Five Year Sector Strategic Plan 2010–2014 of the Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources.

The Five Year Sector Strategic Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Plan is 5 years between 2010 and 2014. The overall objective of the Strategic Plan is to ensure development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors through sustainable use and integrated management of the fishery resources, coastal zone and marine environment for the well-being of current and future generations.
The potential of marine living resources will be developed and increased to meet nutritional needs of all Bahamians.
Fragile ecosystems, as well as habitats and other ecologically sensitive areas will be preserved, especially coral reef ecosystems, estuaries, mangroves, sea grass beds, and other spawning and nursery areas. Marine species populations will be maintained and restored to provide maximum sustainable yield. Endangered marine and freshwater species will be protected with special emphasis on marine turtles. The number of invasive lionfish present in the Bahamian environment will be reduced to prevent negative impacts on ecosystems. The management of shared or highly migratory stocks will be carried out in cooperation with other nations.
Traditional knowledge and interests of local communities, small‐scale artisanal fisheries and indigenous people will be taken into account in development and management programs. A collaborative approach will be promoted to freshwater and marine management. Sustainable use of marine resources will be ensured to achieve social, cultural, economic and development goals. Funding and training systems will be established to adequately train fishermen and crew members.
Fishing industry will be integrated into the policy and decision‐making process concerning fisheries and coastal zone management. Access to domestic and international markets of fishermen will be ensured through capacity building on food safety, eco-labelling and certification. Effective monitoring and enforcement with respect to fishing activities will be ensured. Data collection system will be improved to provide necessary biological, economic, and social data for assessment and management for all major species/fisheries. A Department of Marine Resources website will be established and updated constantly to provide reliable and accurate information to the public. Scientific research with respect to fisheries resources will be promoted. The development and use of selective fishing gear and practises will be promoted to minimize waste in the catch of target species and minimize by‐catch of non‐target species. Measures will be taken to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in compliance with the existing legislations. In addition to this, a National Plan of Action will be drafted in accordance with the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. Fisheries Legislation will be updated and relevant regulations will be fully implemented with a precautionary approach to ensure effective fisheries management. Furthermore government policy or legal framework will be provided for the aquaculture sector.