designed to boost the recruitment of juvenile species such as the spiny lobster in nearshore marine environments. An important link to the tourism sector was also showcased through the use of artificial reefs as a dive attraction, and highlighted intersectoral linkages within the blue economy.

• Countries also piloted the construction of fish pots with biodegradable panels to reduce ghost fishing, the use of zinc anodes to combat fish trap corrosion, and the application of pop-up tags to deter theft of fish pots.

• The project further supported activities in sea moss farming and processing, including the development of value-added sea moss products.

• Fish preservation techniques, such as fish salting and product marketing were also promoted. In addition, a lionfish derby and culinary initiatives featuring lionfish recipes aimed to raise awareness and promote the consumption of this invasive species were undertaken.

• To support data-driven management of marine resources, a juvenile queen conch abundance survey was conducted to assess current population levels and inform fishery management strategies.

• Capacity-building was a key component of the project, with training provided in fish processing, product development, facility management and also dive certification for fishers.

• Coral gardening activities were also implemented, contributing to habitat restoration amid growing threats such as coral bleaching and disease.

• In keeping with its commitment to inclusivity, the COASTFISH Project piloted gender mainstreaming initiatives to increase the participation and leadership of women in the fisheries sector.

The success of these pilot initiatives highlights the value of regional collaboration and innovation in strengthening coastal communities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources in the Caribbean, using a co-management approach and highlighting the roles of fishers.

Closing remarks were made by Mr. Hisashi Suzuki, Deputy Director General of JICA, Dominican Republic who noted the successful outcomes of the project. Mr. Andrew Magloire, the project consultant, praised the excellent collaboration of all the partners.

On behalf of its Member States, the CRFM Secretariat thanks the Government and people of Japan for the support provided to the region through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

Belize City, Monday, 2 June 2025 (CRFM)—The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat, based in Belize and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Thomas Marc Xavier Williams of Saint Kitts and Nevis as its new Executive Director, effective today, Monday, 2 June 2025.

Dr. Williams takes over from former Executive Director, Mr. Milton Haughton, who retired in December 2024 after having served the CRFM since its inauguration in 2003—first as its Deputy Executive Director and since 2011 as Executive Director. The CRFM expresses its sincerest gratitude to Mr. Haughton for having rendered over 44 years of exceptional and dedicated service to the region.

Building upon the foundation established over the past two decades, Dr. Williams will now lead the charge for providing technical, consultative and advisory services to seventeen (17) CRFM Member States in the development, assessment, management, and conservation of marine and other aquatic resources. He is also responsible for spearheading bilateral and international engagements on behalf of the region’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

On Monday, 9 June 2025, Dr. Williams will represent the CRFM at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference, in Nice, France. He is also scheduled to deliver a keynote presentation at a side event to be hosted that same day by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda entitled, "Blueprints for the Future: Marine Spatial Planning, Financing, Ocean Data Driven Decision Making & Global Cooperation."

Dr. Williams comes eminently qualified, having worked as the Director of Marine Resources, responsible for the overall management of the Department of Marine Resources in Saint Kitts and Nevis, from 2011 to 2023, after which he served at the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources until April 2025.

His breadth of knowledge and experience also reflects his tenure as the 2019-2020 Chair of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum, a CRFM body which determines the technical and scientific work of the Secretariat; as well as his contributions to global sustainable ocean management through his role as the International Whaling Commissioner (IWC) for Saint Kitts and Nevis since 2014.

Dr. Williams earned his Doctorate of Business Administration Degree from William Howard Taft University in Lakewood, Colorado, USA, in October 2020. He also holds a Master of Business Administration Degree in Financial Management from City University in Bellevue, Washington, USA. (More details can be found in his bio here.)

As a son of Saint Kitts and Nevis, he is passionate about the ocean and the vast marine wealth it encapsulates as well as the promise for the region’s food and economic security. He has been a proponent for commercial and small-scale aquaculture development and innovation in capture fisheries, through the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).

During his tenure at the Department of Marine Resources in Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Williams was actively engaged in several sustainable and innovative Fisheries projects, both at the national and regional levels.

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Addressing SPS Barriers to Agricultural and Fishery Trade in the Caribbean

Addressing SPS Barriers to Agricultural and Fishery Trade in the Caribbean

Saint Vincent and Grenadines, 12 May 2025 (CNFO)—The National Fisherfolk Organisation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), with the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO), is implementing a workshop: “Promoting fisher-led implementation of SSF Guidelines in the Caribbean Region." Partners are Sandals Resorts International (SVG) and CSFUND. The workshop is being held from May 12-13, 2025 at the Sandals Resort's conference room in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The CNFO has participated in the development of both the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP) and the global policy, the Voluntary Guidelines on Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the context of food security and poverty eradication (or the SSF Guidelines). 

The network was instrumental in having the SSF Guidelines enshrined into the first protocol of the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy. Although the SSF guidelines is imbedded within the fisheries policy of the Caribbean Community, there is limited focus on active implementation while SSF fishers are increasingly being challenged by NGO agendas, climate change, ecosystem degradation, marine protected areas (MPAs) and marine spatial planning (MSP), and so called “Blue Economy” initiatives. 

