New regulation for fisheries sector to be introduce in Barbados

The new regulations are to be announced in Barbados for the fisheries sector, after which the sector might notice much change. In this official Gazette, the opening and closing of the season would also be mentioned by the government.

According to the new regulation, it has been supposed that there would be some prohibitions on catching different species and also the type of gears that would be used along with additions on fish and other species that will now be subjected to closed and open seasons.

While giving the informative points during virtual consultation on the draft legislation last Friday, Minister of Maritime and Blue economy Kirk Humphrey has been working on the work to ensure that more sustainability in the fisheries sector in Barbados as well as protect the island’s fish stock and the coral reef also.

The Minister of Maritime and Blue economy Kirk Humphrey encouraged the fisherfolk to raise their voice because, for them, the Minister had presented the draft regulation before Parliament and to the Cabinet for approval so that this draft could become part of Barbados law.

Minister of Maritime and Blue economy Kirk Humphrey, while addressing the attendees, said that was your chance to weigh in on the conversation and help them shape it. That was not a knee jerk reaction. His intention was to see the regulation implemented in the shortest possible time and had sustainable fisheries practices as they go forward.

However, she noted that reforms had taken place in the industry since then, and there was a need to enhance the management of the resources.
Ms Leslie recorded that in work to improve the Regulations, meetings were also held with governmental departments and the University of the West Indies.

She continued that conferences with the fisherfolk started in mid-June, with face-to-face meetings held at the landing sites at Pile Bay and Weston. Ms Leslie noted that alterations or improvements proposed during the meeting would be included in the submissions.