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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Improving Social and Economic Resilience Through Enhanced Regional Trade in Fish and Seafood

Milton O. Haughton and Adele O. Ramos

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat

Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City, Belize

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ABSTRACT

This paper provides a brief overview and analysis of the trade in fish and fishery products in the Caribbean Community, with a view towards promoting the expansion of intra-regional trade to improve food security and social and economic resilience. It considers the current status and trends in fish production, export, import and annual per capita consumption; the legal and policy frameworks for regulation of intra-regional trade; and impediments to the expansion of intra-regional trade; and then concludes with a few recommendations to improve intra-regional trade in fish and fishery products. These include further studies and policy measures to overcome the impediments identified and create a more conducive environment for seafood safety, transportation, and value addition and expansion of intra-regional trade, while ensuring sustainable use of the fisheries resources through the implementation of effective management and conservation measures.

HOW TO CITE: Haughton, M. O. and A. O. Ramos, 2026. Improving Social and Economic Resilience Through Enhanced Regional Trade in Fish and Seafood. Contribution 3.14, p249-264 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=919

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Analysis of Trends in Production, Fleet, Trade and Economic Contribution of the Fisheries and Aquaculture in CRFM Member States

Pranaya Kumar Parida¹, June Masters¹ and Sandra Grant²

Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines¹
Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Belize²

ABSTRACT

The mission of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism is “to promote and facilitate the responsible utilization of the region's fisheries and other aquatic resources for the economic and social benefits of the current and future population of the region.” The sector’s aim is to provide employment and food security for the people of the region. Analysis and validation of the trends based on data in the CRFM Statistics and Information Reports for 2002 to 2022 was conducted. A technical and stakeholder assessment was carried out to investigate the trends observed. The data revealed that the marine capture production, since 2018, has steadily declined, while only eight CRFM Member States were actively involved in aquaculture production. Regarding trade in fish, imports have steadily increased both in value and weight; and exports have not kept up with imports. Many aspects of the fisheries have changed, by issues such as overfishing, climate change, ghost fishing, irresponsible fish farming, habitat destruction, land-based pollution and IUU fishing. However, the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the region continue to provide food and nutrition security for small-scale fishers and the people of the Caribbean region.

HOW TO CITE: Parida, P.K.,  J. Masters and S. Grant, 2026. Analysis of Trends in Production, Fleet, Trade and Economic Contribution of the Fisheries and Aquaculture in CRFM Member States. Contribution 3.2, p107-119 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=907

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Belize City, Belize, 7 October 2025 (CRFM)—Four Caribbean countries—Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat—have signed on to the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), formalizing their membership in the 22-year-old institution, inaugurated in Belize City, Belize, in March 2003. The momentous signing was done en bloc at the Sixteenth Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, held during the recently concluded Caribbean Week of Agriculture, hosted by Saint Kitts and Nevis under the auspices of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat.

Dr. Marc Williams, Executive Director of the CRFM Secretariat, welcomed the decisive move by the 4 Caribbean countries, which have been actively involved in the CRFM, which is an intergovernmental CARICOM institution.

The heads of delegations who signed the CRFM Agreement on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, on behalf of their respective governments are:

• Honourable Kyle Hodge, Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources, Anguilla;
• Mr. Montez Williams, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources, The Bahamas;
• Honourable Roland Royer, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Dominica; and
• Honourable John Patrick Osborne, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing, Environment, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Montserrat. 

From left to right: Mr. Montez Williams (The Bahamas), Hon. Roland Royer (Dominica), Hon. John P. Osborne (Montserrat), and Hon. Kyle Hodge (Anguilla) sign the CRFM Agreement en bloc

Dr. Williams said: “Currently, there are 17 Member States of the CRFM that have been actively involved in the effective management of the organization. The CRFM prides itself on meeting the needs of its members with the available resources. When attracting resources to support the implementation of our work program and alleviate the financial burden on Member States, the CRFM is frequently asked about its governance framework.” 

CRFM Executive Director, Dr. Marc Williams (center), welcomes the decisive move by Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat to formalize their membership in the CRFM

He noted that the CRFM has adopted several key policies to improve its governance framework, including:

• The Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), which enables participating States to collectively undertake the scientific research and studies necessary to determine the status of fish stocks, determine available fishing opportunities, and develop rational harvest strategies and fisheries management plans to ensure optimum sustainable use of the resources and protect the ecosystems;
• The Personal Data Protection Policy, which ensures that the roles and responsibilities of employees of the CRFM Secretariat (with respect to protecting personal data) are clearly defined, understood, and followed by all employees, and which provides procedural guidance on how the CRFM Secretariat and its governance bodies will implement the Policy;
• The Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy, which is a source of information and guidance for those working for the CRFM Secretariat and helps them recognize and deal with bribery and corruption, as well as understand their responsibilities;
• The Whistleblower Policy, which aims to provide a comprehensive framework that will not only protect whistleblowers from retaliation but also encourage a culture in the CRFM that values ethical behavior and the disclosure of information vital to the organization's short and long-term success and well-being.

