Caribbean fisheries ministers have approved a new five-year aquaculture action plan and adopted a series of measures aimed at strengthening food security, climate resilience and the sustainable management of the region’s marine resources.

The decisions were taken during the 20th Regular Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), where ministers from across CARICOM discussed some of the most pressing challenges facing the fisheries and aquaculture sector, including illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, disaster resilience and the future of the blue economy.

The council also approved the CRFM’s 2026-2027 work plan and budget and received updates on several regional initiatives focused on food security, climate adaptation and marine spatial planning.

CRFM Executive Director Dr Marc Williams said the decisions come at a critical time for the region.

“The Caribbean stands at a pivotal moment when sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, the Blue Economy, climate resilience, and ocean governance must be integrated to secure prosperity for present and future generations,” Williams said.

He urged member states to maintain strong engagement in implementing the resolutions approved during the meeting and continue supporting regional cooperation on fisheries and ocean governance.

Williams added that the council’s decisions on strategic priorities, financial management and operational planning provide a strong foundation for advancing the organisation’s goals and delivering benefits to communities that depend on marine resources for their livelihoods.

Another key decision taken during the meeting was the election of Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Randy Baltimore, as chairman of the ministerial council.

Baltimore succeeds Anguilla’s Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water and Natural Resources, Kyle Hodge, who chaired the council over the past year.

In accepting the position, Baltimore reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, supporting fisherfolk and advancing the sustainable development of the Caribbean’s fisheries and blue economy sectors.

“The Government of Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to working closely with CRFM Member States and regional partners to further the sustainable development of the Caribbean’s fisheries and blue economy sectors during its tenure as Chair,” he said.