Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, believes that a silver lining has emerged in the fishing industry despite the path of destruction that Hurricane Beryl left behind.
Mr. Straughn was speaking at the recently held Barbados Marine Spatial Plan Media Symposium, at the Inter-American Development Bank, Welches, Christ Church.
He noted that even though the local fishing fleet was damaged during the passage of Hurricane Beryl, the fishing industry would improve because of the changes that would come about.
“We can upgrade the facilities; [and] introduce new technologies and new practices coming out of a revived fishing industry. Then, opportunities for investment in marine culture and these other opportunities within the Marine Spatial Planning effort will become available, now such that fishermen, vendors and everybody who’s involved in the industry would have an opportunity now to invest in different things than ordinarily would have been the case a few years ago,” emphasised the Minister.
During the symposium, Director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), Dr. Leo Brewster, underscored the importance of Marine Spatial Planning for sustainable development and economic recovery.
He said: “Let us also remember that through Marine Spatial Planning, we’re looking at a new approach to ocean governance, and ocean governance is the way forward for us through investment, hence the development of a new economy. We are proud to be at the forefront of this.”
Dr. Brewster also lauded Minister Straughn for always being a champion of the Barbados Marine Spatial Plan.
Marine Spatial Planning is an internationally recognised process for managing ocean spaces. In the same way that urban planning involves setting aside green spaces while making allowances for commercial development, MSP guides the sustainable use of oceans