National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in BARBADOS

Gregory Franklin, Christopher Parker, Colvin Taylor, and Shelly-Ann Cox

Barbados Fisheries Division, Ministry of Environment and National Beautification,
Green and Blue Economy, Princess Alice Highway, Bridgetown, St. Michael Barbados

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Barbados has a rich tradition of fishing with significant economic and cultural importance. An estimated 8,800 people are involved in the fisheries sector of Barbados1which accounts for approximately 8% of the workforce. Traditionally, flyingfish and dolphinfish by far dominated the species composition of the local fish catch. However the large-scale incursions of Sargassum into the region, that have for the last several years become annual events, significantly altered the catch rates of flyingfish and associated large pelagic species, especially dolphinfish, and thus altered the typical pattern of the species composition of the catch during the impacted fishing seasons/years. The Fisheries Division continued to fulfill its mission towards the management and sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture resources of Barbados for the benefit of our people, both present and future generations. During the pandemic, the operations of the division were significantly impacted resulting in the rescheduling of vessel inspection and the postponement of in-person training activities. Stakeholder consultations were held online in most instances and landing site visits were limited. Staff members pivoted and used Zoom and WhatsApp group chats to engage with clients and provide information and updates. The following initiatives were implemented during the reporting period.

HOW TO CITE: Franklin, G., C. Parker, C. Taylor, and S. Cox, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Barbados. Contribution 10.4, p 29-41 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=958

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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in THE BAHAMAS

INTRODUCTION

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas demography and economy The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is an archipelago of roughly 3,000 small islands and cays with a land area of about 13,935 km². It has a total continental shelf area of approximately 116,550 km². The islands and cays are spread over an area of some 230,000 km² and are located on 16 plateaus separated from each other and from Florida, Cuba and Hispaniola by depths of 350 – 3600 meters. The archipelago comprises 700 islands and 2,400 cays, of which 29 are inhabited (referred to as Family Islands)...

The economic development of The Bahamas is largely driven by its tourism and finance sectors, which contribute respectively 10 and 11% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). (BNSI, 2016b). The fisheries sector plays an important role with respect to foreign currency earnings, assisting the country to meet its food security needs, employment and social well-being. Its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ranges between 1-2% annually, according to data compiled by the Department of Marine Resources. However, preliminary findings from a study conducted by BNSI estimated that the fisheries sector accounts for 20% of the country’s GDP considering the entire value chain including commercial and recreational fishing, fisheries processing, exports, sports fishing and supply for the local market.

HOW TO CITE: Department of Marine Resources, The Bahamas, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in The Bahamas. Contribution 10.3, p 23-28 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=957

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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

OVERVIEW

The state of Antigua and Barbuda lies in the Lesser Antilles Island Chain. The islands are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Caribbean Sea to the west. The islands of Antigua and Barbuda are located between latitude 17° 00' N and 17° 44' N and longitude 61° 39` W and 61° 55' W, with Antigua to the south and Barbuda approximately 42 kilometres to the north. The uninhabited Redonda lies to the southwest at 16 55` N and 062 21` allowing for the territory being established as an Archipelagic State in 1982. With a coastline measuring 153km, the islands cover a total land area of 442 km2 with Antigua accounting for 280 km², Barbuda 160 km² and Redonda 2 km². In contrast to the relatively small landmass, Antigua and Barbuda sits on an extensive insular shelf encompassing the inhabited islands with gentle bathymetric relief down to 30 metres depth. This vast shelf along with the Redonda shelf and various offshore shelves, amounting to a total shelf area of 3,568 km², provides adequate habitat for demersal resources targeted by artisanal fishers. The fishing industry is responsible for half of the agricultural sector’s 2% contribution to the National GDP. In 2020, during the global pandemic, the importance of the fishing industry for its role in food security and securing the livelihood of residents was realized. In 2020, the number of licenses issued to local fishers increased by over 200% over the previous year as people displaced from major industries such as tourism and construction made the transition or re-entry into fishing to maintain their livelihood. At the end of 2021 the number of registered Fishers in Antigua and Barbuda inclusive of 7 Aquaculturist, was 2497 of which 131 were females.

