Barbados' Fishing Industry Faces Ongoing Struggles in the Wake of Hurricane Beryl and Climate Change

Hurricane Beryl’s devastation in July left Barbados’ fishing industry in disarray, with 75% of the fishing fleet damaged and 88 boats completely destroyed. Owners like Charles Carter faced lengthy repairs, jeopardizing their livelihoods. While some boats are being restored and launched, ongoing climate change poses a threat to fisheries, with sea conditions changing drastically and the staple flying fish becoming harder to catch. Fishermen and the tourism sector feel the impact, as demand for fish remains high amid limited supplies.

Public awareness about climate change is growing in Barbados, with young people actively engaging in discussions on environmental impacts and solutions. Despite their small carbon footprint, locals express concerns that without action from major polluting nations, their efforts might be futile. The Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, advocates for climate action on global platforms, emphasizing the urgent need for support from industrialized countries.

Fishermen like Steven Bourne reflect on the drastic environmental changes affecting their livelihoods and homes. The frequency and intensity of hurricanes have increased, reshaping the island’s culture and daily life.