Abstract

During the first three decades of GCFI, aquaculture was minimally represented at the annual Institutes (1 – 5 papers), probably because aquaculture was a nascent industry in the western hemisphere, and the focus of GCFI was on developing management strategies for once abundant fisheries resources. The Caribbean Aquaculture Association (CAA), established in 1984, developed and moderated the GCFI aquaculture sessions, and convened its meetings at each GCFI Institute. In 1988, at the 41st conference, GCFI hosted a special session in cooperation with the World Aquaculture Society. This was later published as “Potential for Aquaculture in the Caribbean” by WAS. The themes of aquaculture sessions at GCFI institutes typically reflected the interests of the host country; some examples include marine fish culture at the 38th GCFI (Martinique, 1985), tilapia culture at the 42nd GCFI (Jamaica, 1989), and saltwater tilapia culture at the 44th GCFI (Bahamas, 1991). Queen conch culture has had enduring interest throughout the region for several decades, beginning with the 35th GCFI (Bahamas, 1982) and continuing at those institutes hosted by Mexico (45th, 50th, 55th), where significant contributions have been made by CINVESTAV, universities, governmental agencies, and private interests. With the establishment of the Caribbean/Latin American chapter of the World Aquaculture Society, the Caribbean Aquaculture Association dissolved (circa. 2000). Recently, due to the growing presence of WAS in the region and shifting priorities for GCFI, aquaculture has played a diminished role at annual Institutes.

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