Hurricane Beryl made landfall on July 1, 2024 in Barbados as a Category 4 storm. The immediate effects were visible at fish landing sites: boats sank or were damaged, market vendors lost incomes, and the breakwater in Bridgetown had many dolos toppled and sunken. Fishing aggregating devices (FADs) used to attract fish were destroyed in areas such as Paynes Bay, which reduced catches. Many vendors and boat owners said they struggled to rebuild with limited funds.
In the months after the storm researchers interviewed 54 people in the fisheries sector. The respondents included boat owners, fishermen, vendors, processors and other workers at landing sites such as Bridgetown Public Market, Oistins Fish Market, Pile Bay, Conset Bay and Paynes Bay. The survey was part of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Level 3 Fishery Biology course.
Participants agreed on the need for stronger infrastructure and more integrated approaches. They recommended improving the breakwater (height, length and position), restoring coral reefs to reduce wave energy and support biodiversity, stronger boats made from reinforced fibreglass, Kevlar or marine-grade aluminium, and a larger marina with better anchoring and dry on-land storage. The Barbados Fisheries Division and partners have begun recovery projects to support vessel repair, marina rehabilitation and coastal protection.
Difficult words
- fisherfolk — People who catch fish for a living.
- livelihoods — Ways that people earn money to live.
- infrastructure — Basic structures needed for activities.
- sustainable — Able to last without harming the environment.
- resilience — Ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can communities prepare for future storms?
- What role do small-scale fisheries play in local economies?
- Why is infrastructure important for fishery workers?
- What nature-based solutions could help against climate change?
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