Department of the Blue Economy - Antigua and Barbuda

🌊 Did You Know?

Our ocean is full of fascinating facts, opportunities, and solutions for a sustainable future. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the Blue Economy and the importance of protecting our marine environment.

Flashback Friday!

As we continue to celebrate World Ocean Month, we take the opportunity to flashback to the judging day for the Mural Poster Art Competition.

We had over 50 submissions form 8 schools and judges had a hard time.

Checkout the winning Mural anytime at the recreation grounds!

Thank you all our participants and a special thank you to all our judges.

🌎🌊 Did You Know?

Understanding our ocean is the first step toward protecting it. Through ocean literacy, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for Antigua and Barbuda.

Follow our "Did You Know?" series as we explore the many ways the ocean supports our people, economy, and environment.

Have a read.

FREE PUBLICATION!
The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026
Publisher: FAO
Year: 2026
Access: https://doi.org/10.4060/cd8357en
Synopsis
The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 provides the latest evidence-based information and insights on challenges, opportunities and solutions shaping the present and future of the sector. This 2026 edition showcases how FAO is translating the Blue Transformation vision into impact, deploying field projects in close collaboration with Members, partners and key stakeholders. It highlights efforts to maximize the contribution of aquatic foods to global food security, poverty alleviation and economic development, enhancing policy advocacy, advancing scientific research and innovations, and furthering capacity development.Part 1 presents an up-to-date global review of fisheries and aquaculture production, employment, utilization and trade, benefiting from significant improvements in data collection and in analytical and assessment tools and methodologies. Part 2 explores the transformational actions being undertaken by FAO, its Members and key stakeholders to catalyse the changes required to support aquaculture expansion and intensification, effective management of global fisheries, and upgrading of aquatic value chains. Part 3 covers FAO commitments to strengthen aquatic food systems in a holistic manner, with a focus on the role of regional fishery bodies in translating international commitments into actionable regional measures; it emphasizes the importance of global climate research and models to inform adaptive fisheries management policies and decisions. It also presents an outlook on future trends for fisheries and aquaculture development up to 2034 based on projections.The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture is aimed at a wide and expanding audience of policymakers, managers, researchers, private actors, civil society activists and consumers.

Antigua and Barbuda has appointed marine scientist and climate resilience expert Dr. Deborah Brosnan as Special Envoy for Coastal Resilience and the Ocean Economy.

The government says the one-year appointment is aimed at strengthening climate adaptation efforts and advancing the country’s blue economy agenda.

Dr. Brosnan will represent Antigua and Barbuda internationally on coastal protection, marine conservation and sustainable ocean development, while also helping to attract funding for key marine and climate projects.

Officials say the move comes as Small Island Developing States face rising threats from sea-level rise, stronger hurricanes, coastal erosion and declining marine ecosystems that support tourism, fisheries and livelihoods.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the appointment reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to bringing in global expertise to address climate challenges.

Dr. Brosnan is a marine scientist with more than 20 years of experience and is the founder of the OceanShot initiative, focused on coral reef restoration and natural coastal protection.

CAF, and presented a report at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa charting Latin America and the Caribbean’s path toward a blue economy.

The study sets priorities for ocean governance, blue finance, marine ecosystem restoration and coastal community development.

CAF will invest USD 2.5 billion by 2030 in ocean conservation, coastal tourism, artisanal fisheries and renewable ocean energy.

✨️ SAVE THE DATE – EmpowerHER Webinar ✨️

Join the Women in Maritime Caribbean (WiMAC) Antigua and Barbuda Chapter Inc. for an inspiring and empowering virtual experience at our EmpowerHER Webinar.

✨ Theme: Her Journey – Leading with Purpose, Power and Persistence

This engaging webinar is designed to equip and empower women through meaningful discussions on:
🔹️Resilience
🔹️Emotional Intelligence
🔹️Courage and Confidence in Action

Whether you are navigating challenges, pursuing personal growth, or aspiring to lead with greater impact, this session will provide valuable insight and practical tools to support your journey.

📅 Date: Tuesday, 16th June 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
💻 Platform: Microsoft Teams

📍Mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired by conversations that celebrate strength, leadership, and the power of perseverance.

📩 Contact us for more information or to register.