Scarborough, Tobago – While talks between Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago officials, and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) concluded productively on concerns about overfishing of the Eastern Caribbean flying fish stock, the All Tobago Fisherfolk Association (ATFA) has voiced its strong disappointment at being excluded from these crucial conversations.
The high-level discussions focused on vital areas such as collaborative research, a comprehensive stock assessment, and the potential for a new fishing agreement between the nations. Both Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago emphasized their commitment to sustainable resource use and maintaining open communication with fisherfolk communities.
However, the ATFA’s exclusion from these bilateral talks, which directly impact the livelihoods of Tobago’s fisherfolk and the sustainability of local marine resources, remains a significant point of contention. Their absence from the table raises questions about comprehensive stakeholder engagement in regional fisheries management.
Kandace Jackson has more details on the outcomes of the bilateral talks and the ATFA’s ongoing concerns regarding their participation in decisions affecting Tobago’s fishing industry.
