Anguilla 
Antigua and Barbuda 
Grenada 
Bahamas 
Barbados 
Belize 
Dominica 
Guyana 
Haiti 
Jamaica 
Montserrat 
St. Kitts and Nevis 
St. Lucia 
St. Vincent and the Grenadines 
Suriname 
Trinidad and Tobago 
Turks and Caicos 
An Examination of Integrated Marine Planning and Management in CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean Region
An Examination of Integrated Marine Planning and Management in CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean Region
Mikhail Amsterdam
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department, Regent and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive,
Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana.
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ABSTRACT
The Caribbean region is vast yet interconnected with multiple natural resources and opportunities for marine economic development activities. While the region has several integrated organizations with governance responsibilities, the focus of this dissertation is the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which is comprised of fifteen (15) Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and five (5) associate members with the remaining wider Caribbean countries having observer participation. The investigation findings indicate that CARICOM and the wide Caribbean consider Climate Change, Fisheries Management, territorial disputes, tourism, invasive species and conservation the six (6) main drivers which promote the adoption of integrated marine planning and management practices in the region. Further, the research reflects that international obligations, blue economic development, resource loss and conflict resolution as the underlying reasons for political/strategic importance being placed on marine management, which is a key distinction when we consider genuine stewardship versus political correctness. CARICOM has implemented several regional projects, policies and management groups aimed at ensuring collaborative management and shared responsibility. The Cartagena convention protocols on oil spill, land-based sources and special wildlife protected areas are amongst the initiatives reviewed for their regional coverage and impact on regional integrated marine management. The European Union’s approach and policy milestones achieved as part of its integrated maritime management were identified and used to create insights on how CARICOM could adopt a similar regional management policy like the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) which supports the European maritime economy and Protection of the EU maritime environment through cross cutting tools such as the MSP directive and MSPF. The conclusion surmises that CARICOM needs to outline a key strategic direction, identify priority areas for integration and establish robust governance institutions to ensure effective implementation of a regional integrated marine planning and management approach, these points were supported using the questionnaire responses received regional and international MSP experts.
HOW TO CITE: Amsterdam, M., 2026. Planning and Management in CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean Region Contribution 8.3, p538-554 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=947
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Regional Cooperation Among CRFM, OSPESCA and WECAFC for Sustainable Fisheries in the Caribbean
Regional Cooperation Among CRFM, OSPESCA and WECAFC for Sustainable Fisheries in the Caribbean
Milton O. Haughton
Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Belize
ABSTRACT
This contribution examines the collaborative relationship among three regional fisheries bodies in promoting sustainable fisheries in the Caribbean. It considers their functions, and their strengths and weaknesses in relation to sustainable management of marine fish stocks. Shared fish stocks, including migratory and straddling species, which extend beyond the jurisdiction of any one state, can only be managed effectively through cooperative efforts of all states and entities that share the stocks or participate in the fisheries. Regional fisheries bodies have emerged as the only realistic means of facilitating conservation and management of such stocks to ensure they provide sustainable contribution to the economic development of the states. The paper highlights the challenges of regional cooperation for sustainable development and conservation of shared stocks that are largely under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of coastal states in the Caribbean region.
HOW TO CITE: Haughton, M.O., 2026. Regional Cooperation Among CRFM, OSPESCA and WECAFC for Sustainable Fisheries in the Caribbean. Contribution 8.2, p537 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=946
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Fisherfolk Organisations in Fisheries Governance and Policy
Fisherfolk Organisations in Fisheries Governance and Policy
Patrick McConney and Maria Pena
Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES)
University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
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ABSTRACT
Implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) has drawn attention to the important role resilient fisherfolk organisations need to play in fisheries governance and policy internationally, nationally, and locally. However, fisherfolk organisations are unlikely to be successful or sustainable unless the interactive relationships between them, ecological marine systems and political governing systems are well managed. Stewardship is a concept that has the potential to bridge these domains and provide practical guidance for all actors. Over the past two decades there has been increasing, even if only implicit, attention paid to stewardship in the CRFM region. Several policies, projects and other initiatives have tackled this matter. In this paper we examine some of these initiatives, their outputs, and outcomes. We suggest ways forward to build upon the foundation of progress and advance both the SSF Guidelines as well as the resilience of fisherfolk organisations in the CRFM region.
