Abstract

On June 23, 2014, NOAA Administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan approved the NOAA Caribbean Strategy. The Caribbean Strategy is intended to better coordinate and integrate the abilities of all NOAA offices to address regional issues and improve partnering, mission effectiveness, and international cooperation in the Caribbean region. The diverse cultures and economies of the Caribbean rely on healthy and productive coastal and marine ecosystems for food security, income, protection from hazards, recreation and tourism, and other vital services. Caribbean reef ecosystems provide employment and livelihood opportunities for the inhabitants of the Caribbean and serve as critical habitat for economically, culturally, and ecological important marine species. The strategy, which can be accessed at http://www.regions.noaa.gov/main/index.php/highlights/noaa-caribbean-strategy-approved-by-administrator/, has three interconnected goals and includes the following key actions relevant to NOAA Fisheries: • Increase partnerships with domestic and international entities and fishermen to collect, compile, synthesize, and share existing and new information relevant to Caribbean fisheries, economy and community; • Establish and train response teams to identify and respond to living marine resource disease outbreaks, bleaching events, and physical impacts; and • Work with partners to develop management tools and a regional response strategy for invasive lionfish in the Caribbean. The United States is a Caribbean nation. Through the NOAA Caribbean Strategy, we are committed to working internally and with regional partners to ensure a healthy Caribbean ecosystem that is well understood and supports the safety and livelihoods of its inhabitants.

PDF Preview