The CRFM Executive Director added that the CRFM is making a conscious effort to ensure that its initiatives are gender-sensitive and considerate of the needs of youth and Indigenous peoples.

The CRFM’s 17 Member States are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The CRFM’s objectives include the efficient management and sustainable development of marine and other aquatic resources within the jurisdictions of Member States. The CRFM also promotes and establishes cooperative arrangements among interested States for the efficient management of shared, straddling or highly migratory marine and other aquatic resources. Furthermore, it provides technical advisory and consultative services to fisheries authorities of its Member States in the development, management and conservation of their marine and other aquatic resources. 

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Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, 29 September 2025 (CRFM)—The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is convening three hybrid events spotlighting the fisheries and aquaculture sector, this week during the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture. The annual event, held under the auspices of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, opened at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on Monday, 29 September 2025.

Hon. Samal Duggins, host Minister for CWA 2025 and the upcoming 16^th Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, addressing the audience at the opening of CWA 2025 in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Host Minister for the weeklong event, Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources, said in his remarks: “Our region has not always given agriculture the priority it deserves. Too often, it has been seen as a sector of last resort, rather than being recognized as a pillar of sovereignty and a pillar of growth. For too long, our farmers and our fishers—the true heroes of food security—have carried the heaviest of these burdens with too little recognition and too little support.”

He added that, “This week must be remembered as the moment when we moved from words to deeds, the moment we moved from intentions into deliberate actions… Let us leave with commitments rooted in the soil, reflected in our oceans, and lived in the homes of our people.”

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Minister Duggins will host the 16th Special Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, which will be chaired by Honourable Kyle Hodge, Anguilla’s Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources.

Chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council, Honourable Kyle Hodge of Anguilla (right), with Undersecretary in the Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources, The Bahamas, Mr. Montez Williams

The agenda of the CRFM Ministerial Council focuses on items such as the status and trends in fisheries and aquaculture production, trade, and employment; initiatives to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; a new grievance redress mechanism for the CRFM; a regional training and capacity needs assessment being undertaken by the CRFM with support from GRÓ-Fisheries Training Programme (FTP), under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as well as south-south cooperation with China.

The Ministers will also receive updates and provide policy guidance on regional initiatives to address climate resilience and blue economic growth. These include the Global Affairs Canada-funded Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries (STAR-Fish) Project; the GEF/CAF/FAO/CRFM BE-CLME+ Project: Promoting National Blue Economy Priorities through Marine Spatial Planning in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Plus (BE-CLME+); and the New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute: Plant and Food Research Group/CRFM Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience in the Caribbean Project.

Also on Tuesday, September 30, starting at 1:00 p.m. in the Saint Kitts (Plenary) Room at the Marriott, the Ministers will be invited to join stakeholders and partners, in person and online, at the final event being implemented under the Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience in the Caribbean Project: the Sargassum Seminar titled, From Sargassum to Biostimulant: Sowing Change and Harvesting Resilience.

Then on Wednesday, October 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. in the Dominica Room, the CRFM will partner with the Department of Marine Resources and the National Fisherfolk Organization of Saint Kitts and Nevis to convene the Caribbean Small-scale Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum.

Both technical events—the seminar and forum—will be held in hybrid format, and interested persons can either attend in person or online. Registration is still open via the CRFM’s website (crfm.int).

Finally, the CRFM, through the Canada-funded STAR-Fish project, will mount a renewable energy exhibit at the 30th Agri Open Day & Marine Expo to be held at the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park, Kim Collins Highway, on Thursday, October 2 and Friday, October 2, 2025.

– END –

(Photos and video footage courtesy Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Saint Kitts and Nevis)

Belize City, Belize, 8 July 2025 (CRFM)—Fish trade, fisheries-related crimes, and a new environmental and social safeguard policy were among key matters on the agenda of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), which convened its 19^th Regular Meeting virtually on Friday, 4 July 2025.

The Council—which is comprised of Ministers responsible for fisheries, aquaculture, and the blue economy from 17 CRFM Member States—elected Honourable Kyle Hodge, Anguilla’s Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources, as the new Chair.

