BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — Caribbean Community (Caricom) ministers with 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 ministers also approved resolutions regarding training, improving sanitary and phytosanitary systems for seafood safety and trade as well as the development of safe products made from sargassum for use in the agriculture sector.

In addition, policies empowering small-scale fishers, the collaboration with regional and international development partners and the assessment and management of various fish species, including pelagic species, shrimp and groundfish, dolphin fish, and flying fish also received the nod from the meeting.

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

The meeting endorsed the World Trade Organization (WTO) Fisheries Subsidies Agreement as well as 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 with respect to the decision by US authorities to list the Queen Conch as a threatened species under its 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 data collection on fisheries 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 realise the full potential of these valuable resources, recognising 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, mobilising resources, and implementing policy reforms to achieve sustainable development and conservation of marine resources.

Outgoing CRFM chairman, Avinash Singh of Trinidad and Tobago, noted that significant strides have been made over the past few years with the council hosting critical meetings, including the 17th Regular and the 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 that are 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 both production and employment within the sector, reinforcing the importance of our continued focus and investment,” said Singh, who has been replaced by Josephine Olivia Connolly, of the Turks and Caicos Islands.