Our Vision
Improving the quality of life of Fisherfolk by developing a sustainable and profitable industry.
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The FADs work continues!
We’re out all weekend deploying more FADs with the support of our hardworking fishers across the federation. Teamwork makes it happen! 🤝🌊
#fishagregatingdevice #fishing🎣 #marineresources #collaborations
Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha is currently spearheading a cash relief distribution exercise for fisherfolk at the Upper Corentyne Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, as part of a sustained programme of direct support to the fisheries sector.
The initiative fulfils a commitment made by H.E. President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to ensure that fisherfolk receive timely assistance while the sector continues to be modernised and diversified.
A total of 1,704 fisherfolk from the region are set to benefit from the initiative, representing a government investment of $245.6 million.
The relief forms part of a broader package of interventions implemented since 2020, aimed at strengthening livelihoods, improving infrastructure, and enhancing resilience within the fisheries sector.
“Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day."
🐟 2003–2004: Initial regional study by CTA, CARDI & CRFM assessed fisherfolk organisations’ strengths & weaknesses, laying the groundwork for a regional network. #CNFO10Years
🌊 2004–2005: Regional workshop in Belize recommended forming a network; a Working Group was created to develop a strategy. #FisherfolkNetwork
🛠️ 2006–2008: Strategy refined into the official “Development of the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations” project with CTA funding and CRFM leadership. #CNFO10Years
📋 June 2005: Working Group met in Guyana to develop a Strategy & Medium-Term Action Plan for strengthening regional fisherfolk organisations (2006–2010). #FisherfolkLeaders
🤝 2007: National consultations held to establish or strengthen NFOs in countries with primary fisherfolk bodies but no formal NFOs. #CommunityFisherfolk
🌍 September 2007: Three-day regional fisheries stakeholders workshop in Grenada formed a coordinating committee to advance NFO establishment. #CaribbeanFisherfolk
🚀 2009: CNFO formally launched, articulating its vision and mission focused on ecosystem-based management, representation, capacity building, and improved fisher livelihoods. #CNFOVision
📈 2009–2015: CNFO expanded engagement, built member capacities, shared information, and gained observer status in CRFM fisheries forums. #FisherfolkGrowth
📌 2016: CNFO was legally registered in Belize, transitioning from an informal network to a not-for-profit organisation. #CNFO10Years
🇦🇬 2017: CNFO further formalised regionally with registration in Antigua & Barbuda. #CaribbeanFisherfolkNetwork
📜 Did you know?
The CNFO was registered as non-profit organization on 28 June 2016, in Belize, nine years after it had been operating without formal registration.
- Thank you for walking this journey with us. #CNFO10Years
Link to CNFO 1st General Assembly held 20th October 2016: www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=533:cnfo-s-1st-general-assembly&Itemid=303&tmpl...
🎉 CNFO turns 10 in 2026!
This year we celebrate 10 years of advocating for fishers, fish workers, and coastal communities. From humble beginnings to regional impact—thank you for walking this journey with us. #cnfo10years
The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM met very early on 3 January following reports of military action in Venezuela.
CARICOM is actively monitoring the situation which is of grave concern to the Region with possible implications for neighbouring countries. CARICOM will continue to update the people of the Region as more information is received.
The Government of #Grenada amended fisheries laws, strengthened marine mammal protections, and formally reapplied to the U.S. NOAA Fisheries for a comparability finding, the requirement to continue exporting fish to the United States.
However, the export prohibition remains in place until #NOAA completes its review and grants a new or updated determination.
👉 We are now three days into the new year, and fishers, processors, vendors, and their families of #Grenada are waiting.
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Uncertainty looms over Grenada’s fisheries sector as exporters and fisherfolk await a critical decision from U.S. Authorities on the future of fish exports—a...Grenada moves to avert US ban on fish exports with New Fisheries Act Amendments
Grenada moves to avert US ban on fish exports with New Fisheries Act Amendments - CNW Network
www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
Grenada is racing to prevent a U.S. ban on its fish and fish product exports, with newly approved amendments to the Fisheries Act.Celebrating 10 Years of CNFO (2016–2026). For a decade, the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations has worked to strengthen fisherfolk voices, solidarity, and sustainable fisheries across the Caribbean.
Dear CNFO Members, Partners, and Friends,
As 2025 comes to a close, we pause to reflect on a year marked by perseverance, learning, and renewed commitment across the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO).
This year presented real challenges for fisherfolk and for the network. Extreme weather events caused damage to livelihoods and infrastructure, while shifts in funding and project implementation required CNFO to adapt quickly and refocus its efforts. Despite these pressures, the network remained active and committed to advocating for the rights of Caribbean fisherfolk.
Throughout 2025, CNFO continued to engage meaningfully at national, regional, and international levels. Capacity building remained a central priority. The 2025 CNFO Leadership Institute brought together twenty-nine (29) fisherfolk leaders from across the region to strengthen skills in leadership, advocacy, governance, communication, and organizational management. This investment in fisher people continues to be one of CNFO’s strongest tools for building resilient and effective fisherfolk organizations.
As we look ahead, 2025 has laid important groundwork for the future. In 2026, CNFO will mark its 10th anniversary—ten years of regional cooperation, advocacy, and solidarity in support of Caribbean fisherfolk.
On behalf of the CNFO Board and Secretariat, I extend sincere thanks to our members, partners, allies, and supporters for your continued trust and collaboration. We move into 2026 with purpose and collective strength.
In solidarity,
Devon Stephen
Chair
CNFO
Melissa, the Category 5 hurricane that battered #Jamaica in late October, hit coastal communities the hardest. Boats battered, traps vanished, engines drowned, gear washed away. But the fisherfolk didn’t wait for help; they started rebuilding from the moment the skies cleared.
They shared tools, shared food, shared grief.
Here are pictures of three fishing vessels that once rested at the Black River wharf. They were spotted two miles up the river. The storm surge from Hurricane Melissa had torn them from the dock.