Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Plan for Dominica
The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Plan represents Dominica’s most progressive step toward sustainable marine resource governance. Designed with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this national plan integrates ecological protection, community needs, and economic sustainability—ensuring that both the marine environment and the livelihoods it supports remain resilient in the face of climate and human pressures.
Purpose and Strategic Vision of the EAFM
The EAFM Plan aims to move beyond traditional fisheries management by adopting a holistic view that considers not only fish stocks, but also habitat health, biodiversity, and the socio-economic realities of coastal communities. It aligns with Dominica’s broader blue economy strategy and Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the preservation of marine ecosystems while enabling economic activity.
Focus Areas and Priority Sites
The plan prioritizes four marine areas that are ecologically significant and economically valuable to Dominica:
- Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve
- Mero Coastal Waters
- Prince Rupert Bay and nearby coastal zones
- The Sperm Whale Reserve
These areas are critical for biodiversity, fisheries productivity, tourism, and community livelihoods. The plan outlines tailored strategies for each, accounting for local dynamics and the cumulative impacts of fishing, tourism, and climate change.
Stakeholder Involvement and Capacity Building
In February 2025, Dominica hosted a three-day EAFM Planning Workshop, coordinated by the FAO, to formally initiate the strategy. Participants included officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Division staff, and community representatives. Training sessions and collaborative discussions focused on the integration of:
- Disaster Risk Management (DRM)
- Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)
- Ecosystem-based decision-making tools
This inclusive process ensures local buy-in and equips stakeholders with the tools needed for adaptive, science-based management.
Integration with Resilience and Climate Policy
The EAFM Plan is not just about fish. It’s part of a broader push to align fisheries with Dominica’s Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan. By incorporating coastal risk assessments, biodiversity monitoring, and resource co-management, the plan builds resilience across the marine and fisheries sectors. It encourages diversified livelihoods (e.g., seamoss farming, eco-tourism), protects spawning grounds, and supports fisherfolk in transitioning to more sustainable practices.
Long-Term Impact and Global Relevance
By establishing its first EAFM Plan, Dominica joins a growing list of nations moving toward ecosystem-based ocean governance. The country’s strategy serves as a model for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), demonstrating how localized solutions, community engagement, and scientific input can create a practical path forward for marine sustainability.