Cooperatives in fisheries management: The case of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Abstract

Using a case study from St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) of the Caribbean region, the authors discuss the problems and potential of vesting fisheries management responsibility with cooperative organizations. In SVG, fishing cooperatives at the present stage are far from capable of handling management functions, and they need to be strengthened at the local and national level before this is possible. To be effective as co‐managers, fishers’ cooperatives must be made more attractive to members. Thus, this case study suggests that not only is fisheries management a prerequisite of community development, development is also imperative to management.

Key words:

• Caribbean
• co‐management
• cooperatives
• fisheries
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines