KINGSTON, 10 November 2011 (ACP Fish II/ ACP Press)- The ACP Fish II Programme enters its second phase concentrating efforts on boosting fisheries management in the Caribbean. In an effort to increase knowledge sharing at the regional level, Jamaica will host the Third Regional Programme Monitoring and Training Workshop over four days beginning on November 15, 2011 with a Networking Media Session at 3.30 p.m. at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel.

Participants from 15 CARIFORUM countries at the highest levels of Government and other fisheries interest are gathering with a view to highlight the objectives and benefits of the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy. They will further analyse the operations of the ACP Fish II Programme implementation and participate in training on the preparation of Terms of Reference within the European Development Fund (EDF) Project Cycle.

The four-day workshop forms part of a larger global project to strengthen fisheries management, improve food security and alleviate poverty in 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) member states. “The ACP Fish II Programme is a four and a half year, EUR€30.0M programme funded by the European Union through the EDF. It has been formulated to design and develop planning and management capacities in ACP countries,” indicated Sandra Grant, ACP Fish II Programme Regional Manager for the Caribbean.

In this regard, the Programme supports five distinct areas where gaps have been identified.

“The cornerstone of the Programme is devising sound policies and plans to ensure sustainable use of fisheries and the development of value-added activities. Therefore, in addition to improving plans and policies at the regional and national levels, Fish II will also see results such as reinforcing the Region’s control and enforcement capabilities; reinforcing research strategies and initiatives as well as developing business supportive regulatory framework and increasing knowledge sharing at all levels in the sector,” Ms. Grant continued.

Zooming in on activities for the Caribbean, Miss Grant further advised that the Programme will result in improved legislation and management documents with Caribbean countries also being able to boost their surveillance systems.

“Given the participatory approach of the Programme, national and regional fisherfolk organisations will be involved in the planning and decision-making thus building their capacity. Therefore, this workshop in Jamaica is particularly important as we examine a regional approach to the management of shared resources to secure maximum social, economic and ecological benefits for Caribbean people,” said Ms. Grant.

Jamaica looks forward to hosting this high-profile event on behalf of the Region. “Following the Regional Aquaculture Development Planning workshops held in Jamaica earlier in the year, we once again join forces to examine a sustainable and equitable approach for the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem. As we continue to tackle the consistent rise in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities that confronts the region and threatens its sustainability, this workshop and the activities of the larger Fish II project are most welcomed,” said the Honourable Robert Montague, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in Jamaica.

The Networking Media Session will see presentations from Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Robert Montague and other distinguished representatives including Chargé d'Affaires at the Delegation of the European Union in the region, Mrs Helen Jenkinson and the Acting General Council of the CARICOM Secretariat, Ms. Safiya Ali as well as the Executive Director Designate of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat, Mr Milton Haughton. The CRFM is the competent agency responsible for the implementation of the common policy.

ACP Fish II NETWORKING MEETING UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE ACP Fish II PROGRAMME THAT GATHERS FISHERIES OFFICERS FROM ACP COUNTRIES AND REGIONAL FISHERIES BODIES

THEME: Strengthening Fisheries Management in ACP Countries

WHEN: Tuesday, November 15, 2011

WHERE: Wyndham Kingston Hotel, 77 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Jamaica W.I.

TIME 3.30 p.m. and will be followed by a reception

GUEST SPEAKERS: Honourable Robert Montague, MP

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jamaica

The ACP Fish II EU Funded Programme is contributing to improving fisheries management and benefitting the fishing industry as a whole.

The ACP Fish II Networking Meeting is part of the driving force behind an agenda for change that will improve fisheries management in the Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific group of counties (also known as the ACP group of (78) countries).

E-Mail: s.grant@acpfish2-eu.org; Telephone: 011(501) 223 2974/Fax: 011(501) 223 2975 http://www.acpfish2-eu.org

OVERVIEW

Over the years, the European Union has developed a strong political and economic relationship with ACP countries notably through the signing of the Cotonou Agreement of 2000. Fisheries are one of the economic sectors that have received continuous support from the EU through the European Development Fund (EDF), both at regional and national levels. The ACP Fish II programme is the manifestation of this continued support and has the objective of achieving sustainable and equitable management of fisheries in Jamaica thus leading to poverty alleviation and improving food security in ACP states.

While the allocated Global Programme budget is EUR 30 million, over EUR 2.9 million is allocated to the implementation of 18 national and regional fisheries projects in the Caribbean.

These EU-funded projects are designed to develop planning and management capacities of Fisheries Administrations in partnership with Regional Fisheries Bodies, other ACP States and stakeholders with a view to improving food security, employment and economic growth.

By attending this event, you will have the opportunity to meet with over 75 representatives from CARIFORUM countries and of the most important regional fisheries and economic organisations throughout the Caribbean region including your own country. Senior diplomatic representatives from the European Union and other international bodies have also been invited to attend.

We look forward to meeting you at this event. You are kindly requested to RSVP to Nicole West-Hayles by e-mail at nicole@waajamaica.com or by fax at 1(876) 969 9001, not later than Friday, November 11, 2011.

For further information please contact:

ACP Fish II Programme Regional Manager for the Caribbean Region, Sandra Grant;

E-Mail: s.grant@acpfish2-eu.org; Telephone: 011(501) 223 2974/Fax: 011(501) 223 2975