General Preparedness
The 2025 Hurricane Season officially begins from June 1st and lasts until November 30th. Weather activity has been occurring earlier, however, in light of a rapidly changing climate. This highlights the importance of being prepared well before the start of the season in order to reduce the instance of loss, damage, and injury to fishers and their families. What should you, as someone who works in the fisheries sector, be aware of?
It is firstly important to remain informed and take heed of official information from the government about severe weather systems and hurricanes. This means keeping abreast of resources such as the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS), Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS).
Advice for those in the harvest sector:
Fishers are cautioned against operating under adverse weather conditions, and are advised to act early to secure their boats and store their fishing gear and basic supplies like ropes, lines, hooks, coolers, crimps and crimpers in the event of an approaching storm. This therefore minimizes damages, and ensures that fishers' livelihoods are protected and can return to fishing more quickly after the passage of a weather system.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an above average Atlantic hurricane season, forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6-10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3-5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher), and the NOAA has a 70% confidence in their predictions.
Haul-up Procedures
The Fisheries Division will be coordinating haul-up operations in collaboration with the Barbados Coast Guard, Barbados Port Inc and Hinds Transport Services Inc.
Boats (max 40ft/15 T) will be lifted at the Coast Guard base, then transported on trailer to the dockyard on Harbour Road near BICO.
For more information and to book a haul up, please contact the Vessel Inspectorate at 535-5800 or visit our office on Princess Alice Highway, Bridgetown.
Advice for those in the post-harvest sector:
Vendors are encouraged to secure insulated boxes and other equipment prior to the passage of a weather system or hurricane. Work areas should also be cleaned in good time, ensuring that everything is done in time to reach your area of shelter before the impending weather.
Resources
For more information on hurricane preparedness, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is hosting webinars targeted towards fisherfolk. Upcoming webinars include:
30 May - Focus on the Fisheries Sector - The discussion will centre on safe storage and protection of fishing gear and vessels, and early warning systems and preparedness strategies for fishers.
6 June - Disaster Response and Recovery - The focus will be on steps towards rapid recovery and rebuilding after hurricanes, and financial assistance, insurance, and support mechanisms. A panel discussion featuring representatives of the Secretariat, FAO and CDEMA will end the series.
Keep a close eye on their website here: https://crfm.int/
Read more at the following websites:
Barbados Met. Services: https://www.barbadosweather.org/
Barbados Government Information Service: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/
NOAA National Hurricane Centre: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/