In the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados, the remnants of Hurricane Beryl still haunt the local fishing industry. The storm hit the island in July, leaving a trail of destruction that can be seen in the temporary boatyard where multiple damaged vessels lay stacked. Some boats, with shattered hulls and broken rudders, await repairs, while others sank, dragging down entire family incomes.
At the height of Beryl's fury, the island's fishing fleet faced catastrophic losses—approximately 75% of ongoing operations suffered damage, and 88 boats were completely wrecked. Among the affected, Charles Carter, owner of the Joyce vessel, described the aftermath as devastating, having spent months and significant funds on restoring his boat.
"The fishing industry is mash up," lamented his fellow fisherman, Captain Euride, reflecting the broader sentiments of despair and survival battling for dominance among the island's fishermen. After months of hard work, repaired boats are finally being returned to their oceanic domain, yet for many, the scars remain deep.
With memories of Beryl fresh, the specter of climate change looms large. More powerful storms are forecasted in the future as Captain Euride indicates, while Dr. Shelly Ann Cox, the island's Chief Fisheries Officer, warns fishermen about troubling changes in sea conditions. Higher swells and warmer waters are contributing to diminishing stocks of critical species, including the island's cherished flying fish.
Although some fish varieties like marlin and tuna are available at the Oistins Fish Market, the volume has decreased, leaving many stalls closed and uncertainty within the industry. Fishermen are being squeezed financially, as tourism sector partners, such as hotels and restaurants, report difficulties sourcing enough fish to meet their needs.
Amidst this tumult, local youths are not only aware of the challenges posed by climate change but are also seeking ways to combat them. During a visit to Harrison College, students expressed concerns rooted in both optimism and skepticism about their role in the global fight against climate change. Isabella Fredricks, 17, shared a pessimistic view about their nation's limited impact against larger polluters, while Tenusha Ramsham promoted the importance of collaboration and innovation.
For the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, the stakes could not be higher. She has emerged as a fervent advocate for climate action and compensation for the island nation during international forums like COP29.
While the impacts of rising sea levels and sustained environmental damage weigh heavily on the youth, older generations such as Steven Bourne, a lifelong fisherman, have witnessed the deterioration firsthand. He notes how the coastline has changed and mourns lost opportunities for retirement due to Beryl's effects.
Despite the overwhelming sense of loss, both young people and seasoned fishermen share a common bond in their love for their island. As Home Affairs Minister Wilfred Abrahams pointed out, the Caribbean landscape has changed irreversibly, but resilience stands strong: "There's nowhere for we to go. We love this rock. And we will always be on this rock."
At the height of Beryl's fury, the island's fishing fleet faced catastrophic losses—approximately 75% of ongoing operations suffered damage, and 88 boats were completely wrecked. Among the affected, Charles Carter, owner of the Joyce vessel, described the aftermath as devastating, having spent months and significant funds on restoring his boat.
"The fishing industry is mash up," lamented his fellow fisherman, Captain Euride, reflecting the broader sentiments of despair and survival battling for dominance among the island's fishermen. After months of hard work, repaired boats are finally being returned to their oceanic domain, yet for many, the scars remain deep.
With memories of Beryl fresh, the specter of climate change looms large. More powerful storms are forecasted in the future as Captain Euride indicates, while Dr. Shelly Ann Cox, the island's Chief Fisheries Officer, warns fishermen about troubling changes in sea conditions. Higher swells and warmer waters are contributing to diminishing stocks of critical species, including the island's cherished flying fish.
Although some fish varieties like marlin and tuna are available at the Oistins Fish Market, the volume has decreased, leaving many stalls closed and uncertainty within the industry. Fishermen are being squeezed financially, as tourism sector partners, such as hotels and restaurants, report difficulties sourcing enough fish to meet their needs.
Amidst this tumult, local youths are not only aware of the challenges posed by climate change but are also seeking ways to combat them. During a visit to Harrison College, students expressed concerns rooted in both optimism and skepticism about their role in the global fight against climate change. Isabella Fredricks, 17, shared a pessimistic view about their nation's limited impact against larger polluters, while Tenusha Ramsham promoted the importance of collaboration and innovation.
For the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, the stakes could not be higher. She has emerged as a fervent advocate for climate action and compensation for the island nation during international forums like COP29.
While the impacts of rising sea levels and sustained environmental damage weigh heavily on the youth, older generations such as Steven Bourne, a lifelong fisherman, have witnessed the deterioration firsthand. He notes how the coastline has changed and mourns lost opportunities for retirement due to Beryl's effects.
Despite the overwhelming sense of loss, both young people and seasoned fishermen share a common bond in their love for their island. As Home Affairs Minister Wilfred Abrahams pointed out, the Caribbean landscape has changed irreversibly, but resilience stands strong: "There's nowhere for we to go. We love this rock. And we will always be on this rock."
