Case Study on Eastern Caribbean
Flyingfish (Hirundichthys affinis)
Fishery
Completed By
The Caribbean Regional
Fisheries Mechanism
PRESENTATION LAYOUT
 Some Fishery Notes
 Case Study – General Objectives
 Case Study Objectives & Results
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
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for TDA & SAP components
Lessons Learned for TDA & SAP
components
Best Practices for TDA & SAP
References (Reports produced)
A Collection of Major Publications
Some Fishery Notes
 Most important small pelagic fishery in
southern eastern Caribbean (Barbados,
Dominica, Grenada, Martinique, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad
and Tobago)
 Early fishery landings in 1950s were ~<1000
t, increased to peak of just under 5000 t in
late 1980s. Recently, annual landings
estimated at 2,000-2,500 t
 expanding fleet capacity has raised concern
about overfishing
 directed fishery, part of a multi-species,
multi-gear fishery, which also targets regional
large pelagic species
 tagging & genetic studies: single stock of
four-wing flyingfish in southeastern Caribbean
Some Fishery Notes : ecosystem linkages
 growing longline fisheries for large
pelagics use flyingfish for bait
 flyingfish - important component of
pelagic food web
 Dolphinfish & other predators -
particularly vulnerable to any
substantial decrease in flyingfish
abundance
 negative impact of land based human
activities on the health of marine
ecosystem and fishery resources
Case Study – General Objectives
 to fill important knowledge gaps
that will contribute to the final
TDA, and
 to inform the development of the
SAP and the CLME management
and governance framework which
will include priority actions for the
sustainability of the Eastern
Caribbean flyingfish fishery.
Case Study Objectives & Results for TDA
To review & complete agreedTDA gap filling activities:
OBJECTIVE
ACTIVITIES & RESULTS
STATUS/
REPORTS
1) Improvement of availability
of data and information
1) Identified data improvement needs
through testing analysis tool for producing
ecosystem-based management advice.
Used Multi-Criteria Analysis. Management
objectives were identified and prioritised
to inform data priorities.
Completed.
Report: CRFM
Research paper
Collection –
Volume 6
2) Single species bioeconomic
analysis of the fishery
2) Data preparatory and assessment
activities completed. Biological and
economic parameters agreed. Fishery
performance evaluated relative to
biological & economic conditions. Both
taken into account in management advice.
Completed.
CRFM Fishery
Reports 2010 –
2012
3) Incorporate key predatorprey interactions & the
related fishery interactions
into a bioeconomic evaluation,
to inform holistic management
of the fourwing flyingfish
3) Bio-economic assessment completed to
incorporate consideration of dolphinfish –
flyingfish interactions (changes in biomass
of one relative to the other). Assessment
was limited by the accuracy of available
dolphinfish assessment data.
Completed.
CRFM Fishery
Reports 2010 –
2012
Case Study Objectives & Results for SAP (1)
OBJECTIVE
ACTIVITIES & RESULTS
STATUS/
REPORTS
1) Stakeholder analysis,
including an assessment of
their capacity to take part in
the sub-regional management
process
1) Identified and engaged stakeholder
groups/ documented their present role in
fishery activities, capacity, and capacitybuilding needs for participation in
proposed EAF governance and manageemnt
framework.
Completed /
CRFM Technical
& Advisory
Document –
Number 2012/7
2) Review and analysis of
existing policy, legal and
institutional arrangements and
investments for management
and governance of flyingfish
2) Analysed present state of policy, legal
and instutional arrangements/ identified
policy, legal and institutional reforms
required for proposed EAF governance
and manageemnt framework.
Completed/
CRFM Technical
& Advisory
Document –
Number 2012/6
3) Memorandum of
Understanding between CRFM
and Martinique on Cooperation
3) Invited and obtained Martinique’s
involvement in all technical activities
(CRFM and CRFM/WECAFC Working
Groups). Invited Martique’s involvement in
Ministerial meetings. Discussing options
for achieving MOU.
In progress.
