78th Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI78)

November 1, 2025. Cartagena, Colombia. The 78th Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI78) successfully concluded in Cartagena. This event brought together 282 attendees consisting of scientists, policymakers, fishers, students, NGOs, and innovators from more than 40 countries. This year’s conference centered on the theme: “Partnering for the Oceans: Merging Ocean, Climate, and Biodiversity Efforts Through Regional Marine Data and Innovation.” Over five days, participants engaged in an ambitious program of scientific sessions, panel discussions, technical workshops, student events, field excursions, and networking opportunities focused on strengthening resilience and sustainability in the region’s marine and coastal ecosystems. GCFI continues to position itself as a regional leader in fostering dialogue, coordination, and meaningful connections across the Caribbean.

GCFI Staff with Colleagues from IOCARIBE & IOC UNESCO

Regional Partnerships and Collaboration: This year, GCFI partnered with IOCARIBE, PROCARIBE+, and CAF Development Bank of Latin America and The Caribbean to hold their respective regional strategic meetings alongside the conference, creating a unique platform for collaboration and dialogue. These joint efforts promoted greater integration of scientific, policy, and community perspectives. The conversations during GCFI78 reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening IOCARIBE–GCFI cooperation in advancing the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Together, we are building a more inclusive and resilient regional network that expands scientific collaboration, incorporates fisher- and community-driven knowledge systems, and speeds up capacity development across the Wider Caribbean.

GCFI78 reinforced GCFI’s long-standing role as a convening platform for science, management, community action and multiple parallel conversations. Participants left with new partnerships, shared data tools, practical solutions, and a collective ambition to advance regional collaboration under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

GCFI is thankful for support and sponsorship provided by PROCARIBE+, IOCARIBE, CAF, CARDIQUE, UN Environment Programme, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Blue Nature Alliance, Devon Creek Foundation, Harte Research Institute, Caribbean Fisheries Management Council, International Game Fish Association and the Government of Bermuda.

Presenters in the GCFI78 Governance Session

Stellar Speaker Lineup: The event showcased an impressive roster of 125 speakers, each bringing their expertise to the forefront of the discussions. Among them were notable figures such as Alison Clausen, Deputy Coordinator of Ocean Decade at IOC-UNESCO, whose impactful insights through her keynote address resonated with attendees. We were also honored to feature presentations by distinguished leaders in the marine science community, shining a spotlight on the significance of collective action in protecting our ocean ecosystems. The Fishers’ Forum featured Gladding Memorial Award Winners from Antigua and Barbuda, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, The Bahamas and the United States and culminated with Keith “Buddy” Guindon being awarded the 2025 Gladding Memorial Award.

A Week of Collaboration, Innovation, and Regional Leadership: This year’s institute offered a total of 232 posters and presentations, each one designed to deepen the discourse on critical issues facing fisheries and marine ecosystems. The event highlighted the urgent need to address the interconnected challenges of ocean health, climate change, and biodiversity loss, emphasizing the critical role of marine data systems, digital innovation, and partnerships in supporting science-based decision-making. A full library of conference sessions is now available on GCFI’s YouTube Page.

Key themes throughout the week included:

Celebrating Community, Innovation, and Culture: The conference featured CINEFISH, the institute’s film festival event showcasing creative storytelling around fisheries and marine conservation, as well as student activities, a Photography Scavenger Hunt, and other social events. Cartagena’s rich heritage and coastal beauty provided a meaningful setting for discussions on ocean stewardship, with participants engaging in sustainability practices such as plastic-free catering, digital programs, reusable materials, and local sourcing supported by the conference’s eco-conscious operations.

Contingent from Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao at GCFI78

Looking ahead to GCFI79: GCFI is pleased to announce that the 79^th Annual Institute of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI79) will be held in Curaçao. GCFI79 will be co-hosted by the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) with representation from the Government of Curaçao, Federashon Kooperativanan Uní Di Produkshon (Curaçao), Piskabon (Bonaire), Roffa Reefs (Bonaire), and Aruba Conservation Foundation amongst other organizations.

About GCFI: The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) was founded in 1947 to promote the exchange of current information on the use and management of marine resources in the Gulf and Caribbean region. Through its annual conference and year-round initiatives, GCFI brings together scientists, managers, fishers, students, policymakers and other stakeholders to support sustainable fisheries and marine conservation.