Aquaculture Sector Strategic Plan - A Framework for Sustainable Development in Trinidad and Tobago 2018-2023.

The Aquaculture Sector Strategic Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the policy is 5 years between 2018 and 2023. The overall objective of this Strategic Plan is to ensure sustainable development of the aquaculture sector in order to achieve the targets to end hunger, enhance food security and improved nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture and to ensure sustainable development, effective use and management of the oceans, seas and marine and fisheries resources.
Seafood production systems will be intensified to meet increasing consumer demand for seafood by determining appropriate innovative technologies and best management systems. To this end, aquaculture production systems must be developed to produce high-quality freshwater products and marine seafood to be produced in an environmentally-friendly, disease-free, and contaminant-free manner.
Aquaculture management will be strengthened to conserve endangered, threatened or protected species and aquatic habitats. An aquaculture code of practice will be enforced in all aquaculture farms for the protection of aquatic animals and the environment, wise-use of the natural resources and implementation of mitigation activities in all start-up activities, construction and operational phases. Furthermore, aquaculture best management practices will be conducted in all aquaculture farms and facilities, with an emphasis on disease prevention, reducing dependence on chemicals, development of hatcheries, registration of aquaculture- related data, better husbandry practices, and water quality monitoring.
Employment alternatives will be created for displaced fishers and seafood industry workers. The self-sufficiency and independence of communities will be enhanced in an environmentally sustainable manner by offering socio-economic benefits, including green jobs, opportunities for enterprise investment and innovation, and the creation of new markets. Long-term investment will be directed for communities to support small-scale and artisanal fishers.
Food safety and biosecurity requirements will be met to achieve broad market acceptance in local and export markets. Technical knowledge and training on sustainable freshwater, brackish and marine production systems will be provided to stakeholders. The producers will be encouraged to scale-up operations to provide fresh, reliable, quality products for sale and value-added inputs to the more informed and selective consumer. All aquaculture production and development of viable economic models will be improved for the establishment of aquaculture businesses and for attracting farmers, entrepreneurs and investors. The investments will be led into the form of public-private partnerships or independent investments with or without Government support, to create opportunities for sustainable businesses that can make excellent returns and penetrate new markets. Sustainable economic growth will be ensured through long-term industry development, such as the development of new national markets, including value-added seafood products designed for local communities and export.
The resilience of communities to disasters will be increased through the development of a community-friendly industry with strong growth potential, energy independence, and the ability to cope with future hurricanes, oil spills and other catastrophic events. Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by promoting the use of alternative energy sources, including solar and wind.