Abstract

Improving fisheries data and information collection in the wider Caribbean was highlighted at the Western Central At-lantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) 14th and 15th sessions. Gaps in fishery statistics and impediments in analysis and information dissemination (regionally and nationally) were key factors impeding management in the region. Activities un-dertaken through WECAFC and the FAO, FRMS project responding to the need for improvements in data collection and monitoring in the wider Caribbean are summarized. Achievements in 2015 and 2016 are summarized including: 1) the WECAFC-FRMS 2016 regionalworkshop on data collection, analysis, sharing and reporting, 2) development and publish-ing of regional Marine Resources Fact Sheets and inventories focusing on spiny lobster, conch, and flying fish, 3) definition of action plans supporting national data collection programs, 4) draft minimum data requirements, and 5) identification of deficiencies in national capacities. Activities to be undertaken in 2016 and beyond are described including: 1) finalization of the pilot RDB for the three pilot species in the CRFM region, 2) extension of the RDB to the OSPESCA region, 3) estab-lishment of a WECAFC transversal working group on fishery statistics and data collection, 4) identification of focal pro-jects aimed at improving logistical and technical capacities, 5) completion of FRMS inventories and Fact sheets in the CRFM region, and 6) identification of external linkages for advancing the initiatives undertaken to improve data collection, and information management with the aim to provide sound data for use in stock assessment and monitoring of marine re-sources in the wider Caribbean.

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