Casting a Net for the Future: Antigua and Barbuda Turns to Aquaculture by Brent Simon

Villa, Antigua – September 1, 2025

The Villa Community Center was alive with the sound of steel pan this morning as Antigua and Barbuda officially launched a new chapter in its fisheries and aquaculture programme.

Supported by China Aid for Shared Future and the Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), the initiative aims to move this country beyond its traditional dependence on wild catch and into a more modern, sustainable system of fish farming, marine development and management.

Ann-Louise Hill/Acting Director of the Department of the Blue Economy, welcomed the gathering, calling the project “a timely step toward securing food and livelihoods.” Her remarks were echoed by Permanent Secretary Robelto Isaac, who framed aquaculture as a way to reduce imports while creating opportunities at home.

China’s presence was strongly felt. Professor Dr. Ren Mingchun of the FFRC spoke of knowledge-sharing and technical support, while Ambassador Zhang Yanling pledged continued partnership. The symbolism was hard to miss, Antigua and Barbuda’s flag displayed alongside Republic of China’s, two nations tying knots in the same fishing net.

Hon. Anthony Smith/Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, gave the feature address, noting that the project is not just about fish, but about resilience. “This is about feeding our people, creating jobs, and protecting our waters,” he said.

For fisherfolk and citizens alike, today was less about speeches and more about promise: the promise of a future where the sea is not only a part of our heritage, but also as a prominent player in the national drive towards food security and economic growth.