The newly elected chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council - Honourable Kyle Hodge of Anguilla

(Photo: Government of Anguilla)

Hon. Hodge said: "we will forge resolutely ahead with... actions aimed at ensuring safe, healthy and fair working and living conditions for over half-million fishers, fish workers, and others employed across our fisheries and aquaculture value chains."

“It is a distinct honor for Anguilla to take up this mantle of Chair from The Turks and Caicos Islands. We have very important work to do over the next year, as we continue to chart the way forward for this regional authority for fisheries and aquaculture across the Caribbean Community,” Minister Hodge said.

“As Ministers responsible for fisheries, we will forge resolutely ahead with promoting the efficient management, conservation and development of the region's living marine resources; developing and maintaining relations with national, sub-regional, regional, and international partners that share our vision and mission for sustainable Caribbean fisheries; as well as supporting actions aimed at ensuring safe, healthy and fair working and living conditions for over half-million fishers, fish workers, and others employed across our fisheries and aquaculture value chains,” he added.

The fisheries sector lies at the heart of a vibrant Caribbean blue economy, which operates within a dynamic international legislative and policy landscape that impacts fish trade in the Caribbean—and by extension both national and regional economies. The Council deliberated upon the implications of the listing of the queen conch under the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA). It also deliberated upon strategies for securing Caribbean trade amid measures arising under the US Marine Mammal Protection Act, the US Import Provisions & High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act, the US NOAA Fisheries Seafood Import Monitoring Program, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships.

The CRFM has played an active role in regional and international initiatives to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other fisheries-related crimes. The Council received updates on the efforts made by the CRFM Secretariat and Member States to address fisheries-related crimes, including efforts through the global Blue Justice Initiative and the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub, based in Jamaica. They also received updates on interventions led by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as well as a new partnership with the Caribbean Community Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) and Auxilium Worldwide.

The Ministers approved the CRFM’s new Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy, which will serve as a guiding framework to manage environmental and social risks and ensure compliance with relevant national, regional, and international safeguard principles and standards.

They also approved the CRFM Strategy for Mainstreaming Biodiversity into Regional Fisheries Management. This document signals the commitment of CRFM Member States to ensure that marine biodiversity and environmental protection are integrated into fisheries management.

The CRFM expresses its sincerest gratitude to Hon. Josephine Olivia Connolly, former Minister of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture and Religious Affairs, of The Turks and Caicos Islands, for her stellar service as Chair of the Council for the 2024 Programme Year. We also welcome her successor, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, who became the new Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & Environment in the Turks and Caicos Islands in February 2025.

The Council is scheduled to hold an in-person meeting in October 2025 at Caribbean Week of Agriculture, to be convened by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat in Saint Kitts and Nevis. 

– END –

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:
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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.

The Updated Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (2024) was approved by the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism at its Eighteenth Regular Meeting held Friday, 26 April 2024.

The Fourteenth Inter-sessional Meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government, held in Trinidad and Tobago on 14 - 15 February 2003, mandated the elaboration of a Common Fisheries Policy and Regime for the Caribbean Community. Subsequently, on 20 May 2011, the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) approved the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP) during its Fourth Meeting held in St. Mary’s, Antigua and Barbuda. Support for the policy was granted by the Seventy-first Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) – Agriculture, held at Georgetown, Guyana, which designated the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism as the Competent Agency for the CCCFP.

This version of the CCCFP contains the 23 original articles and four protocols approved by the Ministerial Council and COTED:

1. 1. 1. The Protocol on Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries as the First Protocol under the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy;
      2. The Protocol on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management in Fisheries and Aquaculture under the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy with the changes proposed by the Council;
      3. The Protocol on Aquatic Foods as a Strategic Resource for Food and Nutrition Security under the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy; and
      4. The Protocol under the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy on the Principle of Sustainable Use of Marine Living Resources for Blue Economic Growth and Sustainable Development of CRFM Member States.

At its meeting in April 2024, the Council urged all organs of the CRFM and its Member States to continue their collective efforts, in collaboration with regional and international development partners, to advance the implementation of the CCCFP, as well as the development of any and all additional protocols necessary to attain its stated vision and purpose.

To access the document, click here.

The Forty-Eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held in Barbados from 19 -21 February 2025 under the chairmanship of the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, agreed to extend CARICOM's Vision 25 by 2025 initiative to 2030.

The Communique issued on conclusion of the meeting sad that the extension will allow for, among other things, expanding participation among stakeholders in the Region, increased uptake of the regional agricultural insurance product, greater investment support from the regional private sector, and the removal of barriers to regional trade in agricultural products.

