Abstract

Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) has been promoted in the wider Caribbean as a sound approach for achieving the sustainable use of marine fishery resources. However, developing fisheries’ strategies aimed to respond to multiple objectives is complex, especially when managing multi-species fisheries. With the support of the UNDP/GEF “Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems” (CLME+) Project, research priorities were identified for four key CLME+ fisheries in the region: Caribbean spiny lobster, fourwing flyingfish, shrimp, and groundfish fisheries. The analysis of priority research needs focused on three Themes: biology /ecology, socio-economics, and governance. Priority needs, gaps, and challenges were identified within a workshop conducted during the 2017 GCFI annual meeting. The objective of this presentation is to outline the process undertaken to agree on research priorities for these complex, multi-species fisheries in order to improve management and achieve economic and social sustainability goals. The research priorities for these fisheries inevitably included some degree of overlap given the complex nature of transboundary marine resources in the Caribbean. Included among these complexities are biological and physical processes, as well as socio-economic, cultural, and governance interactions. Workshop participants recognized the need for accurate and timely scientific data as a foundation for EBFM called for urgent investment in new and improved data collection strategies which address existing data gaps. Ultimately, this will improve public confidence in the information, and facilitate the recovery of socially, economically and ecologically important fish stocks..

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