On the 1st of April, 1944, the Barbados Fisheries Division was established to oversee the development and management of local fisheries within the Department of Agriculture and Science. 81 years later, now within the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, the Division's mission is larger than ever before, with the intention of a sustainable fishing industry that is being modernized by the incorporation of new technologies and encouraging a renewed interest by future generations.
Shortly after the Division's establishment, the first market dedicated to selling fish was opened in 1946 at Cheapside, Bridgetown, and provided a much-needed space for fisherfolk to make a living. Following closely after was the opening of markets at Oistins and Speightstown in 1950 and 1954 respectfully. Since then, landing sites were established at Consett Bay, Half Moon Fort, Fitts Village, Pile Bay and more, resulting in the expansion to more than 30 sites seen along Barbados' shores today. Upgrades to these sites continue to be made, with the most recent being the Pile Bay Fishing Facility in 2021 and the Millie Ifill Fish Market Facility at Weston St. James in September 2024.
Over the years, the Division facilitated other developments in the industry, such as the introduction of gill nets in 1951 which increased fish catch, the mechanization of the island’s fishing fleet post Hurricane Janet in 1955, and the revolutionary introduction of pelagic longline boats in 1990 which mainly targeted tunas and swordfish to name a few.
Despite setbacks, such as the most recent Hurricane Beryl in 2024, the Division's commitment to its mission remains strong; to ensure the optimum utilization of the fisheries resources in the waters of Barbados for the benefit of the people of Barbados through management and development.