CARICOM Secretariat Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, speaking at the opening of the Caribbean Investment Forum, November 2022, said: "Generally, structural characteristics of our economies have meant that we import more than 60% of the food we eat, with some countries importing more than 80% of the food they eat. Over the period 2018-2020, the CARICOM food import bill was US$13.76 billion or approximately 5% of GDP.”

Heads of Government of CARICOM had initially committed to reducing the Region’s large food import bill by 25% by 2025. The implementation of the CARICOM Agri-Food Systems Strategy in the Member States, is expected to help achieve this target, by giving special attention to priority crops and products which are highly imported products in the region.

CARICOM's Vision 25 by 2025 (now 2030) Initiative

IS VISION 25 BY 2025?

CARICOM’s Vision 25 by 2030 is a long-term social and economic partnership among Member States, the Regional Private Sector (through the CARICOM Private Sector Organization-CPSO), Regional Organizations, Producer Groups, Development Partners, and Civil Society, which outlines actions and critical areas of intervention to tackle the region’s rising food import bill, improve intra-regional trade, and create wealth and economic opportunities for every CARICOM Member State.

The Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security (MTF) guides the implementation of Vision 25 by 2030. The MTF is made up of Ministers of Agriculture from throughout the region who meet monthly to provide guidance on  the transformation of the agri-food system, to one that is resilient, provides attractive and sustainable wealth creation opportunities for potential investors, and guarantees food and nutrition security for the Member States. 

The CRFM - Accelerating Vision 25 by 2025

CRFM Member States export approximately US$295 million worth of fish and other seafood products, but our imports within this category are valued at US$387 million. Intraregional trade accounts for approximately 20% of this overall trade, so there is much room for improvement. To achieve our target in the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector, we need to reduce imports by at least US$78 million, bringing imports to US$235 million.

Several actions have been advanced by the CRFM towards attaining this VISION 25 BY 2030 mandate, to narrow the trade gap between imports and exports, especially through the promotion of intraregional trade, which remains a high priority for our region. 

CRFM MINISTERIAL COUNCIL DECISIONS

Among the matters prioritized by the CRFM Ministerial Council during its 18th regular Meeting held in April 2024 is the mandate by the CARICOM Heads of Government at the Thirty-Third Inter-Sessional Meeting held in March 2022, to reduce region’s food import bill by 25% by the year 2030.

The Ministers recognized the continued support from CARICOM, Member States, the private sector (including fishers and factory processors), regional and international partners to enhance production and trade of fisheries and aquaculture products and to thereby reduce reliance on extra-regional trade.

The Council agreed that a regional project to address the constraints faced by regional marine capture fisheries and aquaculture processors should be developed for submission to potential funders at the earliest opportunity.

Finally, it reiterated its its commitment and support for the efforts of the CRFM/CARICOM Fisheries and Aquaculture Priority Commodity Working Group and Member States to reduce the imports of fish products into the Community by 25% by the year 2025 and to improve food and nutrition security, thereby ultimately improving the social and economic welfare of Caribbean people.

A year earlier, in April 2023, the CRFM Ministerial Council approved the Protocol to the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy on Aquatic Foods as a Strategic Resource for Food and Nutrition Security.

The Ministerial Council also approved resolutions on Addressing the Constraints of Fisheries and Aquaculture as Priority Commodities to Achieving 25 by 25 and on blue economic growth through sustainable seafood value chain development.

The CRFM commenced work in 2023 with the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations to develop an action plan to work towards the CARICOM food production goal through increasing sustainable production of fish and other aquatic foods. The Council received and approved the implementation of the CNFO/CRFM Small-Scale Fisheries Action Plan 2023-2025: Contributing to Achieving the 25% Reduction of CARICOM’s Food Import Bill by the year 2025, plan in April 2024.

The CRFM must continue to promote the sustainable development of aquaculture, through new initiatives to advance the implementation of the CRFM’s 5-year Work Plan for Aquaculture Development. This will enhance the contribution of aquaculture to food and nutrition security, job creation, trade, and blue economic growth, and reduce pressure on nearshore fisheries through exploring integrated multi-trophic aquaculture and expanding mariculture.

CNFO/CRFM Small-Scale Fisheries Action Plan 2023-2025

Contributing to Achieving the 25% Reduction of CARICOM’s Food Import Bill

CRFM action is partnering with the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) to implement a number of initiatives, including the CNFO/CRFM Small-Scale Fisheries Action Plan 2023-2025. This is a plan that aims to contribute to achieving the 25% reduction of CARICOM’s food import bill by the year 2025 (since extended to 2030). 