HOW TO CITE: McConney, P. and M. Pena, 2026. Fisherfolk Organisations in Fisheries Governance and Policy. Contribution 8.1, p527-536 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=945
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Sargassum In The Caribbean: Challenges And Opportunity For Blue Growth Based On The Circular Economy Approach
Sargassum In The Caribbean: Challenges And Opportunity For Blue Growth Based On The Circular Economy Approach
Mario Ayalon3*, Milton Haughton2, Rosie Paterson-Lima1, Bruce Searle1,
Terrell Thompson3, Maren Headley2, Christian Genova, Abby Albright, Jaqui Day1
Plant and Food Research1, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism2,
and Research-Engineer contractor3
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ABSTRACT
Since 2011, the mass of Sargassum in the Caribbean has increased dramatically and resulting in more than three times the normal amount of this seaweed in the region. In 2022, the mass of Sargassum in the region had a record of around twenty-two million tons in July and a similar figure is expected in 2023. Sargassum has a role in the marine ecosystem by providing fish nurseries, shelter for sea turtles and absorption of carbon dioxide. However, large volumes of this seaweed have a negative impact on the tourism sector, fishing industries, coral reefs and other coastal ecosystems, and the health of coastal residents. In 2020 the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded a three-year collaborative project, which is being implemented by Plant & Food Research (PFR) of New Zealand and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), to address Sargassum seaweed influxes in affected Caribbean countries. The project has four activity areas: raw material safety testing and harvesting operations review, product and process development, product commercialization strategy development and outreach and supply chain development. The raw material safety testing was done using Sargassum collected in Belize, Barbados, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic. The results confirmed the findings of previous studies that Sargassum has elevated levels of Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead, with concentrations above the maximum allowable limits for human food and animal feed. For the second activity, the project team reviewed twenty-three potential products derived from Sargassum to identify the most suitable for product development and commercialization within the context of the Caribbean environment. Based on the results of the raw material safety testing; the technologies required for harvesting, product development and production; market competition; and regulatory standards in respect of the end-products, the project team selected three products: liquid fertilizer, compost and building materials. The selection of the three products was guided by the circular economy principle of minimum waste generation, mitigation of heavy metal content in accordance with international regulations, and contribution to blue growth in the Caribbean region. Laboratory trials to produce liquid fertilizer and compost started in May 2023. The results obtained will define the operational conditions for production at pilot plant scale of the prototype products and value chains in 2024.
HOW TO CITE: Ayalon M., M. Haughton, R. Paterson-Lima, B. Searle, T. Thompson, M. Headley, C. Genova, A. Albright, and J. Day, 2026. Sargassum in the Caribbean: Challenges and Opportunity for Blue Growth Based on the Circular Economy Approach. Contribution 7.3, p517-526 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=944
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Gender Perspectives in Social, Blue and Climate Justice
Gender Perspectives in Social, Blue and Climate Justice
Maria Pena and Patrick McConney
Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES)
University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
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ABSTRACT
Climate justice, blue justice and social justice are closely intertwined in small island developing states (SIDS) societies, villages and households engaged in small-scale fisheries (SSF). The English-speaking Caribbean exemplifies this at a time when fisherfolk, perceiving themselves as marginalised, are concerned about their invisibility in blue economy and climate change initiatives. Fisherfolk fear that large development investments lead to further marginalisation of SSF, including the roles that women play. Women predominate in postharvest seafood processing, distribution, and marketing in SSF. These value-added economic activities are often overlooked in official statistics and women may benefit from little to no social protection as self-employed entrepreneurs and fish workers. Women face challenges due to the nature of postharvest work combined with their domestic household responsibilities. Yet, they seldom speak of issues related to their domestic responsibilities when they discuss their fishery work. This is problematic. This paper examines these and other gender perspectives in social, blue and climate justice. Gender perspectives need to be better incorporated into SSF in CRFM Member States. Negative impacts on women’s health and well-being can extend to their family and community, impairing a country’s ability to cope with shocks, whether from climate or the global economy. There are potential impacts on food security and nutrition.
HOW TO CITE: Pena, M. and P. McConney, 2026. Gender Perspectives in Social, Blue and Climate Justice. Contribution 7.2, p502-516 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=943
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The Role of Climate Risk Insurance in Building Resilience of the Fisheries Sector– the Coast (Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility) Example and Application
The Role of Climate Risk Insurance in Building Resilience of the Fisheries Sector– the Coast (Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility) Example and Application
Isaac Anthony, Elizabeth Emanuel, and Gina Sanguinetti Phillips
CCRIF SPC E-mail: 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
The fisheries sector in the Caribbean is an important source of livelihoods and contributes significantly to food security, providing access to inexpensive protein in a region that is challenged to overcome its overdependence on a carbohydrate-focused diet. While the sector is not a leading contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of most countries, it is important to the development and stability of rural and coastal communities. Additionally, the importance of the fisheries value chain and linkages with other sectors such as tourism, is substantial. The COAST case study is presented to demonstrate how climate risk insurance can support governments in their efforts to build back better after a natural hazard event and create a resilient fisheries sector. The COAST parametric insurance product for the fisheries sector was developed by CCRIF SPC under the Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility with financial support from the World Bank and the United States State Department. A COAST policy provides coverage for losses caused by adverse weather to all players in the fisheries industry, for direct damages caused by tropical cyclones to fishing vessels, equipment and infrastructure. It promotes gender equity, as women in the fisheries sector are specifically included. This case study also demonstrates the role of climate risk insurance in advancing shock-responsive social protection. By participating in COAST, governments commit to strengthening their fisheries industry systems and registration procedures, as well as their social protection registries, leading to the sector being more sustainable and resilient to the impacts of climate change.
