A brand new ocean and climate educational facility opened its doors on the 28th of July, 2025: the Oceana Innovation Hub; a space dedicated to imbuing and equipping future generations with the knowledge needed to face a world with a rapidly changing climate and global biodiversity decline.
The Barbados Fisheries Division had the opportunity to be one of the first agencies to impart knowledge to children aged 8-14 at the Hub, under its BlueX Accelerator & Innovators HQ Summer programs, where the entire age range is from 8-18 years old. During the first week of this camp, which was themed "Ocean Protectors! Marine Life and Conservation", the 8-14 group was taken through every facet of the fishing industry and the work that the Division does to ensure the sustainable management of the island's fisheries resources. From the vessels and gear types in fish harvesting, to aquaculture and seafood quality assurance, fisheries legislation, DigiFish, no stone (or piece of coral?) was left unturned in describing the workings of the Division.
Campers will also have the opportunity to take part in an immersion day at the Berinda Cox Fish Market in Oistins, where they will tour the market, be treated to mini “sustainable fish talks” on best practices, climate change realities affecting fisheries, mitigation measures & sustainability approaches/tips/tricks, take part in designing eco-friendly fish traps and more.
The camp continues until the 22nd of August 2025, with the other weeks themed around renewable energy, aquaculture, and climate change. At the end, campers will have the opportunity to showcase projects they would have worked on at the end of the program.
Cover Photo Credit: Barbados Today.