Maritime Economy Plan.

The Maritime Economy Plan of Antigua and Barbuda has been drafted in accordance with the Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme which aims to support 17 Caribbean and Pacific Small Island Developing States in conserving their marine environments and making the most of their maritime resources to catalyse sustainable economic development. The Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme is designed to promote growth, innovation, jobs and investment whilst safeguarding healthy seas and ecosystems, and it helps to address climate change, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
The Maritime Economy Plan covers the priorities for the maritime economy of Antigua and Barbuda, based on the current economic activities, opportunities and risks, and stakeholder consultation. It highlights the importance of tourism, coastal infrastructure, and environmental sustainability for the country’s development. It also emphasizes the need for an integrated approach across ministries and departments, and the role of the Blue Economy Department and the National Ocean Policy in achieving the vision of the Medium-Term Development Strategy.
The Plan focuses on the maritime economy sectors and their potential for growth and diversification. It identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for each sector, such as fisheries, aquaculture, marine renewable energy, marine biotechnology, maritime transport, and marine tourism. It also provides recommendations and actions for enhancing the value and sustainability of each sector, such as improving data collection and management, strengthening governance and regulation, promoting innovation and investment, and enhancing capacity and skills.
The Plan provides a comprehensive outlook on the ocean’s potential for developing Antigua and Barbuda’s ‘blue economy’ in a sustainable manner. It covers topics such as responsible and sustainable coastal development to safeguard lives and homes during extreme weather events, improved fisheries management to enhance food security and protect vulnerable fish stocks, and diverse training and job opportunities within the blue economy to ensure that future generations can benefit from the ocean’s resources.
The Plan also addresses cross cutting issues, including regional organisations in the Caribbean, current state of marine planning and management in Antigua and Barbuda, weather events and climate change, ecosystem services, coastal and disaster risk management, and gender equality.