The CRFM Secretariat is pleased to announce that Mr. Peter A. Murray is the new Regional Project Coordinator of the USD 48 million GEF/CAF/FAO/CRFM Project entitled, “Promoting National Blue Economy Priorities Through Marine Spatial Planning in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Plus Region" (BE-CLME + Project).   Mr. Murray formerly served as the CRFM's Advisor, Fisheries Management and Development, and he has played an active technical role for several decades on BE-related matters across the Caribbean, in addition to monitoring control and surveillance, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and the broader spectrum of trans-national crime, gender, and fisheries nutrition, health…

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we learned of the sudden passing of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer of Barbados. On behalf of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat, we extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire fishing community of Barbados during this difficult time. Throughout her distinguished career, Shelly-Ann served Barbados and the wider Caribbean with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and passion. As Chief Fisheries Officer, she played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable fisheries management, strengthening the resilience of fishing communities, promoting responsible stewardship of marine…

  Today, as we observe World Oceans Day, we are reminded that the Caribbean Sea and our surrounding oceans are not only a source of natural beauty but also the foundation of livelihoods, culture, food security, and economic opportunity for millions of people across our region. The theme of ocean stewardship has never been more important. For the Caribbean, the future of our oceans is inseparable from the future of our people. Healthy marine ecosystems support fisheries, tourism, transportation, coastal protection, and countless other services that sustain our economies and communities. As we celebrate this day, we must reaffirm our…

Marine aquaculture—also known as mariculture—is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish and shrimp in the ocean or coastal environments using systems like floating cages, sea pens, or coastal ponds. Unlike inland aquaculture, mariculture harnesses the sea’s natural resources to sustainably produce seafood. It offers the potential to reduce reliance on imports, generate employment, and support coastal livelihoods, while also promoting innovation through hatcheries, improved feeds, and integrated multi-trophic systems. The Caribbean is uniquely positioned for success in this sector, with clean waters, suitable native species, and growing demand for healthy, locally farmed seafood. Yet many CARICOM states still…