The CRFM plays a supportive role in working with the CNFO to secure sustainable fisheries management and development. The CRFM Secretariat, CNFO, and regional development partners have been asked by the CRFM Ministerial Council to develop project proposals for the implementation of the CNFO/CRFM Small-Scale Fisheries Action Plan 2023-2025. The Council underscored the need to promote the development of the CNFO, national fisherfolk organizations, and fishers across the region through networking, representation, and capacity building.

Promising Potential: New Plant Enhancer from Sargassum Seaweed

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of fertilizers has skyrocketed, and farmers across the region need more affordable, high-quality fertilizers to improve their yields, especially in the stressful environment brought about by warmer temperatures and drought conditions. Anything that we can do to improve the supply and reduce costs and dependence on imports will be impactful.”

-- Milton Haughton, Executive Director, CRFM Secretariat

We are working towards developing a prototype plant enhancer or biostimulant to boost agricultural production under the regional Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience Project, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This initiative is being implemented by the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited (PFR). The accompanying photo (courtesy M. Haughton) shows the outcome of the greenhouse trial with liquid organic fertilizer derived from Sargassum.

The project has the potential to support a reduction in production costs through substituting for high-cost fertilizer imports. This can also contribute towards Vision 25 by 2030 by supporting agricultural production for increased food production, food security, and food sovereignty.

 Vision 25 by 2030 YouTube Playlist 

Belize City, Monday, 25 March 2024 (CRFM)—As the global discussion continues on the elimination of harmful subsidies to the fisheries sector, following the adoption of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies at the 12^th WTO Ministerial Conference on 17 June 2022, Caribbean countries have been engaged on its far-reaching implications. The WTO Agreement sets new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread overfishing of the world’s fish stocks. Specifically, the Agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, for utilizing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas. Implementation of this Agreement will contribute to the fulfillment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target 14.6.

The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), the CARICOM Secretariat, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and WTO are co-hosting the 2^nd Regional Technical Workshop on the Ratification and Implementation of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement in CARICOM Member States. The purpose of the event—which is bringing together Caribbean senior Trade and Fisheries officials and representatives from partner organizations in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 25-26 March 2024—is to provide resources and tools to guide ratification and implementation of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

The Technical Workshop will also help to chart a way forward for the implementation of the Agreement and strengthen the capacity of national Fisheries and Trade Officials to implement the Agreement. It will also build upon the outcomes of the first technical workshop on Fisheries Subsidies for the Caribbean region held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 17-19 January 2023. The ongoing second wave of fisheries subsidies negotiations, which seek to develop additional provisions on subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, will also be discussed, with reference to the recently held 13^th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi.

The Keynote Speaker for the Opening Ceremony will be the Hon. Kerrie Symmonds, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Senior Minister coordinating the Productive Sector, of Barbados. Ambassador Wayne McCook, Assistant Secretary-General, CARICOM Single Market and Trade, and Therese Turner-Jones, Vice-President (Operations)(Ag.) at the Caribbean Development Bank, will also deliver remarks during the Opening Ceremony.

Milton Haughton, Executive Director, CRFM Secretariat, will also present remarks during the Opening Ceremony and later lead off the technical engagement with a presentation on Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development in the Caribbean in the context of fisheries subsidies. Clarisse Morgan, Director - Rules Division at the WTO Secretariat, will deliver remarks as well as an Overview of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, and Chantal Ononaiwu, Director of External Trade at the CARICOM Secretariat, will present on the second wave of negotiations on Fisheries Subsidies.

As of 12 March 2024, 71 countries had ratified the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, including five (5) CRFM Member States: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Haiti, and Saint Lucia. According to the World Trade Organization, for the Agreement to enter into force, two-thirds of WTO members (or 109 countries) must formally accept the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by depositing an “instrument of acceptance” with the WTO. Once the Agreement enters into force, it will remain open for acceptance by any other WTO member and will take effect for that new signatory as soon as its instrument of acceptance is deposited with the WTO.

Member States will speak on their internal processes and approaches towards ratification and implementation of the WTO Agreement, including any challenges experienced. International and regional organizations providing technical assistance and capacity building support will provide details on opportunities available to support countries with implementation of the agreement once it has come into force.

This week’s technical workshop also provides a forum for other regional and international organizations, fisherfolk, donors, non-CARICOM countries, and private sector representatives who would be directly or indirectly impacted by the Subsidies Agreement to be engaged on this critical matter.

It is expected that at the conclusion of the 2^nd Regional Technical Workshop on the Ratification and Implementation of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, Caribbean countries will be better equipped to chart the way forward for the ratification and implementation of the Agreement.

—Ends—