National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in BARBADOS

Gregory Franklin, Christopher Parker, Colvin Taylor, and Shelly-Ann Cox

Barbados Fisheries Division, Ministry of Environment and National Beautification,
Green and Blue Economy, Princess Alice Highway, Bridgetown, St. Michael Barbados

Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Barbados has a rich tradition of fishing with significant economic and cultural importance. An estimated 8,800 people are involved in the fisheries sector of Barbados1which accounts for approximately 8% of the workforce. Traditionally, flyingfish and dolphinfish by far dominated the species composition of the local fish catch. However the large-scale incursions of Sargassum into the region, that have for the last several years become annual events, significantly altered the catch rates of flyingfish and associated large pelagic species, especially dolphinfish, and thus altered the typical pattern of the species composition of the catch during the impacted fishing seasons/years. The Fisheries Division continued to fulfill its mission towards the management and sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture resources of Barbados for the benefit of our people, both present and future generations. During the pandemic, the operations of the division were significantly impacted resulting in the rescheduling of vessel inspection and the postponement of in-person training activities. Stakeholder consultations were held online in most instances and landing site visits were limited. Staff members pivoted and used Zoom and WhatsApp group chats to engage with clients and provide information and updates. The following initiatives were implemented during the reporting period.

HOW TO CITE: Franklin, G., C. Parker, C. Taylor, and S. Cox, 2026. National Report on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Barbados. Contribution 10.4, p 29-41 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume II: National Reports on the Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Papers presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=958

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