TNC FishPath Team, TNC Bahamas Program, The Bahamas Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and The BahaMar Resort Ltd, co-hosted its first deep-sea pelagic learning exchange on Nassau from June 24-26, 2025. This event was held in response to the national government and fishing communities’ interest in exploring opportunities to expand Bahamas deep-sea pelagic fisheries to offer additional economic opportunities for fishers. The goal of the learning exchange was to share knowledge and lessons learned among fisheries consultants, fisherfolk, agencies and organizations within the Caribbean and the U.S.
Part of the process was to engage key fisheries experts and stakeholders to discuss essential elements related to livelihood development, sustainability and management of deep-sea pelagic species as well as to obtain guidance in creating a path forward.
Participants in the exchange included TNC’s Bahamas and Global FishPath teams, DMR, The Bahamas Sustainable Tourism Unit, The Bahamas National Fisheries Association, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, the Perry Institute for Marine Science, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism, Jamaica National Fisheries Authority, Alligator Head Foundation (Jamaica), The Barbados Fisheries Division, Turks and Caicos Islands Fisheries Division, Pfleger Institute of Environment Research, fisheries consultants, and individual commercial and sports-fishers.
Participants were excited to see regional interest in expansion of deep sea pelagics to ensure food and economic security and to boost livelihood opportunities for the Caribbean people. Participants expressed the desire for a lucrative pathway for Caribbean countries seeking viable opportunities in fisheries, including creating capacity-building options that support sustainable tourism.
We Can’t Save Nature Without You
Sign up to receive monthly conservation news and updates from the Caribbean.
