On July 1, 2024 Hurricane Beryl struck Barbados as a Category 4 storm and caused widespread damage to small-scale fisheries. Boats sank or were badly damaged, market vendors lost income, and structural elements such as many dolos at the Bridgetown breakwater were toppled and sunken. Fishing aggregating devices (FADs) in locations like Paynes Bay were destroyed, which contributed to lower catches. Those affected described the difficulty of rebuilding with limited funds and resources.
A survey of 54 fisheries workers — including boat owners, fishermen, vendors and processors at landing sites such as Bridgetown Public Market, Oistins Fish Market, Pile Bay, Conset Bay and Paynes Bay — found a strong consensus on the need for more resilient and integrated coastal measures. Respondents urged improvements to the breakwater (height, length and position) and support for nature-based solutions, notably coral reef restoration, which can both reduce wave energy and help marine biodiversity. They also recommended stronger boats built from reinforced fibreglass, Kevlar or marine-grade aluminium, a larger marina with reinforced anchoring points, and dry on-land storage designed to withstand hurricane-strength winds.
The Barbados Fisheries Division has recognised the need for greater resilience. Chief Fisheries Officer Shelly-Ann Cox emphasised robust infrastructure to protect livelihoods and the fish supply. Recovery work is already under way through the Beryl Emergency Response and Recovery Project (P507109) funded by the World Bank, with additional support from a UNDP and Japanese-backed project. Current recovery priorities include vessel repair and replacement assistance, marina rehabilitation, coastal protection, improvements to the National Emergency Management System, and construction of a marine travel lift and haul-up facility slated for later this year.
Difficult words
- aggregating device — a structure that attracts and groups fishaggregating devices
- resilient — able to recover quickly after damage
- breakwater — a barrier built to reduce wave force
- dolos — large concrete block protecting shore structures
- nature-based solution — use of natural systems to solve problemsnature-based solutions
- coral reef restoration — actions to repair or replant coral reefs
- haul-up facility — equipment and area to lift boats out
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which recovery priorities mentioned in the article should come first for small-scale fisheries? Explain your reasons.
- How can coral reef restoration both reduce wave energy and help marine biodiversity?
- What challenges will fishers face when rebuilding boats and equipment with limited funds and resources?
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