HOW TO CITE : Anthony, I., E. Emanuel, and G. Sanguinetti Phillips, 2026. The Role of Climate Risk Insurance in Building Resilience of the Fisheries Sector– the Coast (Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility) Example and Application. Contribution 7.1, p493-501 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=942
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Recommended Strategies to Protect Parrotfish Populations in Barbados
Recommended Strategies to Protect Parrotfish Populations in Barbados
Christopher Parker and Shelly-Ann Cox
Fisheries Division, Bridgetown, Barbados
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ABSTRACT
Parrotfish are considered ecologically keystone species that play key roles as grazers, agents of bio-erosion of calcareous substrate, sediment production and transport in coral reef ecosystems and shoreline stabilisation. Recent reported declines in populations of some parrotfish species on Barbadian reefs due to several anthropogenic factors, has raised understandable alarm resulting in calls to significantly reduce or completely ban fishing of parrotfish. This of course will have significant impacts on the livelihoods of the many people involved in the island’s reef fisheries especially given the high commercial and cultural value of parrotfish more commonly known locally as ‘chubs’. Relevant scientific information on this issue is critically examined in this paper and a recommended holistic strategy is proposed to protect parrotfish populations while selectively mitigating the social and economic impacts on the more vulnerable participants in the reef fisheries that harvest parrotfish. The first overarching recommendation is that selective protection of parrotfishes or any subset of species in the family (i.e., corallivorous or non-corallivorous) is not supported. Instead, it is recommended that the focus should be on reducing fishing pressure on all reef fish species eliminating the incidences of wasteful ghost fishing and physical damage to reefs caused by the fishing activities. A co-management approach is recommended as being essential in the implementation of adaptive management measures that are grounded in participatory action research. This approach engenders buy-in, cooperation and effective compliance with a “carrot” rather than the “stick” approach, as is considered vital to the success of these initiatives.
HOW TO CITE: Parker, C. and S-A. Cox, 2026. Recommended Strategies to Protect Parrotfish Populations in Barbados. Contribution 6.11, p485-492 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=941
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Uncovering Stakeholder Perspectives on Belize's Managed Access Program: Implications for Sustainable Fisheries Management
Uncovering Stakeholder Perspectives on Belize's Managed Access Program: Implications for Sustainable Fisheries Management
Eric Wade*
Department of Coastal Studies, Integrated Coastal Programs, East Carolina University, North Carolina, USA *
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ABSTRACT
Small-scale fisheries worldwide face mounting pressures from overexploitation, resulting in depleted fish stocks, biodiversity loss, and marine ecosystem degradation. Unregulated open access conditions have emerged as a key driver, prompting a growing need for fisheries reform. Recently, Belize introduced the Managed Access Program (MAP), a rights-based fisheries territorial system aimed at incentivizing fisher ownership and stewardship to promote sustainability. However, implementing managed access involves complex interactions among local and regional actors and issues, raising questions about program feasibility and success. This study combines literature review and semi-structured interviews with 54 fishers and 25 policymakers in Belize's fisheries sector to analyze the MAP and assess initial responses. Findings reveal that the new system primarily repackages traditional fishing areas with weak enforcement of regulations. Stakeholders’ responses varied, with the majority expressing negative views. At the same time, policymakers and fishers hold different conceptualizations of the policy and its expected benefits. These variations suggest that stakeholders' experiences shape unique policy interpretations, affecting compliance and adaptation. Despite addressing fisheries challenges, concerns remain about the MAP's ability to achieve its objectives. Neglecting diverse perspectives may hinder policy acceptance. To address this, innovative and robust approaches should capture these perspectives, enabling a holistic approach to policy creation and implementation.
HOW TO CITE: Wade, E. 2026. Uncovering Stakeholder Perspectives on Belize's Managed Access Program: Implications for Sustainable Fisheries Management. Contribution 6.10, p481-484 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=940
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Utilization of Artificial Reefs for Enhancement of Spiny Lobster Resource
Utilization of Artificial Reefs for Enhancement of Spiny Lobster Resource
Hiroaki Terashima*1, Monique Calderon*2 and Makeba Felix*2
IC Net Limited. Member for the Project for Strengthening Sustainable Use and Management of Coastal Fisheries Resources in the CARICOM Countries (COASTFISH)*1
LA Tower 27 F., 11-2 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama-shi, 3306027, Japan.
