Small Caribbean (CARICOM) states get involved in management of shared large pelagic species

The small developing states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are heavily dependent on their fisheries resources. The International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) recently adopted additional catch allocation criteria, to improve country quota allocations in accordance with the relevant UN agreements. CARICOM countries reached a common position on the ICCAT criteria, to defend their needs as new participants and developing states. Also at issue is the management of coastal large pelagic species, which could be managed at the sub-regional or regional levels. CARICOM countries are exploring options for co-ordinated management of those coastal pelagic species within their jurisdiction.