Barbados Fishing Fleet Prepares for Hurricanes with Nationwide Drill

“We have our updated disaster management plan and we’re actively working on some communications to go out,” she said. “So you will see more around our simulation exercise, some videos, notices for people to reinforce the need for adequate fendering, proper ropes to make sure that they’re secured should anything happen.”

Ensuring robust communication during a severe weather event is another critical pillar of the new strategy. While modern technologies such as cellular networks, Starlink satellite systems and advanced vessel monitoring devices are widely used, the government is reinforcing traditional backup systems to ensure no captain is left isolated.

“I think we have to have consistent engagement with the fishery sector to make sure that we are well aware. We’re also rolling out part of our radio communications,” the chief fisheries officer explained.

“We’ve procured some handheld radios, but also putting up a base station at Pile Bay later this month. And we are working with the Amateur Radio Association to have some training. We have our cell phones, we have Starlink systems in place. We have the vessel monitoring devices, but radio still is one of the backup communication protocols that we want to ensure is in place should something happen.”

Addressing concerns about overcrowding at the primary Bridgetown complex, she acknowledged that the fishing industry has outgrown its physical space. This has prompted a strategic shift towards diverting vessels to alternative safe havens, such as the Shallow Draught or the Careenage, depending on the projected track of an incoming storm.

The logistical reality of moving boats, some exceeding 35 tonnes, is highly complex and requires strict timing. The current goal is to have the entire vulnerable fleet secured within a 38-hour window, provided authorities receive a 72-hour advance warning from meteorologists.

“We had to test anything in terms of alternative Plan B, C, and D so that we know how to respond should any system be,” Dr Cox said. “And we’re looking at our timings to try to adequately secure boats within 38 hours, once we could get a 72-hour heads up, but we know the logistics of such, and it can’t just be government by itself. It’s private sector is the fishery sector itself working like a smooth oil machine together to make those preparations.”

As the island braces for future weather systems, the fishing fleet is undergoing a steady recovery. Before Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Barbados had 312 active fishing vessels. While the industry has not yet returned to pre-disaster levels, progress continues.

“Right now we have 233 active boats. We had 312 before Beryl,” Dr Cox revealed. “So we’re making consistent progress towards some boats that are still under repairs, and the vessel replacement project is being launched so that we can have those new boats constructed.”

(RR)