New Plans Could Affect Blue Economy Earnings in SVG

By S.Browne. Updated 1:10 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Fishers, seafood workers and sea moss producers across St Vincent and the Grenadines could see changes to how the sector operates and earns, as government-led consultations under the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) initiative move into the planning stage.

The consultations were carried out over a two-week period in June across mainland St Vincent and the Grenadines as well as Bequia, Canouan and Union Island, brought together fishers, seafood processors, traders, mariculture operators and government officials to help shape two major national frameworks aimed at strengthening the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The initiative falls under the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, which works with regional governments to support sustainable marine-based development.

UBEC Fisheries Specialist Rissha Alleyne said the consultations were essential in ensuring that the new plans reflect real conditions in the sector.

“We just completed two very productive weeks with two fisheries and seafood sanitary consultants. The information gathered from government agencies, private sector operators, fishers and those involved in the sea moss industry has been extremely valuable in helping to shape the plans and policies being developed,” she said.

Two key documents are now being developed: a five-year Seafood Sanitary and Quality Inspection Service Development Plan, and a Strategic Action Plan for Fisheries and Aquaculture.

According to officials, the aim is to strengthen seafood safety systems, improve industry standards, and support long-term development of both fishing and aquaculture activities, including sea moss production.

Chief Fisheries Officer Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard, speaking under the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience, said the work builds on gaps identified since the 2018 Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy was introduced.

“The Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy was implemented in 2018, and over the years we have identified gaps that need to be addressed. Developing a strategic action plan now provides an opportunity to prioritise activities, strengthen implementation and position the sector for future growth,” she explained.

She added that aquaculture, including sea moss production, holds strong potential for investment, jobs and food security.

Seafood safety expert Helder Silva, who led part of the technical assessment, said the team observed strong commitment within local communities during visits to fishing and processing sites.

“We visited fishing communities, processing facilities, vessels and seafood businesses across the country and found a strong commitment among stakeholders to improve systems and address existing challenges,” he said.

Fisheries Management Consultant Roy Bealey said the process is focused on turning policy into practical action.

“Our objective is to take the 2018 Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and translate it into actionable, prioritised activities that government and stakeholders can pursue together,” he said.

The UBEC team noted that opportunities were identified in mariculture, including sea moss production, as well as in improving how existing fisheries infrastructure is used to support growth in the wider blue economy.

Findings from the consultations are expected to inform future investment, policy direction and capacity-building efforts in the sector.

END