Digital transformation of the fisheries sector in Barbados has been clearly articulated as a key policy directive. The integration of digital technologies to shore up existing human resource limitations has led to an improved data collection program which has resulted in the generation of many datasets in several formats. This warrants the need for the design and development of a fisheries information platform tailored to the local context in Barbados to provide key data insights and support evidence-based decision making.
This study highlights the process of creating a state-of-the-art bespoke Fisheries Information Platform for Barbados, aiming to address data scarcity in fisheries management. This system will consist of three main components: a database, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for integration and interoperability, and a user-friendly dashboard.
The database component of the platform was designed to be robust, secure, and capable of managing high-volume, multi-dimensional datasets. Requirements for the migration, architecture, data integrity, security, and management functionalities of the database were established from the onset to promote efficient operations including the real-time ingestion of data.
A vital component of the platform, the dashboard, will serve as a visual interface, delivering real-time insights and analytics drawn from the system's comprehensive data repositories. It has been designed to cater to a wide range of stakeholders, including fisheries management officials, policy makers, researchers, fisherfolk, and the general public.
The overarching design and development of the platform must prioritize scalability, performance, reliability, and user support to ensure its long-term success and adaptability to evolving fisheries management needs.