Using a multidisciplinary approach, the working group contributes to the sustainable conservation and management of the Caribbean spiny lobster fisheries. In pursuing this goal, the group will contribute to the fulfillment of national and regional responsibilities for the management of Caribbean spiny lobster stock and related or interacting species or fisheries in the WECAFC region under the code of conduct for responsible fisheries, and in accordance with agreed, documented management goals including ensuring the livelihoods of the people depending on these resources.
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active)] [Documents]
Using a multidisciplinary approach, the working group will contribute to the sustainable conservation and management of the Queen Conch fisheries and trade. In pursuing this goal, the working group will contribute to the fulfillment of national, regional and international responsibilities and commitments for the management and conservation of and trade in Queen conch and related or interacting species or fisheries in the WECAFC Region under the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and in accordance with agreed, documented management goals including ensuring the livelihoods of the people depending on these resources.
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active)] [Documents]
The inclusion of queen conch in CITES has prompted numerous collaborative initiatives to promote its recovery, reduce overfishing and ensure legal, sustainable trade. Particularly since the 2000-reviews, CITES also acted as a catalyst for international cooperation and regional coordination of queen conch management and utilization
You can access here to the relevant information on Queen Conch under CITES topics
The scope of the working group is to provide scientific and management advice for the sustainable management of the shrimp and groundfish resources of the Northern Brazil-Guianas shelf in the WECAFC Region. Using a multidisciplinary approach the working group will contribute to the sustainable management of the shrimp and groundfish resources of the Brazil-Guianas shelf by providing management advice to Members of WECAFC based on the best available knowledge.
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active) ] [Documents Library]
The aim is to strengthen collaboration on fisheries data and statistics matters among the three regional fisheries bodies and formulate recommendations and guidelines for data collection and statistics. This Working Group will report to the WECAFC Commission. As one of their principal activities, will be to formulate recommendations and guidelines for data collection and statistics, to develop standardized data collection formats and templates to be collectively considered for coordinated national and regional implementation, and collaboration on fisheries data and statistics, among others.
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active)] [Documents]
The objective of the Working group is to inform and provide guidance for the management of deep-sea fisheries by WECAFC members, in such a manner as to promote responsible fisheries that provide economic opportunities, while ensuring the conservation of marine living resources and the protection of marine biodiversity and to facilitate the implementation of the FAO International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas.
[ ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active)] [Documents Library]
Using a multidisciplinary approach, the Working Group will contribute to the sustainable management of recreational fisheries in the WECAFC Region, by providing scientific and management advice to Members of WECAFC based on the best available knowledge. In pursuing this goal the Working Group will contribute to the fulfillment of national and regional responsibilities for the marine environment and for the management of recreational fisheries and resources, and related or interacting species, or other interacting fisheries in the WECAFC Region under the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, in line with the principles of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries, the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication, the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security, and in accordance with agreed, documented management goals.
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active)] [Documents]
Provide the technical and scientific elements that support the integration of the sport, recreational and cultural fishing in a responsible way for its development in SICA countries, as an instrument to support food security and job creation, capitalizing on regional and national experience existing. More information is provided in the ToR below.
The scope of the Working Group is to facilitate the achievement of management objectives as outlined in the respective sub-regional management plan for flyingfish in the Eastern Caribbean, through the application of international best practices consistent with the precautionary, ecosystem and participatory approaches to fisheries management. These management objectives are: a) sustained flyingfish resources (biological objective), b) optimal use of the flyingfish resource for long-term benefit (socio-economic objective), and c) sustained ecosystem health (ecological objective).
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active)] [Documents]
The working group will carry out the following tasks:
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active)] [Documents]
The objective of the RWG-IUU is to improve coordination and cooperation between national organizations/institutions responsible for fisheries-related MCS in support of their common efforts to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing.
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active)] [Documents]
The objective of the Working Group is to provide a basis for the conservation and sustainable management of shark populations in WECAFC member countries. In pursuing this goal, the Working Group will be supporting the members in fulfilling the national and regional responsibilities for the conservation and management of sharks as specified by WECAFC.
