The U.S. Caribbean Region

Abstract

This chapter describes the Caribbean region and the major issues facing this marine fisheries ecosystem, and presents some summary statistics related to the 90 indicators of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) criteria. While containing the highest number of managed taxa among the eight regional U.S. marine ecosystems, including over 200 distinctly managed coral reef species, this region has been challenged by historical exploitation of its important fisheries, particularly Caribbean spiny lobster, queen conch, and its snapper-grouper complex. The U.S. Caribbean has been affected by above average natural and human stressors that include the nationally second-highest rate of SST increase over the past 70 years, increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, high coastal development, and concentrated historical fishing pressure. Although ranked low overall regarding the status of its marine socioeconomics, the U.S. Caribbean leads nationally in terms of aspects of its marine tourism, particularly cruise ship destinations, which contribute heavily to its local economy. Overall, EBFM progress has been made in terms of implementing ecosystem-level planning, advancing knowledge of ecosystem principles, and in assessing risks and vulnerabilities to ecosystems through ongoing investigations into climate vulnerability and species prioritizations for stock and habitat assessments.