The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) hosted a webinar on Illegal Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) in the Caribbean on 21 November 2024, as part of its series on “Making Sense of Maritime Matters – Exclusive Dialogues.”

The webinar, which was hosted on the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI)-Connect learning management platform, was conducted by Dr. Ian Ralby, a globally recognised expert in maritime law and security from Auxilium Worldwide; Mr. Peter A. Murray, Advisor, Fisheries Management and Development, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat; Dr. Gavin Bellamy, JP, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Fisheries Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Jamaica; and Mr. Virun Latchman, Maritime Analyst, CARICOM IMPACS.

Speaking at the opening of the webinar, Ms. Joycelyn Hughes, Border Security Affairs Specialist and Training Coordinator, CARICOM IMPACS, noted that IUUF poses a significant threat to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as those in CARICOM.

She said that coastal populations rely heavily on the ocean for food and economic livelihoods. “The ripple effects of depleted fish stocks caused by IUUF extend beyond the maritime domain, impacting food security, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the overall quality of life in the region. Supply chain disruptions further exacerbate these vulnerabilities, leaving CARICOM Member States disproportionately affected,” she explained.

The webinar provided information on the tactics, techniques, and procedures of IUUF entities operating in the Caribbean and the broader Atlantic Ocean. It also guided participants in understanding the regional and international efforts, including the Copenhagen Declaration, which addresses the double-pronged issue of IUUF and fisheries crime.