Resource Mobilization

Strengthening fisheries and aquaculture in the Bahamas

Although fisheries play an important role in economic development and food security in the Bahamas, the lack of proper fisheries sector policies, planning frameworks and outdated legislation have hindered the sustainable utilization and management of fisheries and aquaculture resources. The project aimed to build institutional capacities in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors by developing management, strategy and planning policies and frameworks and support the establishment of a functional Fisheries Management Information System (FISMIS). Overall, the project enhanced commitment towards sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in the Bahamas.

What did the project do

Capacity building, training and awareness building activities were carried out for relevant authorities, and a functional FISMIS was created. Various workshops were held to ensure the widest possible participation of stakeholders in the development of a new policy and legal framework for fisheries and aquaculture for the country. Processes to establish aquaculture businesses were developed and assessments of the economic potential for aquaculture development and the socio-economic impact of recreational fisheries were carried out. Additional resources were mobilized in order to support on-going aquaculture development assistance and an increased commitment to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development was built.

Impact

The project contributes to the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture resources in the Bahamas and will help secure investments for the long-term development of the sector. It helps create new employment opportunities, enhance food security and contribute to the sustainable management of the marine environment and fisheries resources.

Activities

  • A final draft of the National Policy for Fisheries and Aquaculture was developed and received stakeholder endorsement.
  • A final draft of the Strategic Plan for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Management in the Bahamas 2017-2022 was created and received stakeholder endorsement.
  • A functional FISMIS for the Bahamas was created and tested; capacity building videos, guidelines and user manuals were prepared.
  • A fisheries and aquaculture stakeholder analysis was carried out.
  • “A review of aquaculture resources and potential in the Bahamas” was produced.
  • “Fisheries and aquaculture in the Bahamas: a review” was produced.
  • A recreational fisheries economic impact assessment manual was developed and applied to two study cases in the Caribbean - Martinique and the Bahamas.
  • Capacities were increased for DIT and DMR staff on fisheries statistics and analysis of fisheries information for management decision making processes.
  • Awareness and capacity was built among key stakeholders for implementation of the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing at the national level (accession took place in 2016).
  • A review of the 2013 draft Fisheries Act of the Bahamas was carried out.
  • A final draft of the Fisheries Act 2017 was cleared by FAO Legal Services and validated by key stakeholders.
  • Stakeholder awareness was built for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, policy and planning, and fisheries draft legislation and sensitization was carried out for all relevant authorities in support of taking action and discussing the draft policy and legislative framework. 
Project symbol: TCP/BHA/3501
Project title: Strengthening fisheries and aquaculture governance in the Bahamas
Contact: FAO Office for Jamaica, The Bahamas and Belize / Raymon Van Anrooy (Lead Technical Officer)
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/a-bt815e.pdf