The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has hailed the late Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox as a visionary leader whose work helped reshape fisheries policy and sustainability efforts in Barbados while influencing development across the Caribbean.
In a tribute following her sudden passing, FAO said Dr Cox was an “invaluable strategic partner” who played a pivotal role in advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture through innovative policies, stronger governance and a commitment to the long-term development of the sector.
Below is the full tribute
The team at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Barbados and the region are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, Barbados’ Chief Fisheries Officer.
Since her appointment, we have worked closely with Dr Cox as partners, as allies to enhance the fisheries sector in Barbados and the Caribbean. She was an invaluable strategic partner in advancing fisheries and aquaculture towards sustainability under the Blue Transformation approach. In just three years as chief fisheries officer, she made a significant impact through her technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and commitment to youth empowerment. Her vision, passion and dedication to the fishing community were unmatched.
Dr Cox played a pivotal role in the final stages of the development and approval of Barbados’ 2023–2033 Fisheries Policy, an initiative supported by FAO. The policy advanced innovative approaches to the valorisation of fish by-products, transforming what was traditionally considered “waste” into opportunities for value creation and sustainability. Her leadership in translating policy into action has since become a source of inspiration for other Caribbean countries seeking similar pathways for fisheries’ development.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions had already begun on the need to review and modernise the existing fisheries legislation. While the immediate focus shifted to the development of the fisheries policy under the StewardFish Project, Dr Cox remained deeply committed to advancing a broader vision for the sustainability of aquatic food systems.
Building on this foundation, she played a pivotal role in guiding the process that culminated in the development of the Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Act, 2025, spearheaded by the Government of Barbados. Her leadership and technical expertise helped shape this landmark legislation, which strengthened fisheries governance, advanced environmental sustainability, promoted greater social protection within the sector, and supported Barbados in maintaining access to international markets through compliance with the requirements of the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act. Through these efforts, Dr Cox made a lasting contribution to the sustainable management of the country’s fisheries resources and the communities that depend on them.During discussions with our FAO leadership in May 2026, Dr Cox confidently shared her vision that Barbados could achieve zero fish waste by 2028. This aspiration reflected both her ambition and her belief in the progress already being made toward more sustainable and circular bioeconomy aquatic food systems.
Dr Cox’s final engagements with FAO underscored her enduring commitment to regional fisheries advancement. These included the concluding stages of a publication on the development of anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (aFADs), an important fishing practice across the Caribbean, and the inception of a dolphinfish maturity study. Barbados was selected by the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) to serve as the pilot country for this regional initiative, a testament to the confidence placed in Dr Cox’s leadership and the country’s technical capacity.
Tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, partners, and service providers involved in FAO-supported initiatives who were fortunate to work alongside Dr Cox. Beyond her many professional accomplishments, she will be remembered for her kindness, infectious enthusiasm, and steadfast commitment to serving others. Her collaborative spirit brought people together. Her leadership inspired confidence and action, and her genuine care left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. Though her passing is deeply felt, the impact of her life’s work and the memories she created with so many will continue to resonate across Barbados, the Caribbean, and the institutions and communities she so passionately served.
Rest well, Dr Cox. We will miss you.
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