In St. Lucia, a gathering of Caribbean fisheries ministers convened last week to chart a collaborative path forward for sustainable seafood production and trade. The meeting, organized by the Caribbean Fisheries, Aquaculture and Tourism Forum (CFATF), drew representatives from across the region, including the United States Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Bahamas.

Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, John Wilkerson, was in attendance to underscore the island’s commitment to responsible fisheries management. Speaking to the council, Wilkerson highlighted Bermuda’s reliance on a healthy marine environment for both its tourism industry and local supply chains. He urged the council to strengthen data sharing initiatives and to adopt common standards for aquaculture certification.

While the council did not adopt a binding decision, it agreed to establish a working group that will explore joint research projects and market‑access strategies. Wilkerson said the outcome would benefit Bermuda by opening new avenues for trade and by reinforcing the island’s reputation as a steward of the Caribbean’s maritime resources. The council will reconvene in 2025, with the working group expected to present a report on next steps for the region’s fisheries sector.