Our Vision
Improving the quality of life of Fisherfolk by developing a sustainable and profitable industry.
Social Media
Keep up to date by following us on social media!
Dr. Gavin Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer, The National Fisheries Authority of Jamaica, and some of the members of his team who hosted the 20th session Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC), 8-10 July 2025, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The WECAFC was established in 1973 by Resolution 4/61 of the FAO Council under Article VI of the FAO Constitution. Its statutes were amended by the FAO Council at its Seventy-fourth Session in December 1978 and by the Hundred and Thirty-first Session of the FAO Council in November 2006.
Press release: Caribbean Fisheries Ministers set new policy directions at 19th CRFM Council Meeting
Fish trade, fisheries-related crimes, and a new environmental and social safeguard policy were among key matters on the agenda of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), which convened its 19th Regular Meeting virtually on Friday, 4 July 2025.
The Council—which is comprised of Ministers responsible for fisheries, aquaculture, and the blue economy from 17 CRFM Member States—elected Honourable Kyle Hodge, Anguilla’s Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources, as the new Chair.
Read more: www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=871
In the heart of Belize, within the small coastal community of Monkey River Village, stands Danette Arlene Young, a 45-year-old dedicated community leader, cook, fisherwoman, and mom. She is a formidable force, actively shaping the future of her village, which is currently grappling with severe erosion challenges.
Danette, serving her second term as the Vice-Chairlady of her village, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to local governance and development. Beyond her official role, Danette is also the president of a women’s group comprising 15 members.
Her background: a high school graduate, she has also completed multiple short courses in small business management, tour guide, and related fields.
Danette is currently operating her own business: a butterfly farm. This venture beautifully blends environmental stewardship with entrepreneurship, showcasing a sustainable approach to economic growth within her community.
Ultimately, Danette Arlene Young remains driven by her vision of a resilient, empowered Monkey River Village where women lead with strength, creativity, and confidence. She is a leader committed to overcoming challenges and building a brighter, more independent future for her community.
(Pictured: Ms. Danette and her son)
Meeting with the Barrouallie fisherfolk board in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to discuss Sandals International's commitment to supporting our national fisherfolk! Exciting developments are underway as we work towards a partnership.
High level discussion with the new Executive Director of Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Mr. Marc Williams; alongside, Mr. Thomas Nelson of Saint Lucia and Mr. Shawn Taylor of Jamaica. 20th Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC). Montego Bay, Jamaica, 8-10 July 2025.
In October 2024, the Monkey River Women's Group was formed, with 15 members. These are some soaps the women are making. They collaborated with GOAL International and TIDE Belize to get things started in southern #Belize. The leader of the Group is Ms. Danette Young of Monkey River, Belize.
Mr. Randel Thompson Director at the Department of Marine Resources in St. Kitts and Nevis is present at 20th session of Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC). He informed the CNFO of the potential to collaborate with his department on a #Capacity #development initiative for the fishers in #skn.
Mr. Thomas Nelson, Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development in Saint Lucia National Trust Lucia
and Mr. Shawn Taylor, President, Jamaica Fisherfolk Co-operative Union Ltd.
Mr. Thomas gave many powerful interventions under AGENDA item #5 Review of the State of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the WECAFC region, including looking at strategies to utilize underutilized fish species.
Mr. Shawn Taylor, President of the Jamaica Fisherfolk Co-operative Union Ltd attending the 20th Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC). Montego Bay, Jamaica, 8-10 July 2025.
🎣 Meet the New Executive of the National Fisherfolk Organization!
We look forward to working closely with them as we continue strengthening the voice of our fishers and advancing sustainable livelihoods—together. 💪🏾🌊
CNFO's intervention at Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) 20th session (Hybrid); Montego Bay, Jamaica, 8-10 July 2025. Agenda Item 12: Bycatch and By-products management in the region.
Distinguished delegates, representatives,
The CNFO, represented here by Ms. Nadine Nembhard (CNFO) and Mr. Shawn Taylor of the Jamaica Fisherfolk Cooperative Union (JFCU), as well as other board members online, wish to share our experience in Barbados.
The Central Fish Processors Association (CFPA), an all-women's group whose main income comes from boning flying fish, collaborated with the FAO on a project to produce fish fertilizer, generating additional revenue for its members.
This initiative evolved into a small-scale fish silage production enterprise through a strategic partnership between CFPA, PLA Inc., and Barbados Ruminants and Farm Services Inc. (BRFS). This collaboration, which benefited from FAO initiatives dating back to 2019, demonstrates how cross-sectoral partnerships can unlock market access and create value from what was once waste.
The project's key successes include:
* Transforming fish processing residue into an economic opportunity: The fish silage is going to be a new income stream.
* Significant waste reduction: A primary goal is to reduce the amount of fish waste going to landfills by one (1) tonne per year.
* Creating valuable, locally-produced inputs: The fish silage serves as a safe, scalable input for livestock, poultry, and crop production, offering potential benefits in cost reduction and import substitution.
* Of course, empowering women in the fishing sector: Partnering with CFPA, a key post-harvest player of women fish cleaners, ensures consistent access to raw material while empowering this vital group.
This initiative aligns perfectly with the implementation of the SSF Guidelines, primarily by supporting the use of underutilized resources and developing strategies for them.
We urge you to consider how such strategic, cross-sectoral partnerships can be replicated across our region to turn fish waste into economic opportunity, enhance food security, and empower our fisherfolk, particularly women, thereby fostering a more resilient and sustainable fishing industry. Thank you.
CNFO's Fisherfolk Net June 2025!! Click to read!!!
Fisherfolk Net June 2025 - Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations
cnfo.fish
Fisherfolk Net June 2025Share:ShareClick to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading...Nadine NembhardJ...A service was held at Newtown Fatima Church, bringing together members of the Newtown Co-operative Dominica to celebrate Fisherfolk Day on 29th June 2025.
The theme for this year’s Fisherfolk Day was "Catalyzing sustainable fisheries and responsible aquaculture action for people, ocean, and climate."