THE Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat is calling for consultants to submit expressions of interest for a critical consultancy aimed at assessing the status of fisheries and aquaculture traceability systems in selected Caribbean countries. This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing food safety, sustainability, and international competitiveness within the region’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The consultancy will focus on reviewing existing traceability systems in The Bahamas, Guyana, Suriname, and two other CRFM Member States. The primary objective is to evaluate current practices, identify gaps, and propose a standardised regional traceability system aligned with international best practices. Additionally, the consultancy will support the development of a policy framework for implementing a regional traceability system.

The CRFM Secretariat, headquartered in Belize City, serves as the technical unit of the CRFM, an intergovernmental organisation established in 2003 to promote sustainable use and management of the Caribbean’s fisheries resources. Comprising 17 Member States, the CRFM works to enhance co-operation and co-ordination among its members, ensuring the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Traceability systems are vital for tracking the movement of seafood products from the point of origin to the final consumer. They enhance food safety, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and improve market access by meeting international standards. By establishing a regional traceability standard, the Caribbean aims to strengthen its fisheries value chain, ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

The CRFM Secretariat encourages qualified consultants with expertise in fisheries management, traceability systems, and policy development to submit their expressions of interest. This consultancy is part of the CRFM’s broader strategy to enhance the Caribbean’s fisheries governance and promote sustainable economic growth.

Interested consultants can obtain further information from the CRFM Secretariat’s official website or contact their headquarters in Belize City. The deadline for submission of expressions of interest will be announced shortly.