Antigua & Barbuda Fisheries Division

The staff of Antigua and Barbuda Fisheries Division expresses deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer of Barbados. Her strong advocacy for fisherfolks, her contribution to regional fisheries governance as well as her leadership role in sargassum management and climate change adaptation will be deeply missed.

Farewell my friend and colleague…only God knows our path!

Ian Horsford
Chief Fisheries Officer, Antigua and Barbuda Fisheries Division
Chair, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism Executive Committee and Forum

Bradshaw pays tribute to late Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox - Barbados Today Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment, National Beautification and Fisheries, Santia Bradshaw, has paid tribute to Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox following her passing.

https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=985:crfm-ministerial-council-addresses-fisheries-aquaculture-and-blue-economy-priorities-at-20th-regular-meeting&Itemid=179

CRFM Ministerial Council addresses fisheries, aquaculture, and blue economy priorities at 20th Regular Meeting Belize City, Belize, 3 June 2026 (CRFM)—The Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), a regional inter-governmental bo...

Please join this upcoming webinar in disaster preparedness for the agriculture sector with a focus on fisheries and assets.
This Friday, May 22, from 12 noon.

Antigua and Barbuda assumed the chairmanship of the Caribbean Fisheries Forum

Caribbean Fisheries Forum hosts its 24th Regular Session ahead of Ministerial Meeting Belize City, Belize, 24 April 2026 (CRFM)—The Caribbean Fisheries Forum, comprised of 17 heads of fisheries authorities across the Caribbean Community...

World Earth Day: A Call to Protect, Preserve and Lead
By Tyreke G. Thomas-Horsford

Every year on April 22nd, the world pauses to recognize World Earth Day—a moment that reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect the only home we have. But Earth Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a global movement, a call to action, and a powerful reminder that the future of our planet depends on the choices we make today.

Our environment is speaking to us—through rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, coral reef degradation, and increasing natural disasters. For small island developing states like those in the Caribbean, the effects of climate change are not distant threats; they are present realities. Coastal erosion, stronger hurricanes, and threats to biodiversity are impacting livelihoods, economies, and ecosystems in ways we can no longer ignore.

Earth Day challenges us to reflect not only on the problems but also on the solutions. It asks each of us—leaders, citizens, youth and communities—to step forward and play our part. Protecting our planet does not always require grand gestures; it begins with simple, intentional actions. Reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting sustainable practices, and educating others are all meaningful steps toward change.

However, real transformation happens when awareness turns into leadership. We must move beyond conversations and into commitment. Governments must strengthen environmental policies, organizations must adopt sustainable operations and communities must unite in collective action. Most importantly, young people must be empowered as environmental stewards, equipped with the knowledge and opportunities to drive innovation and advocacy.

As we observe World Earth Day, let us remember that the Earth does not belong to us—we belong to the Earth. The responsibility we carry is not just for ourselves, but for future generations who will inherit the consequences of our decisions.

Let this Earth Day be a turning point. Let it inspire us to act boldly, think sustainably, and lead responsibly. Because when we protect the Earth, we are ultimately protecting our future.
The time to act is now. The Earth is counting on us.

This Earth Day let us all make a pledge to protect and conserve critical ecosystems that help to sustain our fisheries sector and the livelihoods of many.

As the BBNJ Agreement has entered into force, there are important questions to answer on how it relates to high seas fishing. The FAO has recently published a guide to help answer these questions.

BBNJ Agreement Guide for Fisheries Managers | Mark Dickey-Collas posted on the topic | LinkedIn Fisheries & BBNJ Agreement: A Guide. As BBNJ comes into force, FAO has published the first guide aimed at fisheries managers, fisheries bodies & policy developers. https://lnkd.in/eg6GhBUB Having led the drafting & development of the guide, I hope that it achieves its aims to explain with clarity &....

Today, November 21st, is World Fisheries Day. This day aims to highlight the importance of promoting sustainable fish stocks, decent working conditions in the sector, the rights of small-scale fishing communities, as well as combating challenges such as climate change and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The United Nations, through its Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), endorses the day to draw attention to these pressing issues facing global fisheries. In keeping with the goals of World Fisheries Day, I am pleased to share a short presentation focusing on the socioeconomics and resilience of our fisherfolks.

Respectfully,
Ian Horsford
Chief Fisheries Officer

3.12 | Socio-Economic Features of Antigua’s Small-Scale Fisheries Sector – Implications Socio-Economic Features of Antigua’s Small-Scale Fisheries Sector – Implications for Economic Security and Sustainable Development | Author - Ian HorsfordSes...