Sustainable fisheries development high on Region’s agenda
-common policy and regime being pursued

Georgetown GINA, October 03, 2007.

Focus continues to be placed on the establishment of a common fisheries policy and regime for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to guide sustainable utilisation, conservation and development of the region’s fisheries resources.
          This was highlighted today at the opening of the second special meeting of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum that will allow regional fisheries stakeholders to discuss and refine the draft Common Fisheries Policy. The two-day meeting is being held at the CARICOM Secretariat, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
          Establishment of the policy dates back to 2003 at the 14th Intercessional Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago during which Heads of Government endorsed a proposal from the Government of Barbados on the ‘imperative of elaborating a Common Fisheries Regime.’
          The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has since been working with CARICOM member States to formulate the policy through ad hoc working groups and national consultations. This is to ensure that the concerns of Member States and stakeholders  are identified and discussed.
           This regional approach guided by a comprehensive common fisheries policy would enable CARICOM member States to utilise the limited institutional capabilities available at the regional and national levels to ensure development of their fisheries resources.
            Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud noted that the importance of the regime cannot be overstated taking into account the crucial role of the fisheries sector which has been growing steadily over recent years. There have been various changes and while efforts are being made to overcome these, a common policy will provide a better framework for each member State to address the constraints as it relates to their local fisheries sector. Reference was made to the depletion and over-utilisation of several species.
           The Minister expressed optimism that the progress made with the policy will be displayed by its presentation to the upcoming meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on agriculture for further review and agreement.
        Deputy Secretary-General, CARICOM Secretariat, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite highlighted the importance of fisheries to the Caribbean in the areas of food security, economic opportunities and employment.
        She pointed out that the Common Fisheries Policy will play a crucial role in helping the region to deal with sensitive issues such as over-exploitation of fisheries resources since the potential of utilisation has already been met in many States,.
       CRFM Chairman Wesley Clerveaux said the policy signals the commitment of the region’s leaders to develop the fisheries resources guided by a strategic framework for sustainability. The draft policy is in its finalize stage, but according to the Chairman, there will always be room for review and refinements taking into account the nature of the sector.
          In 2005, Guyana’s fisheries sector contributed two percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and more than $11B to the export earnings. This sector employs more than 10, 000 persons.  

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