BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — The Belize-based Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) says it is moving ahead with the implementation of the Canada-funded STAR-Fish project designed to increase clean energy transition in Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture.

The CRFM said that the CAN$4 million “Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries” project will be achieved while building resilience and by addressing the need to improve competitiveness and unleash key economic drivers.

It said it has since recruited two experienced project staff members, Sherrón Barker, regional project coordinator and Daintyann Barrett-Smith, environmental and social safeguards specialist.

In 2024, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) approved the implementation of the STAR-Fish project and the CRFM said although it is being implemented in countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA), namely Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname, it is committed to ensuring that other member states across the region benefit as much as possible.

“The STAR-Fish project seeks to demonstrate that energy costs can be substantially reduced by transitioning to renewable energy technologies. The project intends to ultimately increase clean energy transition in Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture by applying a gender-responsive approach to its interventions, as it supports the certification of low-carbon or carbon-neutral fisheries in the region and facilitates technical collaboration and knowledge exchange,” the CRFM said.

It noted that the project is pivotal for the advancement of the CRFM’s 2022-2030 Strategic Plan and supports the attainment of Strategic Goal 4, which envisions “increased use of renewable energy and energy efficient harvesting, processing and cold storage systems, and reduction of the region’s reliance on fossil fuels in fisheries and aquaculture”.

Barker said that the project represents an important opportunity to drive innovation and sustainability in Caribbean fisheries, adding, “I am honoured to support our partners in delivering real progress on climate resilience, gender equity and clean energy transition in this critical sector for our region’s economies and communities.”

The CRFM said that in his new role as the regional project coordinator for the STAR-Fish Project, Barker will oversee and coordinate its implementation. He also holds responsibility for planning, executing and ensuring the delivery of timely and quality project outputs.

It said that Barrett-Smith will assess environmental and social risks, recommend solutions, ensure compliance with the relevant environmental and social safeguard policies and standards, as well as provide technical support for the implementation of the project and its activities.

She will also lead the development of an environmental and social screening checklist for the project, as well as being tasked with identifying mitigation and corrective measures which may be required by the project.