Floyd Green, Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, has reaffirmed his commitment to the implementation of the Blue Transformation approach in the Caribbean region. Speaking at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) regional conference in Guyana on March 19, Green emphasised the importance of sustainable aquaculture production, effective fisheries management, and improved value chains encapsulated in the Blue Transformation framework.
Green stressed the necessity of diversifying the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and fish farmers to mitigate overfishing and support ecosystem management efforts across the region. He highlighted Jamaica’s initiatives, including a fisheries development programme focusing on promoting community-based climate resilience and modernising licensing and registration systems.
One notable innovation is the introduction of the ‘Irie Fins’ Jamaican fisheries aquaculture information system, allowing fishers, fish farmers, and vessels to register using their mobile devices. This technology-driven approach aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the fisheries sector.
Moreover, Green underscored Jamaica’s strategies to boost yields in aquaculture and promote diversity among artisanal fishers. These efforts align with the broader goal of achieving sustainable fisheries management and enhancing food security in the region.
The Blue Transformation approach, championed by Green, represents a holistic strategy to address the complex challenges facing Caribbean fisheries. By prioritising sustainability and innovation, Jamaica aims to foster resilience and prosperity in its marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
