Ospesca director, M. Gonzalez, states the need to extend the responsible fisheries action plan to the whole Caribbean. (Photo: Ospesca/Caricom/FIS)

Central American and Caribbean countries design plan for responsible fishing

BELIZE
Tuesday, September 04, 2012, 01:20 (GMT + 9)

A group of delegates from the Organization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Central America (Ospesca) and of the Community of Caribbean States (Caricom), meeting in Belize will intend to design a plan to protect marine resources.

"The purpose of the meeting, which will be held for the first time, is to create an action plan for responsible fisheries throughout the Caribbean, since Central America has already designed models for governance, but it is necessary to extend them to the entire Caribbean Sea," Ospesca director, Mario Gonzalez, told AFP.

The resources of the Caribbean Sea "know no borders" and are affected by the impact of climate change, overfishing and illegal fishing, González explained. It is, therefore, necessary to "agree and implement" a plan to "ensure sustainability of marine products over time."

At the meeting, the representatives from Central America will try to provide expertise to the Caribbean as to the aquaculture field, generating huge profits.

The meeting will be attended by Ospesca technical commission delegates and those from the 17 countries forming part of the Regional Mechanism of Fisheries in the Caribbean (CRFM).

For Tuesday the attendance of the ministers of both regions responsible for the fisheries area in their respective nations is expected, González stated.

The idea is to "reach a commitment" by signing a memorandum of understanding between CRFM and Ospesca.

CRFM organizers said "similar mandates and objectives of both organizations emphasize the potential benefits of sharing scientific knowledge and experiences related to research, resource management and policy coordination in fisheries and aquaculture."

"Strengthening the cooperation between the two regional fisheries organizations will enhance the development of conservation, management and sustainable development of marine resources of the Caribbean Sea," they added, according to Sun Pedro Sun.

Fisheries Minister of Belize, Lisel Alamilla, states her country is the one that is better placed to lead member countries from Ospesca and CRFM to discuss issues related to fisheries development and management.

"We share a common resource in the Grand Caribbean area and therefore, we must promote a common understanding of cooperation in the responsible development of this sector," the official said.

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By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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