CARIBBEAN-Caribbean fisheries ministers end meeting in Belize.

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC—Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ministers with responsibilities responsibilities for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and the Blue Economy have approved resolutions providing policy direction and guidance on a wide range of matters, including the updated CARICOM Common Fisheries Policy.

A statement issued following the 18th regular meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) said that the minister also approved resolutions regarding training, improving sanitary and phytosanitary systems for seafood safety and trade, and developing safe products made from Sargassum for use in the agriculture sector.

In addition to policies empowering small-scale fishers, collaboration with regional and international development partners, and assessing and managing various fish species, including aquatic species, shrimp and groundfish, dolphin fish, and flying fish, I also received a nod at the meeting.

The resolutions also addressed the CRFM’s request to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) for RV Dr. Fridtjof Nansen to conduct a comprehensive, independent marine resource survey in CARICOM and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and fisheries crimes.

The meeting endorsed the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and the engagement between the CRFM member states and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding the recovery of queen conch stocks and the development of international legally binding instruments on plastic pollution.

The weekend meeting of the Council also discussed the latest developments regarding the decision by US authorities to list the Queen Conch as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, which has implications for trade.

“The Council, therefore, provided direction to CRFM member states for ensuring a coordinated and collaborative approach across the region to the ongoing engagement on the rules and measures that the US authorities would impose to address the conservation, management, and recovery of the species,” the statement added.

The meeting also discussed improving fishery data collection through strengthening data collection and management systems in CRFM member states and promoting aquaculture development.

“The ocean space and marine resources constitute the most valuable natural resources available to our countries, and we need to continue to accelerate actions to both protect and realize the full potential of these valuable resources, recognizing that pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and irresponsible fishing pose significant threats to the health and productivity of our oceans,” said CRFM executive director, Milton Haughton.

He said he was satisfied with the ongoing positive developments in the region in building capacity, strengthening collaboration and partnerships, mobilizing resources, and implementing policy reforms to achieve sustainable growth and conservation of marine resources.

Outgoing CRFM chairman Avinash Singh of Trinidad and Tobago noted that significant strides had been made over the past few years, with the Council hosting critical meetings, including the 17th Regular and 13th Special Meetings of the Ministerial Council, during which 39 resolutions were adopted.

“This past year also saw the implementation of 31 capacity-building events, the participation of over 2,300 stakeholders, and the completion of several strategic assessments and surveys critical for informed decision-making.

“The fisheries and aquaculture sector remains a cornerstone of economic stability and food security in our region, employing hundreds of thousands and contributing significantly to our national gross domestic product (GDP). Our recent data show a promising increase in production and employment within the sector, reinforcing the importance of our continued focus and investment,” said Singh, whom Josephine Olivia Connolly of the Turks and Caicos Islands has replaced.