Case Study Objectives & Results for SAP (2)
OBJECTIVE
ACTIVITIES & RESULTS
STATUS/
REPORTS
4) Regional Non-binding
Declaration for effective
management and governance of
the Eastern Caribbean fourwing
flyingfish
4) Based on updated stock assessments
completed during TDA component,
developed updated fisheries management
plan and management declaration/
management plan and declaration being
discussed and refined through national
consultations & technical working group
activities (CRFM/WECAFC)
In progress CRFM’s Forum
and Ministerial
Council to adopt
by May 2013 /
CRFM Technical
& Advisory
Document, No.
2012/ 12,
5) Convene national meetings
with key stakeholders to review
recommendations and the
proposal for a sub-regional
decision-making
mechanism/forum
5) Stakeholder validation workshop held in
May 2012/ Also facilitated through CRFM
Forum and Ministerial Council meeting
decisions/ proposal for establihsment of
Ministerial Sub-Committee on Flyingfish
prepared & adopted/ also national
consultations being held to consider
management plan and regional declaration
Completed/ CRFM
Management
Report PY
2011/12, Vol. 2,
Supplement 1l/
CRFM Technical
& Advisory
Document, No.
2012/ 12
6) Promote/mobilize CRFM
networking via its Small Coastal
Pelagic Fish Resource Working
Group for solid, scientific basis
for recommendations & lessons
learnt.
6) Invited and obtained Martinique’s
involvement in CRFM Small Coastal pelagic
Working Group (CRFM SCPWG)/ CRFM
SCPWG coordinated completion of
assessments for TDA component.
Completed. CRFM
Fishery Reports
2010 - 2012
Case Study Objectives & Results for SAP (3)
OBJECTIVE
ACTIVITIES & RESULTS
STATUS/ REPORTS
7) Convene Senior level
Joint meeting CRFM &
WECAFC Ad Hoc Working
Group on Flyingfish, for
further review & guidance.
7) CRFM/WECAFC Joint Working Group
established / held 1st meeting in June
2012/ considered updated assessments and
management plan. Martinique/ Guadeloupe
attended / drafted a management
declaration.
Completed- CRFM
Technical & Advisory
Document, No. 2012/
12,
8) Convene meetings of the
CRFM Ministerial Council
with Ministerial
representation from
Martinique (for Regional
Declaration & provide policy
guidance on SAP
development).
8) Convened 2 Ministerial meetings/
Martinique invited to both/ provided
guidance on SAP development. Declaration
to be considered by Ministerial Body after
it is adopted by CRFM’s Caribbean
Fisheries Forum – expected completion by
May 2013.
In progress/ CRFM
Management Report –
PY 2012/13, Volume
2, Supplement 2/
CRFM Management
Report PY2012/13,
Vol.2, Suppl.3
9) Prepare report on the
combined findings (case
study SAP repport)
9) Report prepared based on the
documented findings of all case study
activities, which incorporated stakeholder
views on all issues & proposed reforms for
implementing EAF/EBM
Completed. CRFM
Technical & Advisory
Document, No. 2012/
14
Case Study – Lessons learned for TDA
OBJECTIVE
LESSONS LEARNED
1) Improving data and
information
•MCA is very valuable tool for promoting mulitple-objective
decision-making, but requires time & personnel to complete.
•Fisherfolk keen to participate in management process.
•Fisherfolk have good knowledge of issues & opportunities, but
capacity to communicate must be improved.
•Regular stakeholder consultations needed to guarantee
accurate identification of management & data priorities, and
cooperation to achieve set goals.
•Shared resource: national & regional data and information
coordination necessary
2) Bioeconomic analysis/
bioeconomic criteria /
management measures
•Support at senior management and policy-making levels for
data collection and analysis is not apparent.
•Statistical systems are not actively used, & so inadequate
data quality checks.
•Poor data – poor data analysis – uninformed management.
•CRFM scientific meeting provided good regional forum for
regional assessment.
