Closing Remarks by Sen. Hon. Avinash Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago - Chair of the CRFM Ministerial Council

SALUTATIONS:

• Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General, CARICOM Secretariat

• Dr. Renata Clarke, Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations

• Ms. Shandira Ankiah, Acting Director of Fisheries, Fisheries Division, Trinidad and Tobago and Chair of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum

• Mr. Milton Haughton, Executive Director, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat

• Dr. Sandra Grant, Deputy Executive Director, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat

• Mr. Zojindra Arjune, Pastor and Deputy Director, Fisheries Management, Suriname

• Specially invited guests

• Ladies and Gentlemen

Good day.

I am pleased to be a part of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism’s Scientific Conference. Our gathering here today marks not only two decades of the CRFM's unwavering commitment to sustainable fisheries management but also a celebration of the remarkable journey we have undertaken together.

Our region's diverse and vibrant marine ecosystems have always been a source of sustenance, employment, and inspiration. CRFM has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure that our marine resources are managed

responsibly, ensuring their longevity for generations to come. This conference is a testament to the progress we have made and the collective determination that has fueled our success.

Through its annual scientific meetings in the early years, and continued meetings of its working groups on specific fisheries, aquaculture, data methods, and training - the CRFM has contributed significantly to our region in many areas including:

• Capacity building

• Provision of information for fisheries management decision-making

• Strengthened participation of its Member States that are Contracting or Cooperating Parties to the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and

• Improvements in data collection, analysis and reporting systems. 

Over the past twenty (20) years, as an established Regional Fisheries Body, the CRFM has continued to promote and facilitate the responsible utilization of the region’s fisheries and aquaculture resources for the economic and social benefits of current and future populations in the region. This has been possible through interventions in a range of disciplinary areas, with development of associated regional conservation and management instruments, including:

1. Development of the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy and associated protocols on securing sustainable small-scale fisheries and climate change adaptation and disaster risk management;

2. Development and implementation of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Activity and Research Planning Agenda, including an Aquaculture Work Plan;

3. Provision of technical and scientific support for assessment of fisheries and associated resources leading to improved knowledge and understanding and agreed regional fisheries management measures and plans for a range of fisheries, including fisheries for conch, lobster, blackfin tuna, flying fish and fisheries that use fish aggregating devices as well as for the management of invasive species such as the lionfish and Sargassum;

4. Development of model legislation for food safety and aquatic animal health along with associated manuals and guidelines as well as model legislation for the management of flying fish fisheries;

5. Development and implementation of a Regional Strategy and Action Plan for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management in Fisheries and Aquaculture – including assessment of the ecological and socio-economic impacts of climate change on fisheries and development of early warning and emergency response systems in selected Member States, development of analytical tool and guides for monitoring climate change impacts and development of a model disaster and risk management plan;

6. Development and implementation of a Regional Strategy and Action Plan for Gender Mainstreaming in Fisheries;

7. Strengthened fisheries monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement through the Castries Declaration on IUU Fishing, development of a Regional Strategy on Monitoring, Control and Surveillance to Combat IUU Fishing along with associated Prosecution and Enforcement Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures; Ministerial Resolution on the Copenhagen Declaration that also addresses transnational organized crime in the fisheries sector and facilitating the requisite training and monitoring activities in collaboration with regional and international entities and initiatives such as the Blue Justice Initiative;

8. Provision of technical and scientific advice, as well as coordinated participation at regional and international fora including meetings of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and the FAO Committee on Fisheries;

9. Capacity-building in key areas of fisheries and aquaculture through formal arrangements with specific regional and international academic institutions.

These interventions have contributed to improving food and nutritional security, livelihoods, job securities, growth and development in fishing communities, trade, value-added chain/products, research, capacity-building, Blue Economic Growth and strengthened governance of fisheries and aquaculture in the region. The resulting benefits would not have been possible without the significant technical and financial support received from donor-projects and key strategic partnerships at the regional and international levels.

Over the years, Trinidad and Tobago has participated made numerous contributions directed to decision-making for conservation and management and promoting long-term sustainable fisheries systems. Given our government’s current thrust to finalize legislative amendments to our Fisheries Bill, it seems like an act of providence that Trinidad and Tobago has the distinct pleasure of serving as Chair of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum, led by our very experienced Director of Fisheries. Additionally, I currently serve as the Chair of the Ministerial Council which has been an enlightening and rewarding experience thus far.

Ladies and gentlemen, as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the CRFM, let us reflect on how far we have come and recommit ourselves to the journey ahead. Our collective vision for a sustainable, prosperous Caribbean region is within our reach. Let this conference be a beacon of hope, a platform for meaningful dialogue, and a catalyst for positive change.

As I close, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your presence here today. Your contributions, your passion, and your commitment are what have already made this conference a resounding success. Together, we have the power to shape the future we envision – a future where our marine resources flourish, our communities thrive, and our legacy is one of responsible stewardship.

May the next few days be filled with fruitful discussions, new insights, and lasting connections. Let us celebrate not only our past achievements but also the boundless potential that lies ahead.

Thank you.