Remarks by Mr. Milton Haughton, Executive Director, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM)

1. Madam Chairperson, Ms. Shandira Ankiah, Acting Director of Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago, and Chair of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum

2. Mr Zojindra Arjune, Pastor and Deputy Director, Fisheries management, Suriname

3. Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community

4. Sen. Hon. Avinash Singh, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago  & Chairman of the Ministerial Council of the CRFM, 

5. Dr. Renata Clarke, Sub-Regional Coordinator, FAO

6. Dr Sandra Grant, Deputy Executive Director, CRFM

7. Distinguished Presenters and Participants, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning and good afternoon, and a very warm welcome to you.

8. I am indeed very honored to be here today for the commencement of this Scientific Conference as we continue the Celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). 

9. CRFM was established just over 20 years ago by way of a treaty signed by CARICOM governments following the conclusion of the 10 year, 20-Million dollar Canadian funded Caribbean Fisheries Resources Assessment and Management Project (CFRAMP Project).

10. In setting up the organization, the CARICOM countries recognized  the need for continued and enhanced co-operation and consultation among themselves, and with third States, interested international institutions and bodies involved in fisheries & marine resource management in the Caribbean.

11. Furthermore, they were convinced that such cooperation was the best way to promote sustainable use of the living marine and other aquatic resources in the waters under their sovereignty & jurisdiction. 

12. The Marine living resources and the fisheries they support provide a vital source of food and nutrition, employment, trade and economic well-being for people throughout the region

13. 2023 has been a year of intense activity as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the CRFM – We are reflecting on and celebrating the progress and achievements we have made together over the past 2 decades. And we are delighted that you have be able to join us in this celebration.

14. Today we are here to celebrate& initiate one of the major events on our calendar of activities – the commencement of the 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference of the CRFM.

15. We are very proud to host this Conference which will highlight the importance of science, knowledge, innovation and international best practices as the basis of our actions and policies to ensure responsible development, management and conservation of our marine living resources and aquaculture, as well as, sustainable future economic growth based on our ocean resources.

16. Science plays a critical role in both aquaculture, and fisheries development, management and conservation; as well as generating wealth for our people from the natural resources.

17. Science provides the foundation for understanding the very complex & dynamic interactions within aquatic ecosystems; the population dynamics and behavior of fish stocks in a changing environment; the impacts of climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and other human activities on these ecosystems; as well as  the appropriate harvest strategies to optimize wealth creation and societal benefits from these valuable natural resources.

18. During the past 2 decades, we at the CRFM have collaboratively, with Member States, stakeholders and development partners, developed & implemented numerous projects, policies and measures to improve knowledge and understanding of our fisheries. 

19. We’ve prepared fisheries management plans,  addressed IUU fishing and fisheries crime; promoted responsible fishing practices, protect vulnerable species and marine ecosystems, strengthened regional and national governance systems.

20. We have invested in training & capacity-building of national fisheries personnel in the public & private sectors across the region. 

21. We have developed strategic alliances and partnerships, to enhance research, data collection and analysis, and strengthened evidence based-decision-making to ensure profitable, sustainable and resilient  fisheries sector in the face of climate change and numerous other challenges.

22. Today, as we reflect on the past and contemplate the future we want, it is clear that  the CRFM is a strategically important regional mechanism needed to spearhead blue economic growth and development based the marine living resources in the ocean space under the jurisdiction of our Member States, in addition to the resources available in the High Seas – in the areas beyond national jurisdiction. 

23. So going forward, we must continue to strengthen links with regional and international partners, academic institutions, government agencies, research networks, youth and women’s groups, NGOs, and  private sector entities in fisheries and aquaculture. 

24. The aim is to create value, generate wealth and achieve sustainable transformation & development of the aquaculture and fisheries of the region using science, technology and the entrepreneurial skills of our people. 

25. Madam Chair, in closing, it is my humble opinion, that in order to achieve a bright, prosperous and sustainable future, CRFM Member States - must recognize that a significant part of the answer lies within the vast expanse of the oceans surrounding us. 

26. As we navigate the challenges posed by climate change, limited land-based resources & other vulnerabilities as SIDs, our oceans offer a vast realm of untapped potential. 

27. By using the power of science & technology, responsible fisheries development, and conservation practices, we can unlock the treasures of our marine ecosystems. Through careful stewardship & partnerships, we can ensure food security, good jobs, economic growth, and healthy marine ecosystems for ourselves & generations to come. 

28. The future we aspire to achieve is to be found in the waters of the oceans that surround us.

Thank you very much and may God bless you.