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Fisheries and environmental experts meet as GCFI76 convenes

Tue, Nov 7th 2023, 02:12 PM
Environment Politics

The Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, in his keynote address of the opening of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute regional conference (GCFI76) underscored the importance of science, research and data collection to addressing threats that fisheries face.

“Science in particular, research and data collection will be crucial to our continued efforts to address the many threats our fisheries face. Fisheries in The Bahamas, like many other Caribbean nations grapple with devastating effects of climate change, habitat degradation and unsustainable fishing practices including poaching. In tackling these issues we stand to gain vital insight by mobilizing research and technologies, especially up-to-date data collection efforts,” said the Prime Minister.

“The tools and techniques of the natural sciences can empower members of our society to play a more active and informed part in preserving the life of the water. Data collection will give governments a better grasp of what’s happening on the ground or in this case on the water, or beneath the water which will lead to more effective policy interventions,” he added.

More than 300 fisheries and environmental experts from around the world gathered Monday, November 6, 2023 for the official opening ceremony of the 76th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute regional conference taking place from November 6-10 at Atlantis, Paradise Island. The theme for this year’s event is 'Linking Science and Society towards a vision for sustainable Fisheries.'

The Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources described the gathering as a “landmark” event and said it signifies “our shared commitment to the preservation and sustainable management of our precious marine resources.”

The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources said the meeting provides the opportunity to convene as a single body to address the pressing challenges imposed by sea level rise, extreme temperatures, and global pollution.

“The Bahamas, our beloved archipelago with its unique geographical make-up, is particularly vulnerable to these issues. The stakes are extremely high as we stand to lose a whole lot more than just our tourism product, but our vulnerable marine eco-system, our way of life, so many of our people and ultimately the future of our nation is at stake,” he said.

Participants also included the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, Minister of State for the Environment; Prescott Smith, President, Bahamas Fly-Fishing Industry Association; Bob Glazer, Executive Director, Gulf & Caribbean Fisheries Institute; and Danielle Hanek, Acting Director of Forestry, Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources.

The Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, in his keynote address of the opening of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute regional conference (GCFI76) underscored the importance of science, research and data collection to addressing threats that fisheries face.
“Science in particular, research and data collection will be crucial to our continued efforts to address the many threats our fisheries face. Fisheries in The Bahamas, like many other Caribbean nations grapple with devastating effects of climate change, habitat degradation and unsustainable fishing practices including poaching. In tackling these issues we stand to gain vital insight by mobilizing research and technologies, especially up-to-date data collection efforts,” said the Prime Minister.
 
“The tools and techniques of the natural sciences can empower members of our society to play a more active and informed part in preserving the life of the water. Data collection will give governments a better grasp of what’s happening on the ground or in this case on the water, or beneath the water which will lead to more effective policy interventions,” he added.
More than 300 fisheries and environmental experts from around the world gathered Monday, November 6, 2023 for the official opening ceremony of the 76th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute regional conference taking place from November 6-10 at Atlantis, Paradise Island. The theme for this year’s event is 'Linking Science and Society towards a vision for sustainable Fisheries.'
 
The Hon. Jomo Campbell, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources described the gathering as a “landmark” event and said it signifies “our shared commitment to the preservation and sustainable management of our precious marine resources.”
 
The Hon. Vaughn Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources said the meeting provides the opportunity to convene as a single body to address the pressing challenges imposed by sea level rise, extreme temperatures, and global pollution.
“The Bahamas, our beloved archipelago with its unique geographical make-up, is particularly vulnerable to these issues. The stakes are extremely high as we stand to lose a whole lot more than just our tourism product, but our vulnerable marine eco-system, our way of life, so many of our people and ultimately the future of our nation is at stake,” he said.
Participants also included the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, Minister of State for the Environment; Prescott Smith, President, Bahamas Fly-Fishing Industry Association; Bob Glazer, Executive Director, Gulf & Caribbean Fisheries Institute; and Danielle Hanek, Acting Director of Forestry, Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources.
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