3) Incorporate predator
prey interactions/
bioeconomic evaluation /
holistic management
•Same as above, with addition that connected fisheries need
to be given equal attention when priorities are identified and
supported.
Case Study – Lessons learned for SAP (1)
OBJECTIVE
LESSONS LEARNED
1) Stakeholder analysis
 Lack of information/ interest by stakeholders – require capacity
building, communication strategy, participation strategy
Short history of employing participatory processes in management
Current policies may not always support participatory management
though some are changing – institutionalization of this is important
Lack of funds & organization to use participatory processes
2) Analysis of existing
policy, legal and
institutional arrangements
and investments
National policy and legislation instruments are weak & need to
be updated to incorporate obligations under the various
regional & int. Fisheries agreements. Home-grown support and
commitment to fisheries management aims required for
successful reform. CRFM & CFP agreements are strong and
hold good potential for regional management functions.
3) Memorandum of
Understanding (CRFM &
Martinique)
Easier to obtain cooperation via informal means, but formal
arrangement essential for management success.
4) Regional Non-binding
Declaration
 Important to have good scientific basis to propose
management actions. This was achieved for flyingfish via
CRFM scientific meetings
5) Convene national
meetings with key
stakeholders
 Important to have buy-in for regional declaration at national
individual stakeholder level. The CRFM vertical network
(national-CRFM) was very important for this.
Case Study – Lessons learned for SAP (2)
OBJECTIVE
LESSONS LEARNED
6) Promote/mobilize CRFM
networking via its Small
Coastal Pelagic Fish
Resource Working Group
 Annual regional on-site meeting was effective in ensuring
completion of agreed tasks, some of which proceeded slowly
during the inter-sessional period.
7) Convene Senior level
Joint meeting CRFM &
WECAFC Ad Hoc Working
Group on Flyingfish
Meeting achieved its goals because of the preparatory work
completed beforehand.
8) Convene meetings of
the CRFM Ministerial
Council with Ministerial
representation from
Martinique.
 Documentation and decisions for Ministers must be clear,
and consensus-building must be achieved at lower levels first.
9) Prepare report on the
combined findings (case
study SAP repport)
 This report was informed by successful completion of the
other supporting activities, which were informed by
stakholder engagement.
 Stakeholder engagement and input at all levels considered
important for report that reflects practical options, which
have also achieved consensus.
Case Study – Best practices for TDA
OBJECTIVE
1) Improving data and
information
BEST PRACTICES
• proved valuable to use photo images to talk with fishers
about management objectives, and to get them to debate
the issues.
• proved valuable to use simple photo ordering system with
fishers to prioritise management objectives and hence
data priorities
• MCA was a good choice for a decision support tool for
management of Eastern caribbean flyingfish
2) Bioeconomic analysis/
bioeconomic criteria /
management measures
• Combination of biological and economic data and
information created stronger and more potentially
appealing and ueful management advice, as evidenced by
reactions by senior managers and policymakers at CRFM
meetings.
3) Incorporate
predator-prey
interactions/
bioeconomic evaluation /
holistic management
•Same as 2.
Case Study – Best practices for SAP (1)
OBJECTIVE
BEST PRACTICES
1) Stakeholder analysis
Existence of Champions
 Regional organisations have high capacity, interest and
influence, and have potential for further development and
strengthening .
 regional organizations can increasing knowledge on facilitating
participatory governance
 Willingness and trust of stakeholders are present & essential
2) Analysis of existing
policy, legal and
institutional arrangements
and investments
 Regional exmaples exist within the OECS and CARICOM
fora regarding fishing agreements, coordination of fisheries
management efforts (OECS common surveillance zone, CRFM
& CFP agreeements).
3) Memorandum of
Understanding (CRFM &
Martinique)
Depsite lack of formal arrangement, informal cooperation has
proven valuable.
4) Regional Non-binding
Declaration
 Had good scientific basis to support proposed management
actions for flyingfish, via CRFM scientific meeting efforts.
5) Convene national
meetings with key
stakeholders
 The vertical network (national-CRFM) played key role in
obtaining buy-in for regional declaration at national individual
stakeholder level.