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base (soon to be active)] [Documents]
Provide technical advice with a regional focus to the authorities of the fishing in the Region through the Regional Directorate of OSPESCA. Specifically, determine, coordinate and monitor actions aimed at managing the good use and conservation of sharks and highly migratory species. You can download the ToR here :
Sharks were first included in Appendix II of CITES in February 2003, after the Conference of the Parties to CITES decided at its 12th meeting to include the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) and whale shark (Rhincodon typus) in Appendix II, in accordance with Resolution Conf. 9.24 on Criteria for amendment of Appendices I and II. Species included in Appendix II are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but trade in them is controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. This section wants to share CITES information on sharks and rays and the ongoing efforts to implement these decisions. Please follow this link for access.
The scope of the ad hoc working group is the development and management of moored FAD fishing in the [WECAFC Area 31], in a manner that is consistent with the long-term sustainability of associated pelagic fish resources and through the application of international best practices consistent with the precautionary and ecosystem approaches to fisheries management. The working group will take a multidisciplinary and participatory approach to the sustainable development of moored MFAD fishing for pelagics and will contribute to the fulfillment of national and regional management responsibilities for shared pelagic fish stock management
[ToRs] [Contacts Data Base] [Documents]
ABS is the rules and principles regarding how a country’s genetic resources and traditional knowledge of these resources are acquired by researchers, companies or other countries and how the resulting benefits are shared. It seeks to promote fairness and equity.
The cooperation among countries in the use of genetic resources may lead to groundbreaking advances in medicine, trading of derived goods, the provision of employment, and other mutual benefits. For ensuring that these benefits are maximized and transcend generations, there must be greater awareness of ABS issues on the part of governments, researchers, and the individual.
In this section, you can find resources on ABS in the Caribbean region.
Monitors the implementation of the new Fisheries and Aquaculture Integration Policy, recommending pertinent actions for its better implementation. This involves promoting an interdisciplinary methodology and, when appropriate, with a sectoral nature. Specifically, the Working Group will promote that national institutions incorporate into their institutional programs the components and actions of the new Policy, in support of the SICA / OSPESCA Regional Directorate. You can access the Terms of Reference below (Spanish only).
The task of the Working Group is to identify and promote the actions to be carried out for the implementation and monitoring of the PPE Guidelines at the regional level of the SICA countries. The ToRs for this working group can be found below.
Address regional issues of gender equality and equity in fisheries and aquaculture within the framework of the Policy for the Integration of Fisheries and Aquaculture, capitalizing on existing regional and national experience and seeking harmonization at the decision-making level. Among their main responsibilities is to propose, and when appropriate, participate in the execution of the actions related to gender equality and equity within the framework of the Integration of Fisheries and Aquaculture of SICA countries. Especially those aimed at economic autonomy.
Detailed information on this Working Group can be accessed in the ToR below
ICCAT compiles fishery statistics from its members and from all entities fishing for these species in the Atlantic Ocean, coordinates research, including stock assessment, on behalf of its members, develops scientific-based management advice, provides a mechanism for Contracting Parties to agree on management measures, and produces relevant publications.
Please visit ICCAT site for more information.
Use this link to access to ICCAT statistical databases
The PA Finance WG is a diverse group of 102 members from 31 countries. Their goal is to advance global thinking and planning for sustainable financing of protected area systems, development of global guidance on PA financing systems, share information and best practices to support PA financing initiatives, preparation of global reports, among others.
Visit this link to know more about their work
The objective of Innovation Working Group is to identify, research, field-test and disseminate information about a range of finance mechanisms that can be applied to achieve conservation outcomes. It will explore pilot opportunities such as mortgage-backed securities, derivatives, and effluent credit trading and wildlife-friendly commodity markets to protect threatened landscapes and species, demonstrating how ideas can contribute to conservation. For more information, visit this page
The mission of the CFA’s Environmental Funds Working Group is to encourage promotion, knowledge transfer and exchange about environmental funds among relevant funds, donors and NGOs. The purpose of these environmental funds, and thus the WG’s aim as well, is the protection of global biodiversity. Visit here for more!
The Marine and Coastal Finance Working Group seeks to consolidate and share knowledge and experience around conservation finance solutions pertinent to these critical conservation targets. The long-term objective is to build capacity among marine and coastal conservation and sustainable use practitioners in the knowledge and use of conservation finance solutions. Click here for more information and news!
This committee was established in 1975, to promote and strengthen economic and social cooperation and integration among the countries of the Caribbean and to promote cooperation between them and the countries and integration processes of Latin America and the Caribbean.
