BELMOPAN, Belize – The Ministerial Council of the Belize-based Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), has approved the protocol on aquatic foods as a strategic resource for food and nutrition security under the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Common Fisheries policy.
Aquatic food (file Photo)The CRFM said that the high-level policy directive was a major development for the Caribbean region, since CARICOM’s “large ocean States” are dependent on fish and other aquatic foods for livelihoods, social welfare, blue economic growth, and food and nutrition security.
It said fish and fishery products are known to be high in important nutrients and may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes while boosting brain health and helping to prevent and treat depression.
“Furthermore, fish is a cultural mainstay of the Caribbean diet that is very tasty and easy to prepare. Generally speaking, these represent healthier options for dietary protein and other nutritional benefits.”
The CRFM said that the protocol’s objectives are to recognize fish and other aquatic foods as a strategic resource and support their sustainable development and use for food and nutrition security for the peoples of the Community as well as promote the sustainable harvesting, production, and consumption of aquatic foods as part of a healthy and balanced diet.
It is also intended to ensure that the people of the Caribbean have access to an affordable, adequate supply of safe and nutritious aquatic foods that meet their dietary requirements and are needed for an active and healthy life; and facilitate cooperation to ensure that CARICOM countries become more self-sufficient in aquatic foods and less dependent on imported aquatic foods.
“This Protocol seeks to incorporate the relevant aspects of the CARICOM Regional Food and Nutrition Security Policy into the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy, and into policies, plans, and other initiatives of the Participating Parties and the Competent Agency, with special attention to gender equality, equity, and human rights-based approaches,” the CRFM added.
It said the protocol aligns with CRFM Strategic Goal #3 of contribute to the provision of sufficient, safe, and nutritious fish and seafood that meets the dietary requirements for an active and healthy life of the population of member states.
