Barbados' Fishing Industry Rebounds a Year After Hurricane Beryl

Barbados' fishing industry, crucial for economy and food security, is rebuilding a year after Hurricane Beryl. The World Bank-funded project is improving infrastructure and enhancing preparedness for future threats.

, and Administrator

2025 October 7 . 3:09 AM

1 min read

In the picture there are many boats floating beside a land and there are few vehicles parked in the... — In the picture there are many boats floating beside a land and there are few vehicles parked in the parking area, around the river there are plenty of trees and there is a fencing around the river.

Barbados' Fishing Industry Rebounds a Year After Hurricane Beryl

Hurricane Beryl, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, struck Barbados on July 1, 2024, leaving the island's vital fishing industry in ruins. A year later, fisherfolk continue to grapple with the aftermath, but support is on the way. The World Bank-funded Beryl Emergency Response and Recovery Project is underway, aiming to rebuild and enhance the sector's resilience.

Small-scale fisheries, which play a pivotal role in global and local sustainability, economic development, and nutrition, were severely disrupted by Beryl. The storm's impacts were immediate and profound, with traditional fishing villages like Speightstown, Oistins, and Holetown bearing the brunt. These villages, cultural landmarks that celebrate Barbados' maritime history, are still struggling to recover.

The fishing sector, a crucial component of the island's economy and food security, provides livelihoods and employment. It also supports biodiversity conservation and maintains the balance of aquatic ecosystems. The Barbados Fisheries Division is working tirelessly to enhance the sector's resilience through various projects and initiatives. The division, along with regional Caribbean organizations and the World Bank, is providing financial support to improve infrastructure, rebuild boats, and enhance preparedness for future environmental threats.

The recovery process is ongoing, with the fishing industry's rebuilding efforts crucial for the island's economic and social well-being. The Beryl Emergency Response and Recovery Project, with its focus on infrastructure improvement and preparedness enhancement, is a beacon of hope for the fisherfolk and the entire island. The project's success will not only help restore the fishing industry but also strengthen Barbados' resilience against future environmental threats.