Barbados Fisheries Management Plan 2004-2006.

This Barbados Fisheries Management Plan is a national policy with a sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Plan is 3 years between 1st January 2004 and 31st December 2006. The overall goal of the Plan is the development and management of the fishing industry to ensure its sustainable contribution to the nutritional, economic and social well-being of Barbadians.
Food security will be ensured through increased fishing capacity and diversified fishing.
Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem preservation will be integrated into fisheries management. In order to ensure resource sustainability, fishing capacity and fishing methods will be managed with a precautionary approach for the sustainable use, management and exploitation. Protection of environment and fish habitats will be ensured with a special emphasis on critical and sensitive habitats. Fisheries management will be integrated into coastal area management to ensure sustainable use of coastal fish resources in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Due to their active and vital role in the sustainable management and development of the fisheries resources, the participation of fishers and fisherfolk organizations will be encouraged in the decision-making processes. The cooperation between local and regional fisheries stakeholders will be strengthened to manage national and shared fisheries resources. Awareness of fishers regarding responsible fishing will be increased through education and training. Social protection will be strengthened to create safe, healthy and fair working and living conditions for fishers, as well as to increase the access to social services that contribute to their well-being. Taking into consideration its contribution to employment, income and food security, small-scale fisheries will be promoted. Coastal zone management will be developed to meet the needs of coastal communities.
Fisheries trade will be developed in accordance with the applicable agreements. Producing and marketing of quality value-added seafood products will be promoted. International cooperation will be strengthened. Post-harvest practices will be used to maintain nutritional value and quality of fish products. Legislative framework and standards regarding food safety and quality control will be developed. Capacity building of fishers will be enhanced for quality assurance of seafood. Fishing vessels will be designed and well-maintained in compliance with the national legislation and standards for design, construction, safety at sea and hygienic and handling storage of fish. Infrastructure will be developed to support the loading of supplies, sanitary offloading of catch, and construction or repair of vessels. Marine reserves and protected areas serving recreational and tourism purposes will be conserved to ensure sustainability. Effective mechanisms will be established for monitoring, control and surveillance. Data collection and dissemination will be improved. New fishing technology and techniques for the responsible fishing practices will be introduced through user-friendly information for dissemination to stakeholders.