The Study aims to analyze and propose options for a comprehensive resource management approach in the Caribbean region that may include diversification of the industry, and promotion of the optimal use of fisheries resources with cooperation between governments and communities. It will address the following components: (i) pelagic resource development and management; (ii) aquaculture development policy formulation; (iii) regional fisheries database development; (iv)support for community-based management; and (iv) education and training in the component fields in the CARICOM States. The main output will be a Master Plan on Sustainable Use of Fisheries Resources for Coastal Community Development in the Caribbean.

The Scope of Work was signed by the CARICOM Secretariat, JICA and CRFM Secretariat in December 2008. A Pre-inception mission was undertaken during May 2009 by the Japanese consulting firm, IC Net Limited, and a Inception Report which sets out the background and purpose of the study and the methods of implementation, including the conducting of the baseline survey, was prepared in June 2009 and provided to Member States for review. The baseline survey has been conducted by the regional consulting firm Trevor Hamilton and Associates, while CRFM/IC Net teams have undertaken field missions to Member States to conduct, with the assistance of the fisheries departments, analyses of the institutional arrangements for fisheries management and development as well as obtain data and information relevant to the various components of the Study. Draft country and sector reports have been prepared and a draft preliminary Master Plan developed.

The First Meeting of the Project Steering Committee was convened during 03-04 December 2009 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to (i) review project activities to date; (ii) review the draft preliminary Master Plan; and (iii) consider the long list of potential pilot projects and commence the process to short list suitable ones based on agreed upon criteria.