IOI meeting: Group discussion on the principle of Fisheries Management Issues in the Caribbean Sea Region
The most challenge for this region is the Illegal Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) Fishing. The group member agreed that one of the weaknesses is the minimized penalties and it is very low when compare to the profit that the fisher can take from breaking regulations. The Caribbean countries have to urge to adopt or sign the Port State Measure Agreement and the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Approach (MCS) and the enforcement of the regulation has to be improved. The national fisheries plan and policy have to be prioritized and harmonized in the Region. The strengthening of the cooperation and commitment has to be enhanced especially in term of sharing data, enhancing institutional capacity including human resources, technological resources and financial resources. However, in this issue, it may need the assistance from the developed countries with respect actual requirements of the received countries in the Region. The Precautionary Approach was mentioned to be implemented the open access has to be replaced by the limited access fishing right. Lastly, the climate change issued has to be addressed and investigated so that the actual impact of climate change on the fisheries ecosystem can be identified.
The group also discussed the strength of the Caribbean countries for the further fisheries management including the capacity of human that are ready to be enhanced or improved, the knowledge of the fisheries resources and using it in the best ways, most of required principles are recognized, they needs effectiveness implementation, thought. There are several formal institutions that have capacity for the better coordination of the regional countries including ACS, CRFM and OSPESCA.
Sampan
Heathrow Airport, London. (May24, 2010)