You can find further information and updates in the following link.
The Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) was established with the mission of developing a regional regime of environmental cooperation and integration that contributes to improving the quality of life of the populations of its Member States, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Republica Dominicana.
The CCAD has established the following thematic committees:
Following the entry into force of the LBS Protocol in August 2010, Article XIV of the LBS Protocol established the LBS STAC. Under Article XIII.2.c, the Secretariat of the Cartagena Convention is responsible for providing such assistance that the STAC may require to carry out its functions, as referred to in Article XIV. We have gathered the following information from the first four meetings:
Three such ad hoc working groups, dedicated respectively to Protected Areas, to Species and to Exemptions, already exist and should be updated and re-endorsed by the contracting parties under these Terms of Reference (ToR).
The Working Groups facilitate ongoing discussions on topics of interest to Contracting Parties and observers. There is no limited timeframe for Working Groups; they can remain in existence whilst there is a need for them. Once established, they remain an active standing committee unless otherwise designated by the STAC.
The SAG is constituted of five scientists with suitable scientific qualifications and experience in fisheries who serve in their personal capacity. The SAG provides scientific advice to the Commission and its ad hoc working groups, assesses and reports to the Commission on the status of stocks in the area covered by the Commission and accesses the situation, trends and prospects of fisheries in the region. The SAG meets every two years in the year when the Commission meets.
The SAG meeting documents can be accessed here
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council, with headquarters in Puerto Rico, is responsible for the creation of management plans for fishery resources (FMPs) in the US Caribbean Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off PR and the USVI. FMPs are submitted to the US Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Once implemented, local Governments may adopt compatible legislation for the conservation of the fishery resources within local waters. The CFMC has established the following Advisory Panels:
IAC is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the legal framework for countries in the American Continent to take actions in the benefit of these species.
The IAC Scientific Committee is constituted by one scientist designated by each Party, in addition to specialists nominated by consensus among the States to include all fields of knowledge not represented by the members present. The function of this committee is to provide scientific advice to the Conference of the Parties to comply with the objectives of the Convention. Further information on the ongoing work can be accessed here
The Consultative Committee objective is to advise and guide Parties in promoting the protection, conservation and recovery of the populations of sea turtles and those habitats on which they depend, taking into account the environmental, socioeconomic and cultural characteristics. Access to more information here.
ICCAT compiles fishery statistics from its members and from all entities fishing for these species in the Atlantic Ocean, coordinates research, including stock assessment, on behalf of its members, develops scientific-based management advice, provides a mechanism for Contracting Parties to agree on management measures, and produces relevant publications. ICCAT has established the following committees:
1. Conservation and Management Measures Compliance Committee
2. Permanent Working for the Improvement of ICCAT Statistics and Conservation Measures (PWG)
3. Standing Working Group on Dialogue between Fisheries Scientists and Managers (SWGSM)
As the oldest and most established of the IWC’s committees, the Scientific Committee is involved in the majority of IWC work. You can find in this link information about research funds, Partnerships, workshops, reports and more.
The IWC Conservation Committee considers a wide range of cetacean conservation issues, and its role continues to evolve. The Conservation Committee collaborates closely with the Scientific Committee to understand and address a range of threats to whales and their habitats.
The varied work programme currently includes:
Read more here
The UN Environment Caribbean Environment Programme acts as a co-host of the Regional Platform for Marine Litter with the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) is working to support the Global Partnership for Marine Litter and to implement the Caribbean Regional Action Plan for Marine Litter Management.
The platform has developed five initial project concepts and is in various stages of implementation:
Find out more on this UNEP CEP Platform here.
RAC-SPAW’s mission is to promote regional cooperation for the protection and development of the Greater Caribbean Region. To this end, RAC-SPAW implements the four axes of the two-year program established by the Conference of the Parties, I) Appendices and Databases, ii) Ecosystems, iii) Marine Protected Areas, and iv) Cooperation and guidelines
The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) was established in 1995, initially with the primary task of reporting on the condition of the world’s coral reefs. Since then GCRMN has produced a range of global, regional and thematic reports on coral reef status and trends.
The GCRMN Caribbean chapter has made achievements related to an On-line platform, guidelines for coral reef biophysical monitoring and guidelines for integrated coral reef monitoring, and harmonized data collection. For detailed information, visit this site.
