Ministers responsible for fisheries, aquaculture and blue economy matters across the Caribbean gathered virtually for the 20th Regular Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), the CARICOM institution responsible for regional fisheries cooperation.
Held by teleconference, a CRFM press release shared that the meeting provided an opportunity for member states to examine several priority issues affecting the sector. Among the topics discussed were the expansion of aquaculture production, measures to strengthen regional food security, strategies to improve protection against climate and disaster-related risks through insurance, and continued progress in tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
CRFM reported that a key item on the agenda was the election of a new Chair of the Ministerial Council. Ministers selected Hon. Randy Baltimore, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, to lead the Council. He takes over from Hon. Kyle Hodge, Anguilla’s Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water and Natural Resources, who chaired the body during the past year.
Upon assuming the role, Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its support for stronger regional partnerships in fisheries management and sustainable marine resource use. The country also emphasized its commitment to improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk and encouraging innovative responses to issues affecting the industry, including climate change, illegal fishing and marine resource governance.
Minister Baltimore said: “The Government of Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to working closely with CRFM Member States and regional partners to further the sustainable development of the Caribbean’s fisheries and blue economy sectors during its tenure as Chair.”
Baltimore informed the Council that responsibility for the fisheries portfolio had recently been assigned to him following national elections in Antigua and Barbuda.
With support from Chair of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum, Ian Horsford, who serves as Chief Fisheries Officer of Antigua and Barbuda, ministers reviewed a broad range of matters impacting the sector. Their deliberations resulted in the adoption of 19 resolutions aimed at advancing fisheries and aquaculture development throughout the region.
Addressing participants at the conclusion of the meeting, CRFM Executive Director Dr. Marc Williams highlighted the need for greater integration of sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, climate resilience and ocean governance.
“The Caribbean stands at a pivotal moment when sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, the Blue Economy, climate resilience, and ocean governance must be integrated to secure prosperity for present and future generations. I encourage all Member States to maintain their strong engagement in implementing today’s resolutions and to continue supporting the CRFM as a premier regional institution for fisheries and ocean governance,” Dr. Williams said.
Among the decisions approved by the Council was a new five-year action plan for aquaculture development. Ministers also endorsed the CRFM’s work programme and budget for the 2026–2027 period.
In addition, the release said that updates were presented on three major regional projects being implemented by the CRFM in collaboration with member countries and development partners. These initiatives include the Canadian-funded Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries (STAR-fish) Project, the IICA/EDF-EU Food Security Project, and the GEF/FAO/CAF/CRFM BE-CLME+ Project, which promotes national blue economy priorities through marine spatial planning across the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Plus.
Commenting on the outcomes of the meeting, Dr. Williams said: “The Council’s decisions on the CRFM work plan and budget, financial management, staffing, and strategic priorities provide a strong foundation for advancing the CRFM’s goals and delivering tangible benefits to the people who depend on our marine resources.”
The Ministerial Council is expected to reconvene later this year during the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, scheduled to take place in Jamaica.
Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.
We will delete comments that:
See our full comment/user policy/agreement.