Title: Supply chain analysis for fresh seafood in Haiti

The Republic of Haiti is located in the Caribbean region and shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. There are around 50,000 subsistence fishers who rely on over-exploited and poorly managed coastal fisheries resources. There is a lack of policy, legal, institutional and administrative framework, and resources to ensure proper management, sustainable use and preservation of products. At present there is no plan for fish production in Haiti. Fish processing and quality control are poorly developed. Traditional fish processing methods such as sun drying and smoking are widely used resulting in considerable post-harvest losses. Most fishing boats lack ice and refrigeration capabilities and are therefore not conducive for fresh fish preservation. Establishment of a marketing chain for fresh seafood in Haiti can contribute to economic development by providing employment opportunities throughout the value chain, especially in marketing. The development of a marketing chain can also increase the local supply of fish thereby improving human nutrition and national food security. Small and medium fisheries enterprises can be developed as export-oriented agribusinesses. In this paper a preliminary assessment of the situation is provided, as well as recommendations are given for specific activities to be conducted for the strengthening of the sector and establishing a marketing chain for fresh seafood in Haiti.