his paper presents the results of a project undertaken to increase the understanding of the importance of the coastal and
marine fisheries in Trinidad and Tobago. The authors administered 519 questionnaires to respondents and conducted thirteen focus
group meetings in both islands. Among other things, stakeholders articulated their needs at each of the landing sites around the
islands. Many different stakeholders with varying needs were encountered. The authors evaluated these needs by considering the
government?s priorities for the sector including profitability, governance and empowerment. Evaluation criteria were also applied
namely: sustainability, representativeness, compliance and feasibility. Arising out of the study high impact recommendations were
proposed for growth and development of the fishing sector of Trinidad and Tobago.