Case Study – Best practices for SAP (2)
OBJECTIVE
BEST PRACTICES
6) Promote/mobilize CRFM
networking via its Small
Coastal Pelagic Fish
Resource Working Group
CRFM annual scientific meeting and SCPWG on-site meeting
allowed flyingfish scientists to strengthen their collaborative
arrangements, and guaranteed completed assessments.
7) Convene Senior level
Joint meeting CRFM &
WECAFC Ad Hoc Working
Group on Flyingfish
CRFM annual scientific meeting and SCPWG on-site meeting
allowed flyingfish scientists to strengthen their collaborative
arrangements, and guaranteed completed assessments for
infrmong CRFM/WECAFC meeting.
8) Convene meetings of
the CRFM Ministerial
Council with Ministerial
representation from
Martinique.
 Issues were presented to Ministers within industry and
economic context.
9) Prepare report on the
combined findings (case
study SAP repport)
 Stakeholder engagement and input at all levels helped
achieve a strong report reflecting consensus.
References (Reports produced)
1.
Ferrier E. and Singh-Renton, S. 2012. Stakeholder Preferences for Regional Management Objectives: A
Case of the Flyingfish Fishery of Barbados and Tobago. In CRFM Research Paper Collection, Vol. 6, 1-40 pp.
2. Campbell B. and Singh-Renton, S. 2012. Towards an Ecosystem Approach for Flyingfish Fisheries in the
Eastern Caribbean: An Evaluation of Multi-Criteria Analysis as a Tool for Improving Information in MultiObjective Decision-Making. In CRFM Research Paper Collection, Vol. 6, 41-78 pp.
3. CRFM. 2010. Report of Sixth Annual Scientific Meeting – Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 0716 June 2010. CRFM Fishery Report - 2010. Volume 1. 109 pp.
4. CRFM. 2011. Report of Seventh Annual Scientific Meeting – Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines,
16-24 June 2011. CRFM Fishery Report - 2011. Volume 1. 174 pp.
5. CRFM. 2012. Report of Eighth Annual Scientific Meeting – Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 2030 June 2012. CRFM Fishery Report - 2012. Volume 1. 153 pp.
6. CRFM. 2012. Report of the First Meetingof the CRFM/WECAFC Working Group on Flyingfish in the
Eastern Caribbean, 18-19 June 2012, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. CRFM Technical & Advisory Document,
No. 2012/ 12. 85 pp.
7. McIvor, I.M. 2012. The CRFM Meta-data Base Contribution to the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem
(CLME) Project Information Management System (IMS) Component. CRFM Technical & Advisory Document,
No. 2012/ 13. 9p.
8. Berry, D. S. & Tietze, U. 2012. CRFM Consultancy Report on Review of Existing Policy, Legal and
Institutional Arrangements for Governance and Management of Flyingfish Fisheries in the Caribbean Large
Marine Ecosystem. CRFM Technical & Advisory Document – Number 2012/ 6 . 90 pp.
9. CRFM. 2012. CRFM Consultancy Report on Stakeholder Identification and Analysis of the Flyingfish
Fishery in the Wider Caribbean. CRFM Technical & Advisory Document – Number 2012/ 7. 109 pp.
10. Tietze, U., and Singh-Renton, S. 2012. Strategic Action Programme for the Effective Governance and
Management of Flyingfish Fisheries in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem (CLME). CRFM Technical &
Advisory Document, No. 2012 / 14. 42pp.
11. CRFM 2012. Report of the First Meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Flyingfish, St. John’s,
Antigua and Barbuda, 18 October 2012. Volume 2 – Supplement 2. CRFM Management Report – PY 2012 / 13.
12pp.
12. CRFM in press. . Report of the Second Meeting of the Ministerial Sub-Committee on Flyingfish, Port of
Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 22 February 2013. Volume 2 – Supplement 3. CRFM Management Report – PY
2012 / 13. in press.
A collection of major publications)