Antigua and Barbuda’s Chief Fisheries Officer Ian Horsford has been elected chair of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum.

Horsford was elected during the 24th Regular Meeting of the Forum, which brings together heads of fisheries authorities from 17 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries. 

He succeeds Remone Johnson of the Turks and Caicos Islands, who demitted office after serving as chair.

“In these times of geopolitical uncertainty, CRFM — through its various organs such as the Forum — remains a shining example of what can be achieved through multilateralism as we chart the way forward for the sustainable development of Caribbean fisheries and blue economy,” Horsford said after assuming the post.

The two-day meeting, convened under the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), is reviewing priorities for the sector under the body’s 2026-2027 work plan.

Discussions have focused on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, overfishing, marine habitat degradation and climate resilience, as well as the role of innovation and renewable energy in seafood value chains.

CRFM Executive Director Dr Marc Williams said the forum provides a critical platform for cooperation on managing shared fish stocks and coordinating policy across the region.

Delegates are also considering two new protocols under the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy — one on marine spatial planning and another on aquatic foods traceability — alongside international agreements on fisheries subsidies, marine biodiversity and plastic pollution.

The meeting comes ahead of the 20th Regular Meeting of the CRFM Ministerial Council, where fisheries ministers are expected to consider policy recommendations emerging from the forum.