Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) lack harmonised microplastics monitoring protocols, resulting in a data deficiency regarding the science-policy interface required for treaty negotiations. This review conducts a baseline study to assess the spatial and seasonal abundance and distribution of microplastics (1–5 mm) and mesoplastics (5–25 mm) along 16 beaches with three coastal exposures (Atlantic Ocean, Exuma Sound, and Bahama Bank) in South Eleuthera, The Bahamas, and its implications for Caribbean SIDS. From the study, it was determined that microplastics were the most dominant debris type sampled (74%) across all beaches, with significant spatial (p = 0.0005) and seasonal (p = 0.0363) differences in abundance and distribution across study sites. This baseline study also identifies opportunities for developing harmonised microplastics and mesoplastics monitoring by Caribbean SIDS to collect data to help support global plastics treaty negotiations.
The Scheme of Control and Enforcement Scheme (Scheme) of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) applies to all fishing vessels used or intended for use in fishing activities conducted on fisheries resources in the Regulatory Area. The scheme is divided into seven chapters: General Provisions (I), Control Measures (II), Monitoring of Fisheries (III), Vessel[…]
For the purpose of ensuring that fishing activities are in compliance with South Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs), this CMM provides regulations that make it easier to monitor, control, and monitor fishing activities. It is the responsibility of the Contracting Parties, cooperating non-contracting party (CNCPs), and participating fishing entities (PFEs) to[…]
In the context of sustainable fishing activities, this Regulation establishes specific rules regarding the eligibility of costs associated with operations that aim to protect and restore marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, this Regulation addresses the eligibility of costs for operations that aim to mitigate climate change and improve the energy efficiency of fishing vessels. Furthermore,[…]
The Third Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Strategic Plan (2022-2030) sets out a clear roadmap for achieving the CRFM’s vision of effective management, conservation and sustainable use of our fisheries and aquaculture resources, to maximise social and economic benefits in the CRFM Member States. The plan was approved by the Eleventh Special Meeting of the[…]
This measure is based on the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Fishery Resources in the South East Atlantic Ocean, adopted by the Annual Meeting of the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organization (SEAFO) in 2015, establishes the System of Observation, Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement, which shall apply to all fishing vessels and fishing research[…]