Caribbean King Crabs known for their role in controlling algae that threaten coral reefs, are now at the center of a new initiative aimed at protecting our marine ecosystems and biodiversity in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Marine Resources, and the Caribbean Aquatic Restoration Effort St. Kitts and Nevis (CARE SKN), along with other regional and international partners.

A stakeholder meeting was held on Thursday, May 8^th, 2025 to teach stakeholders about the initiative which aims to: support coral reef restoration, promote sustainable fishing practices and provide alternative livelihoods for local fishers.

Participants would have learned about the economic and environmental benefits of farming King Crabs.  According to a social media post by CARE SKN the building of crab cages are already in progress and that training sessions began (today) Monday May 12^th and would have been facilitated by Dr. Jason Spadaro of the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

Federal Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Samal Duggins, described the initiative as a new opportunity “for training, livelihoods, and economic resilience”.