HOW TO CITE: Fisheries Division, Antigua and Barbuda, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Antigua and Barbuda. Contribution 10.2, p 11-22 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=956

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National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in ANGUILLA

Remone Johnson

Fisheries Manager Natural Resources Fisheries Unit

FISHERIES SUB-SECTORS AT A GLANCE

Anguilla is the most northerly of the Leeward Islands, geographically positioned at 18.22° N, 63.07° W. The island land mass measures 35 square miles, 16 miles long and 3 miles wide and has a geological make up of predominantly coral and limestone. The highest elevation on the island rises to 213ft, while the rest of the island and its surrounding cays remain relatively flat. The main economic driver on the island is tourism, but fishing as a small industry also generates direct revenue for ~ 400 of the 14,000 residents of Anguilla and contributes roughly 1.2% towards the GDP. Anguilla’s exclusive fishing zone (EEZ) is 85,500km², and 2,000km² is submerged shelf. This submerged shelf supports the islands’ fishery and provides an abundance of shellfish products landed locally. The EEZ goes 200nm north into the Atlantic; with this abundance of fishing area, the local fishers only exploit up 35-40 miles.

The fishing industry of Anguilla is still very much un-developed, in the sense that there is no large-scale or commercial fishing industries and the technology, boats and equipment used are mundane. The 2022 record of licensed fishers shows that there are ~96 commercial vessels and ~240 fishers operating in Anguilla’s fishery. Besides one large trawler (16m), most of the fishers operate from locally constructed 5-15m, outboard-powered open hull vessels. The fishing methods employed include: purse seines, line fishing, Antillean or Z fish and lobster traps, speargun, longlines, trolling rods and FADs rods, to capture target species such as jacks, hinds, butter fish, doctor fish, parrot fish, shark etc. The latter methods are used to capture important commercial species such as snappers, tunas, wahoo, mahi mahi, lobster and crayfish. The Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) is also an important commercial species, which is harvested by skin diving or SCUBA.

HOW TO CITE: Johnson, R., 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Anguilla. Contribution 10.1, p1-10 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=955

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Building the Capacity of Aquaculture and the Blue Economy in the Caribbean

Dr. Juli-Anne Russo

Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub
Via Monte Roncone, Allumiere 00051, Italy
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ABSTRACT

Despite a global increase in aquaculture, the Caribbean remains at 0.05%. Aquaculture is commonly associated with the intensive culture of salmon in developed countries and the culture of tilapia and shrimp in developing countries. The suit of species to be cultured in the region goes beyond these given the diverse ecosystems and may include species such as conch, marine finfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, aquarium species, oysters, mussels, seaweeds and other aquatic plants, to name a few. Many blue foods are rich in bioavailable micronutrients and can be produced more sustainably. For Caribbean countries, aquaculture has the potential to positively address the problems of nutrition and food insecurity, the unsustainable exploitation of marine resources, and socio-economic inequalities. Conventional approaches to promoting aquaculture have largely failed. Most components necessary for aquaculture development in the region remain underdeveloped, including human and technical resources and the general knowledge required to take advantage of its opportunities. For instance, vast coastal areas have hardly been explored for mariculture / blue foods development which can become the cornerstone of coastal communities. Additionally, given the critical state of important marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves due to overexploitation, the potential for aquaculture as an alternate source of fish protein and alternative livelihood activities has yet to be taken seriously. The Caribbean Aquaculture Education and Innovation Hub (CAEIH) seeks to leverage and strengthen this framework through scientific research, with the introduction of aquaculture curriculum in secondary and tertiary institutions, and partnership initiatives to realize regional targets such as the CARICOM commitment to a 25 percent reduction in food imports by 2025 and the global 2030 agenda. In this way, we intend to identify and monitor key performance indicators at all levels of human and technical capacity in aquaculture production including the participation of women and youth.

HOW TO CITE: Russo, J-A., 2026. Building the Capacity of Aquaculture and the Blue Economy in the Caribbean. Contribution 9.2, p618-625 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=953

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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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Looking Back Before Moving Forward: Learning From History to Develop Aquaculture and Mariculture in Barbados

Christopher Parker and Colvin Taylor

Barbados Fisheries Division. Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification, Princess Alice Highway, Bridgetown, Barbados

