Fisheries upgrade ‘to boost resilience’

Upgrades to the fishing facilities at Consett Bay and the introduction of a vessel to tackle the smelly problem of sargassum seaweed form part of a wider push by the government to modernise fisheries and make fishing communities more resilient, the minister for fisheries said on Tuesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment, National Beautification and Fisheries, Santia Bradshaw, outlined the initiatives while addressing the Disaster Resilient Boatbuilding Symposium at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

The government continues to prioritise the modernisation of fisheries infrastructure across the island, Bradshaw declared, beginning with improvements to the market and jetty at Consett Bay in St John.

She said: “We are also advancing significant development at the Consett Bay in St John, and following the completion of the slipway at the site, the Government has committed to further improvements to support the operations of fisherfolk in that community.”

Bradshaw did not disclose the cost of the projects.

Addressing the growing influx of sargassum seaweed also forms a key part of the government’s strategy to protect coastal livelihoods and fishing operations, said the minister.

The presence of large volumes of sargassum has increasingly disrupted fishing activities and coastal ecosystems across the region, as Bradshaw noted, prompting the need for specialised equipment and vessels to assist with its removal.

The minister also pointed to operational improvements already under way at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex.

“On the 25th of January of this year, works on the breakwater at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex were substantially completed, strengthening the protection for vessels operating within the harbour and improving safety for those who work at the facility every single day.

“The final component of the project, which is the installation of a walkway along the structure, is expected to be completed shortly.”

Bradshaw said improvements across the fisheries sector also include expanded operational activity at haul-up facilities at Bridgetown.

“Over the past year, approximately 350 vessel inspections were conducted, along with 300 haul-up and launching operations,” she said.

“These improvements are helping to transform our fishing fleet into one of the most technologically advanced artisanal fleets in the region.”