Friday, 7 February 2025 will be written in the pages of history as a significant milestone in the transformative development of the Barbados Fishing Industry. Landmark Legislation for the fisheries sector described as comprehensive and cutting-edge was debated and passed in parliament. The two Bills cover a wide spectrum of areas to support fisheries governance and an adaptive co-management approach.
Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Bill, 2025
Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development (Seafood Markets and Businesses) Bill, 2025
The new legislation also presents innovative legal regimes including corporate social responsibility in fisheries, fisheries-specific payment for ecosystem services schemes, seafood traceability and fraud prevention in fisheries and the establishment of the Barbados Institute for fisheries and fisheries-related studies.
Key benefits of the legislation highlighted:
Support sustained national food and nutritional security;
Facilitate financial and social empowerment to fisherfolk and all sector stakeholders; providing consistent income from fishing;
Protect access to export markets and expansion of market opportunities, obtaining higher prices for sustainable products;
Enhance climate resilient fisheries infrastructure, facilitating vendors access to improved facilities to provide high quality, wholesome fish to customers;
Promote the use of technology to improve search and rescue operations and identify productive fishing grounds with for example, depth sounders and Starlink that will catalyze smart fishing;
Protect marine ecosystems; including through reducing pollution from fishing activities and the use of harmful fishing gears and practices;
Introduce legislation that provides for the establishment of Co-ops to support acquisition of loans etc.
Provide for the use and prudent management of FADs to increase sustainable fish catches;
Provides training opportunities to equip fisherfolk with skills and qualifications;
Promote green energy transition in the sector to reduce operational cost;
Protect and enhance livelihoods (families) and decent work opportunities while; ensuring that fisheries resources are available for present and future generations;
Ensure the just transition and promote climate justice; and
Uplift the profile of the sector and highlight its importance to blue economy development and the national identity of Barbadians.
Shanna Moore