A new Dock Master has been appointed for the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex; a new and historic position at Barbados' largest landing site. This comes on the heels of the recently enacted landmark legislation - the Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development Act and its sister bill, the Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development (Seafood Markets and Businesses) Act - which aims to reform the fishing sector.
The Dock Master is now primarily tasked with overseeing vessel berthing, haul-out and launching operations, ice delivery logistics, fish landing records, storm preparation, as well as coordinating operations in surrounding boatyards.
This is a key role, particularly in the light of climate change, where adverse weather could impact the island at any moment. The Dock Master will therefore play a significant role in safeguarding livelihoods, ensuring vessels are removed to safe harbour ahead of severe weather events and improving coordination with the Meteorological Services Department, integrating weather intelligence into maritime decision-making. This will ultimately help to transform the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex into a world-class facility.
Sheria Brathwaite