GCFI79 Concludes in Curaçao, Strengthening Regional Collaboration

Willemstad, Curaçao – The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) successfully concluded its 79th Annual Conference (GCFI79), held November 2–6, 2026, at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort. Under the theme “Future-Proofing Fisheries: Resources, Resilience, and Tradition,” the conference welcomed approximately 350 attendees from 43 countries, bringing together scientists, fishers, resource managers, policymakers, students, and conservation practitioners to advance sustainable fisheries and marine conservation across the Gulf of Mexico and Wider Caribbean.

The conference was officially opened by Hon. Mr. Tyron Boekhoudt, Curaçao’s Minister of Health, Environment and Nature, who delivered opening remarks and participated in the traditional ringing of the GCFI bell, marking the commencement of the annual gathering.

Throughout the week, participants exchanged scientific findings, practical experiences, and innovative approaches to addressing regional challenges through presentations, workshops, special sessions, and networking activities. The conference emphasized the importance of integrating science, traditional knowledge, and community perspectives to strengthen marine resource management and coastal resilience.

A highlight of GCFI79 was the keynote address by Dr. Mark Vermeij, Science Director at CARMABI, titled “Missing Conservation Goals.” His presentation challenged conventional approaches to conservation and emphasized the need for realistic, measurable outcomes that reflect the environmental and socioeconomic realities of the region. The conference also featured a Special Session on Food Security, with featured speakers Professor Wayne Ganpat and Professor Leandro Morais, highlighting the critical connections between fisheries, food security, and sustainable resource management.

The conference included workshops on local ecological knowledge, Goliath grouper conservation, marine megafauna interactions, artificial intelligence, and regional priorities under the UN Ocean Decade. The Fishers Roundtable provided a platform for fishers to share their experiences and perspectives, while the introduction of a Student Symposium created new opportunities for emerging marine professionals to engage, exchange ideas, and develop their networks.

Field trips and the CINEFISH Film Festival further connected participants with the region’s marine ecosystems, conservation initiatives, and coastal communities, highlighting the importance of combining scientific knowledge with cultural and local experiences.

“GCFI79 demonstrated the strength of our regional community and the importance of bringing together science, management, and the people whose livelihoods depend on the ocean,” said Fadilah Ali, Executive Director of GCFI. “Beyond the research shared, the relationships and collaborations developed during this conference will continue to drive meaningful progress toward sustainable fisheries and healthier marine ecosystems.”

GCFI extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Curaçao, local organizing partners, sponsors, presenters, volunteers, and participants for contributing to the success of GCFI79.

As the Institute prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2027, GCFI looks forward to building on the momentum of GCFI79 and continuing its longstanding commitment to scientific exchange, capacity building, and regional collaboration.

About GCFI

Founded in 1947, the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Wider Caribbean through science-based management, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaboration.

For more information: www.gcfi.org