Barbados Fishing Industry Struggles to Recover from Hurricane Beryl's Aftermath
In July, Hurricane Beryl unleashed its destructive power on Barbados, leaving significant damage in its wake. The island’s fishing fleet, a vital part of its economy and culture, was devastated in mere hours. At the temporary boatyard in Bridgetown, the capital, the visible damage is staggering: mangled and cracked vessels stacked high, their hulls punctured, rudders snapped off, and windows shattered. These boats, though battered, are among the lucky few that can be repaired and return to the sea.
However, many boats did not survive, sinking to the ocean floor and taking with them the livelihoods of countless families. An estimated 75% of the active fleet was damaged, with 88 boats completely destroyed, leaving many fishermen without work and a source of income.
Fishermen Face an Uphill Battle in Restoring Their Livelihoods
For individuals like Charles Carter, a fisherman who owns the blue-and-black fishing vessel Joyce, the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl has been an overwhelming challenge. Carter, whose entire livelihood depends on fishing, recounts the harrowing process of repairing his vessel.
"I had to change both sides of the hull, up to the waterline," he says, pointing to his now pristine boat. Months of restoration work and significant financial strain have kept him from fishing. Yet, despite the setbacks, Carter remains resilient. "The fishing industry is mash up," he says, referring to the widespread devastation felt by local fishermen.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of recovery. Six months after the storm, some vessels have been restored and are slowly being returned to the water. On a warm Saturday morning, repaired boats, including Joyce, were successfully lifted by crane and launched back into the ocean, supported by government assistance. This marks a small victory for the island's fishing community.
The Growing Threat of Climate Change on Barbados' Fishing Industry
While the recovery is welcome, the fishing industry in Barbados faces a much larger threat—climate change. Fishermen and experts alike worry that the island's increasingly active and powerful Atlantic hurricane seasons will continue to devastate the industry. Hurricane Beryl, for example, was the earliest-forming Category 5 storm on record, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of such storms in the future.
Dr. Shelly Ann Cox, Barbados' Chief Fisheries Officer, explains that local fishermen have reported noticeable changes in sea conditions, including higher swells and warmer sea surface temperatures. These shifts in the environment are making it more difficult to catch certain species, particularly flying fish, a staple of the island’s cuisine and an important symbol of its identity. "Our captains have been reporting that sea conditions have changed," Dr. Cox states, highlighting the difficulties posed by the changing climate.
Flying Fish Stocks Decline Amid Climate Change
The decline in flying fish populations has been particularly concerning. At the Oistins Fish Market in Bridgetown, a variety of fish, including marlin, mahi-mahi, and tuna, are still available, though flying fish stocks have diminished significantly in recent years. Cornelius Carrington, a seasoned fisherman at the market, explains the profound impact of Hurricane Beryl. "Beryl was like a surprise attack, like an ambush," he says, recalling the unusual southern path the storm took, a stark contrast to the typical northern route of hurricanes.
Carrington lost one of his two boats to the storm, and though his second boat helped him stay financially afloat, he believes that climate change is increasingly affecting the fishing industry. "Right now, everything has changed. The tides are changing, the weather is changing, the temperature of the sea, the whole pattern has changed," he says. His sentiments reflect a growing concern among fishermen that the rhythms of the sea and the availability of marine life are unpredictable and increasingly unstable.
Impact on Barbados' Tourism Industry
The ripple effects of these changes extend beyond the fishing industry. The tourism sector, which relies heavily on local seafood, is also feeling the pressure. Hotels and restaurants struggle to source enough fish to meet the demands of visitors and locals alike. As the fishing fleet slowly recovers, the tourism industry finds itself facing a growing shortage of fresh fish, further highlighting the interconnectedness of these industries.