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ABSTRACT

To meet local demands, Barbados currently imports much more fish and fish products than it produces. In recent years this disparity has worsened by the significant reduction in catches of flyingfish and dolphinfish resulting from the mass influxes of Sargassum spp. into traditional fishing grounds. Against this background, the Barbados Fisheries Policy (BFP) 2023-2033 requires Government to support the contribution of sustainable aquaculture to economic growth, food security and income diversification. At this juncture, it is prudent to critically review and assess the island’s past aquaculture and mariculture ventures with the objective of discerning any lessons learnt and applying these to the formulation of sound policies and plans for the development and management of vi–able and sustainable aquaculture and mariculture in Barbados. This is the main objective of this paper. Scarcity of available land and water resources significantly limits opportunities for large-scale, land-based aquaculture ventures in Barbados. As such, the island’s few commercial-scale ventures have necessarily utilized Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). However, most of these businesses have not been sustainably profitable for various reasons, with most not progressing beyond the pilot-phase. Small-scale “backyard” ventures often rearing primarily Tilapia in small tanks as well as in aquaponics arrays, have emerged as the predominant forms of aquaculture on the island. Options for mariculture are also constrained by the island’s densely populated land area and limited and crowded coastline. It is emphasized that it is the duty of government through cogent legislation to ensure that all aquaculture and mariculture ventures are financially sustainable and redound to the benefit of Barbados without damaging the environment. To this end, a new policy framework for aquaculture and mariculture and regulations were approved by Cabinet on 9th June 2023. Regular consultation with stakeholder experts is necessary for implementation and to chart the way forward for the sector.

HOW TO CITE: Parker, C. and C. Taylor, 2026. Looking Back Before Moving Forward: Learning From History to Develop Aquaculture and Mariculture in Barbados. Contribution 5.2, p331-345 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 Secretariathttps://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=926

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Biology and Diseases of Panulirus argus on Saint Kitts and Nevis

Nicole A. M. Atherley Herbert, Michelle M. Dennis, Mark A. Freeman

Center for Conservation Medicine & Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Saint Kitts and Nevis

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ABSTRACT

The Caribbean spiny lobster, P. argus, is a commercially important species found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Since P. argus fisheries generate approximately US $1 billion annually, regulations are in place to protect the fisheries and ensure sustainability of the resource. Countries within the region have adopted regulations to achieve this objective, including closed seasons and minimum landing size requirements. In a study conducted on Saint Kitts and Nevis from 2017 to 2020, morphological and histological data were collected, it was determined that minimum size at maturity occurs at 87 mm carapace length while peak reproductive activity occurs from March to May. Although there are few known diseases of P. argus, the PaV1 virus has negatively affected several P. argus populations in some countries. Disease surveillance functions to determine the health of the fishing stock and to discover emergent pathogens which may threaten the fisheries. In this study, lobsters at the adult, juvenile and postlarval stages were screened grossly and histologically for signs of disease. Molecular techniques were also used to identify the aetiological agents of pathologies observed. Parasites such as Ameson herrnkindi (a novel microsporidian parasite), Carcinonemertes conanobrieni, an egg-predator previously reported in Florida and Colombia, and previously undescribed Carcinonemertes sp. were found. Such scientific data can prove instrumental in the management of P. argus stocks including the identification of determination of potential closed seasons, establishing minimum legal size, and assessing aquaculture suitability. Based on our data, March to June could be adopted as the closed season for Saint Kitts and Nevis.

HOW TO CITE: Herbert, N.A.M.A., M. M. Dennis and M. A. Freeman, 2026.  Biology and Diseases of Panulirus argus on Saint Kitts and Nevis. Contribution 3.15, p265-278 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=920

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Marine aquaculture—also known as mariculture—is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish and shrimp in the ocean or coastal environments using systems like floating cages, sea pens, or coastal ponds. Unlike inland aquaculture, mariculture harnesses the sea’s natural resources to sustainably produce seafood. It offers the potential to reduce reliance on imports, generate employment, and support coastal livelihoods, while also promoting innovation through hatcheries, improved feeds, and integrated multi-trophic systems.

The Caribbean is uniquely positioned for success in this sector, with clean waters, suitable native species, and growing demand for healthy, locally farmed seafood. Yet many CARICOM states still import over half of their fish, highlighting the urgent need to build local capacity. This webinar series will bring together leading experts and practitioners to share the technical and strategic knowledge required to unlock mariculture potential and build resilience across the region.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released four (4) recordings from the Caribbean Mariculture Webinar Series, held during September to October 2025. This series was organized under the CARICOM Sub-Regional Mariculture Project.

