BELMOPAN, Belize, Jun 5, CMC -The Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), has approved a new five-year aquaculture action plan, as well as a new biennial work plan and budget for the Belize-based CRFM.
The Council comprised of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Blue Economy Ministers from the Caribbean, deliberated via teleconference on key issues confronting the sector and also received updates on three regional initiatives.
A statement issued following the deliberations noted that the three initiatives are being undertaken by the CRFM, in collaboration with its member states and institutional partners, to strengthen the sector.
These are the Canadian-funded Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries (STAR-fish) Project, the IICA/EDF-EU Food Security Project, as well as the GEF/FAO/CAF/CRFM BE-CLME+ Project: Promoting National Blue Economy Priorities Through Marine Spatial Planning in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Plus.
“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,” said CRFM Executive Director, Dr. Marc Williams.
Williams had earlier told delegates that 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 resolutions and to continue supporting the CRFM as a premier regional institution for fisheries and ocean governance,” he added.
During the 20th regular meeting, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Randy Baltimore, was elected chairman of the Council replacing Anguilla’s Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources, Kyle Hodge.
In accepting the chairmanship, Baltimore reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting sustainable use of marine resources, supporting fisherfolk livelihoods, and advancing innovative solutions to challenges facing the fisheries sector.
“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.”
The Council is scheduled to meet during the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Jamaica, scheduled for September 27 to October 2 this year.
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