The objectives of this meeting are:

• Build awareness and understanding of regional and global fisheries policy, namely the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy, and the Voluntary Guidelines on Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the context of food security and poverty eradication;
• Develop draft advocacy plans for fishers to address major concerns;
• Develop draft plans for fisher-led implementation of the SSF Guidelines;
• Build awareness of the CNFO’s Regional Code of Conduct;
• Fisheries value chain discussions; and
• Marketing of fish in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The National Fisherfolk Organisation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines joins the regional network in spearheading the active implementation of these policy documents, as one of the means to improve fishers’ lives in the region. The SSF Guidelines place the people (small-scale fishers) at the centre of development in a clearly synergistic manner with the Sustainable Development Goals.

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PRESS CONTACT:
NAME: Winsbert Harry
PHONE: +1 (784) 495-2008
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About CNFO: The Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) is a regional network of small-scale fisherfolk and their organisations operating across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The network is committed to the realization of profitable and sustainable fisheries that support fisherfolk's livelihoods, promote effective ecosystem-based management of fisheries resources, contribute to food security for Caribbean communities, and increase resilience to risks, including climate change. For more information on CNFO, see: https://cnfo.fish/.

Disclaimer: This press release was shared by the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations, and the views expressed herein are those of the CNFO and not necessarily those of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism.

Groundfish stock assessment programmes are critical to ensuring that countries can manage their fisheries sustainably, maintain ecological balance, and ensure economic stability, says Dr. Sandra Grant

Technical officers of the CRFM Secretariat, and the FISH4ACP and EAF4SG projects, worked with fisheries experts from 3 CRFM Member States (Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago) to conduct the multi-country data-limited assessment (Photo: CRFM)

Belize City, Belize, 23 April 2025 (CRFM)—The Continental Shelf Fisheries Working Group (CSWG)—a technical working group of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) which seeks to foster the sustainable use of continental shelf resources and their associated ecosystems—recently convened a workshop, from 31 March to 4 April 2025, in Paramaribo, Suriname. The workshop focused on the review and analysis of groundfish resources in Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Twenty-nine participants from four partner organizations and the three countries attended the event.

Dr. Sandra Grant, Executive Director (Ag.), CRFM Secretariat, said: “The groundfish resources are crucial—both economically and socially—in this subregion. Groundfish supports the livelihoods of local fishing communities and contribute significantly to the national economies of Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. However, like many other countries, they face challenges in maintaining sustainable fisheries due to environmental changes and limited scientific data on the health of their fish stocks.”

Dr. Grant added that the development of groundfish stock assessment programmes is critical to ensuring that these countries can manage their fisheries sustainably, maintain ecological balance, and ensure economic stability.

Ms. Dawn Maison, Technical Specialist, FISH4ACP Guyana, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), said: “This workshop provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of stock assessment principles and gain practical skills in applying various methods. The knowledge and tools acquired will be crucial in ensuring the sustainable management of our groundfish resources in their respective countries.”

The CSWG and partners also visited the Marisa Fisheries/Ocean Delight processing plant in Wanica, Suriname, to observe the post-harvest operations, as workers transferred produce from fishing vessels to the onshore facility (Photo: CRFM)

Ms. Nerissa Lucky, Technical and Project Coordinator at the Project Management Unit (PMU), University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago, said that the EAF4SG project (Enhancing capacity for the adoption and implementation of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries [EAF] in the shrimp and groundfish fisheries of the North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem), being executed by the PMU, pledges its continued support.

“We look forward to supporting national fisheries agencies in the region, project partners and industry stakeholders in improving data collection for stock assessments and implementing management recommendations to enhance the livelihoods of fisherfolk and promote sustainable shrimp and groundfish fisheries in the region,” she commented.

“The workshop aimed to build the capacity of Fisheries Division staff from the participating countries in methods that can be applied to assess stock status in data-limited situations, ” explained Dr. Tomas Willems, Head of the Statistics and Research Division, Fisheries Department, Suriname.

The workshop objectives were: (1) to increase understanding of the theory behind stock assessment; (2) to learn how to use stock assessment tools; and (3) to perform preliminary assessments on key shrimp and groundfish species for each country. Dr Willems attested that the workshop met all three objectives and could be considered an important milestone in promoting evidence-based fisheries management.

“CRFM and the EAF4SG project will provide further follow-up to finalize the assessments started during the workshop, ” Dr. Willems added.

Ms. Lara Ferreira, Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Division, Trinidad and Tobago, expressed appreciation, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, for the technical support received through the CRFM CSWG, with the support of the EAF4SG project.

“Such opportunities for capacity building in R and data-limited stock assessment methodologies are much needed in the region, ” Ferreira added.

During the final day of the workshop, the Suriname Seabob Working Group, which has private sector participation, joined the session, during which presentations were made on the ongoing seabob assessment. They discussed the way forward, including the upcoming Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) audit.

“We thank our partners—the EAF4SG and FISH4ACP projects funded by GEF and the EU and both implemented by the FAO—for their technical and financial support for this workshop,” Dr. Grant concluded.

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INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY: Solid Waste Management Specialist | PADF Caribbean Sustainable Ecosystems Activity