The initiative is designed to strengthen national and regional capacity in marine aquaculture, with a focus on practical knowledge transfer that supports food security, economic growth, and sustainable coastal development.

Full Playlist 

 Unlocking Mariculture potential in the Caribbean

Building and Managing Cage Farms: Engineering and Daily Operations for Finfish Grow-Out

From Hatch to Sea: Broodstock, Larval Rearing, and Fingerling Transport for Marine Finfish

Feeding the future: Marine Finfish Nutrition and Local Feed Opportunities

Information and resources courtesy UN FAO.

The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat’s new Programme Manager – Climate Change & Blue Economy Development Policy, Planning, and Management, Ms. Sanya Compton, delivered opening remarks on behalf of the CRFM at the Blue Justice Conference 2025, on Tuesday, 2 December, in UN City, Copenhagen.

She addressed two key issues at the heart of the conference theme: “United in Action against Fisheries Crimes.” These are transnational organised crime in the fishing industry, including illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; as well as the need for strong partnerships to strengthen responsible, sustainable management of our fisheries and other ocean assets.

In her remarks, Ms. Compton flagged four (4) perils of IUU fishing:

1. It undermines the foundation of sustainable fisheries management;
2. It erodes confidence in legal frameworks;
3. It destabilizes regional markets; and
4. It threatens the long-term viability of target species.

She urged stakeholders to strengthen their resolve and partnerships, and reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the marine resources that provide food security, livelihoods, resilience, and rich cultural value.

She underlined the vital importance of strong strategic partnerships for addressing the challenges of IUU fishing and fisheries-related crimes and to responsibly manage our fisheries, our oceans, and all aspects of our Blue Economy.

Mr. Virun Lutchman, Environmental Crime Lead, Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), Blue Justice Caribbean Hub, presented on data and digital technology in addressing fisheries crime.

Three CRFM Member States offered their country insights. Ms. Wynnona Joseph, Senior Fisheries Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, presented for the Commonwealth of Dominica; H.E. Noersalim Mike Mohamed Faizel, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, presented via digital recording for Suriname; and H.E. Floyd O’Brian Green, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, delivered a live digital presentation for Jamaica.

Jamaica also participated in a discussion on regional cooperation. H.E. Green, and Dr. Gavin Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fisheries Authority, Jamaica, shared their experiences with hosting and administrating the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub - the first of its kind under the Blue Justice Initiative.

Prior to traveling to Copenhagen, Ms. Compton had attended a Global Affairs Canada (GAC) Results-Based Management (RBM) Training–a three-day event held in Jamaica–with CRFM's Sherron Barker, Regional Project Coordinator of the Global Affairs Canada/CRFM STAR-Fish Project. The training provided insights into GACs RBM concepts and tools, allowing participants to explore RBM methodology and practice to improve project management, decision-making and reporting. The training also addressed the conceptualization of and process for the development of logic models and theory of change.

Ms. Compton was appointed in September 2025 to take up a newly created post within the CRFM Secretariat–Programme Manager – Climate Change & Blue Economy Development Policy, Planning, and Management–in line with the CRFM’s strategic direction for the period 2022-2030.

Some specific elements covered under her portfolio are:

Policy and Programme Development and Implementation: Lead the planning and development of policies, implementation and monitoring of programs and projects addressing climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation, and blue economy development focused on the marine living resources.

Blue Economic Development: Design and implement blue economy programs that enhance sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, and ocean-based livelihoods; identify investment opportunities and partnerships for the blue economy within the Caribbean region; promote gender-inclusive and socially equitable approaches to blue economic development.

Capacity-Building and Stakeholder Engagement: Support institutional and analytical capacity building on policy analysis, formulation, and implementation for sustainable management of fisheries, climate change adaptation, blue economic and aquaculture development.

Ms. Compton–who holds over 15 years of experience in the sector and a Master of Science Degree in Marine Science from Savannah State University in Georgia, USA–has been working with the CRFM Secretariat since May 2023. She started out providing consultancy services to support the portfolio for Fisheries Management and Development. After completing that consultancy, she was hired as Research Graduate, Research and Resource Assessment and retained that role until her recent Programme Manager appointment.

Event photos courtesy Peter A. Murray, CRFM Advisor, Fisheries Management and Development.