Barbados Fisheries Policy 2023 - 2033.

The Barbados Fisheries Policy 2023 -2033 lays down strategies for sustaining fisheries resources, enhancing benefits derived from the fishery, improving climate change and disaster resilience, promoting social development, enhancing the role of stakeholders in decision-making and institutional strengthening. The timeframe of the policy is 10 years covering the period from 2023 to 2033. The long term objectives of this policy are: (I) to rationalize the exploitation of fishery resources through improved control of fishing capacity, better regulation of the access to resources, and enhanced fisheries management systems, whilst paying due attention to the promotion of an updated Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) and the adoption of ecosystem approach to fisheries management principles; (II) to contribute to the protection and rehabilitation of coastal and marine ecosystems by regulating land-based and offshore pollution; (III) to improve and diversify value chains by making them more resilient to logistical disruption and reducing economic postharvest losses; (IV) to improve sanitary conditions, and promote a safe working environment at fish markets and aboard fishing vessels; (V) to modernize and make the fishing industry green by promoting fuel efficiency, self-sufficiency for electrical energy and the use of fish processing wastes, and water conservation; (VI) to promote social development of fisherfolk through improving their level of education, social protection and safety at sea and thus facilitating their integration into the Blue Economy, adaptation to climate change and disaster resilience processes; (VII) to promote responsible and sustainable forms of aquaculture and aquaponics for commercial production with particular emphasis on the impacts of climate change, environmental, health and sanitary considerations.
This policy addresses the importance of the fisheries sector and its potential to increase its contribution to income, employment and foreign exchange earnings. Support will be provided to the fisheries sector through a wide range of measures, which include but are not limited to: advancing the social and economic status of fishers and their families; improving fisheries infrastructure, fishing vessels, fishing gear and fishing methods; promoting self-sufficiency through increased marine and aquaculture production; providing duty-free concessions for fishers, boat owners and processors, covering imported fishing and processing equipment and materials; facilitating subsidies for the repair of vessels; registering and inspecting vessels; licensing of vessels and fisherfolk; mentoring and supporting fisherfolk organizations; facilitating training and communication initiatives; and conducting research. The policy seeks to augment the livelihoods of all stakeholders in the sector through the use of innovation, science and technology to achieve local, regional and international arrangements that promote climate resilience and the ecosystem approach to fisheries management.
Fishing vessel registration and licensing systems will be enhanced in support of fisheries management and of combatting IUU fishing. The installation of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and/or Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) to aboard fishing vessels will be promoted. Data collection and information system and research system will be improved to support scientific research and economic analysis related to the fisheries sector and monitoring and evaluation of the FMP. The involvement of fishers and related actors will be promoted in the gathering, collection and use of biophysical, fish landings and socio-economic data. Adequate development and management services will be provided by the fisheries authority for realizing the potential for growth, employment and food security in the fisheries sector in Barbados. Specific FMPs will be promoted and adopted with the aim of further regulating the access to resources, adopting specific and complementary measures to the existing regulations. Collaborative arrangements (co-management) will be developed between public and private stakeholders concerned by the fishery and related value chains. The current regulatory framework will be strengthened for preventing the degradation of the ecosystems and catch of undersized species with particular focus on reef fisheries and for considering the imposition of closed seasons as another management tool for certain species. Measures will be taken to reduce mortality of non-target, endangered and protected species through the use of available technology. The policy addresses potential social and cultural issues including the role of small scale fisheries and associated communities, decent working conditions and gender equity and equality.