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Department of Fisheries, Saint Lucia*2
Pointe Seraphine Castries Saint Lucia
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ABSTRACT
The Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico is a highly valued commercially important species, which is considered a delicacy in the world. In order to manage and conserve the resource of this species, many countries in the region have legislated for fishing restrictions, including minimum size limits, closed seasons, and fishing quotas. However, in several countries, the resources have still faced significant declines owing to overfishing by poaching, habitat destruction and climate change. In order to improve this situation, Japanese aid agencies have implemented an artificial reef project as demonstration tests for development of the nursery ground to enhance the spiny lobster stock. The Overseas Fisheries Consultants Association (OFCA) implemented a model project at St. Vincent and the Grenadines from 2003 to 2005 with the aim of increasing the Caribbean Spiny Lobster stocks, providing technical guidance and lectures to the Fisheries Division through the installation and monitoring surveys of artificial reefs. Subsequent intermittent monitoring observed a large number of spiny lobsters aggregating on artificial reef designed to attract the spiny lobster. In 2020, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) then launched the Project for Strengthening Sustainable Use and Management of Coastal Fisheries Resources in the CARICOM Countries - COASTFISH Project. One of the pilot activities is to deploy an artificial seaweed and an artificial reef combined for development of the nursery habitat for juvenile spiny lobster, and already juvenile spiny lobsters were found on the artificial reef. In this pilot project, local fisherfolks, MPA rangers and officers of the Fisheries Department worked together to develop and monitor the artificial reefs that are inexpensive and easy to install. Such efforts are being made with reference to the "satoumi activities" that are being carried out in coastal areas of Japan.
HOW TO CITE: Terashima, H., M. Calderon and M. Felix, 2026. Utilization of Artificial Reefs for Enhancement of Spiny Lobster Resource. Contribution 6.9, p467-480 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=939
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Ten Years of Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) Closed Season: Evidence From Antigua and Barbuda’s Small-Scale Fishery
Ten Years of Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) Closed Season: Evidence From Antigua and Barbuda’s Small-Scale Fishery
Ian Horsford* and Hilroy Simon
Fisheries Division, Point Wharf Fisheries Complex, St. John’s, Antigua, West Indies
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ABSTRACT
Catch and effort and biological data were collected from commercial fishing trips, research trips, at-sea stop and search, and from inspections of processing plants, retailers, and restaurants in Antigua and Barbuda. The objectives were to: 1) appraise the impact of the annual two-month closed season enacted in 2013; and 2) determine trends (catch per unit effort, carapace length, etc.) and status of the fishery. Significant temporal differences existed amongst the mean catch per unit effort (p < 0.001) with the catch rates for traps (fish pots) increasing by at least three-fold after the implementation of the closed season. The odds of catching a spiny lobster via traps was also statistically greater (1.7 times more likely) after the implementation of the closed season (OR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.3, 2.1]); note the mean number of traps hauled per trip per vessel size class were not significantly different between the two periods (p > 0.05). Mean sizes of lobsters were significantly larger (p < 0.05) than the estimate of the size at 50% maturity for females (95.7 mm) and comparable to those over the past two decades. The overall enhancement of the fishery was attributed to the general compliance with the closed season coupled with a catch certification programme that requires exporters to comply with the various management measures (minimum size, closed season, prohibition on moulting and egg-bearing lobsters) as well as provide proof of purchase from authorised sources (i.e., fishers or traders possessing a valid fisher licence and from duly licensed vessels possessing a valid lobster permit). As of 2023, a catch certificate is required for export of any fish (including lobster) or fishery product from Antigua and Barbuda regardless of the destination. The next step in “closing the net” on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the lobster fishery is adapting the catch certification programme for the other major consumer group – local hotels and restaurants.
HOW TO CITE: Horsford, I. and H. Simon, 2026.Ten Years of Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) Closed Season: Evidence From Antigua and Barbuda’s Small-Scale Fishery. Contribution 6.8, p455-466 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=938
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Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience - Press Releases, Updates, and Announcements
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PFR-CRFM to showcase innovative work on Sargassum-derived plant-growth bio-stimulant at upcoming Caribbean Week of Agriculture
Belize City, Friday, 4 October 2024 (CRFM)—The innovative work being done under the New Zealand-funded Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience…Read More -
Field trials on the horizon for Sargassum-derived fertilizer
Belize City, Friday, 12 April 2024 (CRFM)—A multi-country mission to monitor progress with the regional Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience…Read More -
Project Assistant - Sargassum Project
The CRFM is seeking a suitably qualified Belizean to serve as PROJECT ASSISTANT for the Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience…Read More -
CRFM and PFR of New Zealand developing innovative products from Sargassum
Greenhouse trial with liquid organic fertilizer derived from Sargassum (Photo: M. Haughton, CRFM) Belize City, Thursday, 7 December 2023 (CRFM)—Groundbreaking work…Read More
