Abstract

Highly migratory species fish stocks can be difficult to manage because pelagic fish often roam the seas unconfined by geo-political borders. Identifying the nature of the Caribbean fishery and quantifying the economic importance of highly migratory species in the Caribbean Sea, including billfish, tunas and sharks, is an essential step in improving their manage-ment. However, commercial users from outside the Caribbean region commonly use the same marine resources as local users, further complicating regional regulatory efforts. Characterizing the many, often conflicting, uses of the Caribbean highly migratory fishery depends upon the involvement, input, and consideration of all stakeholders. While commercial fishing industries have a long history of participation in domestic and international regulatory processes, those who enjoy and depend upon the recreational sportfishing industry have only recently began to garner the attention of Caribbean governments. Despite political obstacles and the regional limitations, the recreational component of the highly migratory fishery provides essential employment opportunities, vital food security, and significant prospects for economic develop-ment through eco-tourism in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean as a whole and therefore justifies further study.

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