WILLEMSTAD – Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas on Tuesday received the organizing committee responsible for the 79th edition of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) Conference, which will take place in Curaçao in November 2026.
The committee consists of several professionals from Fundashon Ekonomia Sosial Kòrsou, the Federashon Kooperativanan Uní di Produkshon (FKUP), Piskabon of Bonaire and various members of the GCFI institute.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the prime minister on preparations for the conference, which is expected to bring together experts, scientists, marine resource professionals, representatives from the private sector and other specialists from across the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico region.
The six-day conference will serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, experiences and perspectives related to the sustainable use and management of marine resources.
Discussions during the meeting also covered several topics expected to be addressed at the conference, including socio-economic issues related to the fishing sector, the effects of climate change on the region and the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in protecting and sustainably managing marine biodiversity. The importance of innovation and participation from different sectors, including the corporate world, was also highlighted.
The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute focuses on connecting professionals working in fisheries and marine resource management to strengthen regional collaboration. The organization also runs initiatives aimed at improving capacity and management of protected marine areas.
In addition, GCFI maintains an academic program designed to encourage the participation of young people and students in fisheries and marine science, with the goal of preparing a new generation of professionals and responsible users of marine resources.
Prime Minister Pisas expressed his appreciation for the visit and wished the committee success in organizing the conference. He noted that initiatives such as the GCFI Conference contribute to strengthening regional cooperation in the protection and sustainable use of marine resources.