The Caribbean regional fisheries sector is in mourning following the sudden death of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, Barbados’ widely respected Chief Fisheries Officer, announced in an official statement from the Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) on 14 June 2026. On behalf of the entire CRFM Secretariat, Dr. Marc Williams, CRFM Executive Director, extended heartfelt condolences to Cox’s family, friends, professional colleagues, and all members of Barbados’ fishing community as they navigate this period of profound loss.
Over the course of her decades-long, distinguished career, Dr. Cox demonstrated unwavering commitment, sharp expertise, and relentless passion in her service to both Barbados and the broader Caribbean region. In her leadership role as Chief Fisheries Officer, she drove transformative progress across core priorities for the sector: advancing science-backed sustainable fisheries management frameworks, building greater social and economic resilience for small-scale fishing communities, championing ethical, long-term stewardship of shared marine resources, and fostering collaborative regional action on pressing challenges facing Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture. Her steady leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and principled commitment earned her widespread respect and admiration from peers across the Caribbean and in global fisheries circles.
Dr. Cox’s impact extended far beyond the territorial waters of her home country. Through her active participation in leading regional fisheries initiatives and close collaborative partnerships with the CRFM and other regional and international organizations, she helped shape inclusive policies and impactful programs that have strengthened regional fisheries governance, improved regional food and nutrition security, and lifted the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale fisherfolk and seafood industry workers across the Caribbean. Her perspective consistently carried weight in regional policy discussions, and her lifelong dedication to the sustainable development of the Caribbean fisheries sector has left an enduring legacy that will continue to benefit generations to come, according to Dr. Williams.
In the wake of this immense loss, the entire CRFM community has joined the people of Barbados in mourning the death of a fierce, steadfast advocate for fishing communities. “They can find comfort in the extraordinary impact she achieved during her lifetime, and in the countless lives she touched through her dedicated public service,” Dr. Williams added. The CRFM joins Barbados in honoring Dr. Cox’s life of service, dedicated to advancing the fisheries sector and improving the well-being of all Caribbean people. May her soul rest in peace.