The objectives of this platform are supportive of the 10- year Strategic Action Programme for the CLME+ Project and the associated long-term vision of a healthy marine environment that provides benefits and livelihoods for the well-being of this region and beyond. As key commitments, they have established the following:
For more information on this platform, please visit this site
The purpose of this global partnership is to promote the development and implementation of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) on a regional basis.
As high-level objectives:
a. To create an effective regional network of public and private bodies to promote the objectives of the GPML
b. To ensure representation from relevant governance, industrial/commercial, academia, education, citizen groups and other relevant organizations
c. To promote the implementation of the GPML approach by developing regionally-appropriate communication channels, among others.
Please follow this link to access to the regional node contacts for the Wider Caribbean Region.
The GPML Caribbean Node represents a partnership for national and regional organizations, governments, research, and technical and individuals that work together to reduce the quality and impact of marine litter in coastal zones of the Wider Caribbean region. Access to their projects, resources, opportunities, and more in this link.
CAST serves as an initiative of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) to provide tourism enterprises with sustainability resources, best practices and work alongside CHTA committees to provide support for the advocacy of sustainable advances within the hotel and tourism sector of the Caribbean. CAST is present throughout the region to serve as resources for sustainable tourism and awareness.
Objectives:
The Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre – Caribe contributes to the sustainability of the marine environment in the Wider Caribbean Region by assisting countries to implement international conventions created to reduce pollution from ships.
Activities are largely funded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe assists countries in the Wider Caribbean Region to prevent and respond to pollution in the marine environment through:
• Developing and assessing national and multilateral contingency plans
• Training and workshops
• Technical support and consultancy
• Information and public awareness
Access to the RAMPEITC platform here
Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) were established to provide science capacity and technical expertise for meeting shared natural and cultural resource priorities. By building a network that is collaborative, non-regulatory, adaptive, and grounded in science, LCCs are working to ensure the sustainability of our economy, land, water, wildlife, and cultural resources.
You can access to LCCs science catalog, resources, news, and more here.
The IMA has been designated as a Regional Activity Centre for the English speaking islands of the Caribbean, undertaking activities aimed at implementing the Protocol on Land-Based Sources (LBS) of Pollution at the regional level. The LBS Protocol provides the framework for addressing pollution based on national and regional needs and priorities. It is focused on addressing the sources of pollution and promotes Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and the application of the most appropriate technologies, and best management practices.
You are invited to visit their website and check the latest news on IMA
The Regional Activity Center (RAC) for the Protocol concerning Pollution from Land-based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol).The Center of Engineering and Environmental Management of Coasts and Bays (CIMAB) was designated as one of the two Regional Activity Centers (RAC) for the Protocol concerning Pollution from Land-based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol) in May 2002 at the Tenth Intergovernmental Meeting of the Caribbean Environment Programme. The mission of LBS/RAC-CIMAB is to contribute to the preservation of the marine and coastal environment, by means of research and application of sound scientific and technical solutions for the evaluation and control of marine pollution originating from land-based sources and activities.
This network is coordinated by NatureServe and OCTO, is a 8,000+ member network of coastal, marine, and other conservation and management practitioners working to promote healthy ecosystems and communities through the use of tools that help incorporate ecosystem considerations into management.
You can access their resources by visiting the following link.
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) coordinates the Caribbean region’s response to climate change. The CCCCC is the key node for information on climate change issues and on the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change in the Caribbean.
It is a repository and clearinghouse for regional climate change information and data and provides climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States through the CARICOM Secretariat.
The CLME+ Hub is an initiative of the Secretariat of the CLME+ Interim Coordination Mechanism (ICM), in collaboration with the members of the CLME+ ICM and CLME+ Project Executive Group (PEG) and (prospective) Partner Organizations. Development of the Hub has benefited from the financial support of the UNDP/GEF Project: “Catalysing Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) for the Sustainable Management of shared Living Marine Resources in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems” (CLME+ Project, 2015-2020). The CLME+ Project is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in close collaboration with a large number of global, regional and national-level partners. For more information on the CLME+ Project click here
Copyright © 2021 CLME + HUB
We use cookies to enhance your site experience, to provide you with extra functionalities and for analytical purposes. You can consent to the use of such technology by accepting and closing this notice. If you want to find out more, please read our cookies policy here.
