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Women and Fisheries, a Case Study on Barbadian Fisherwomen: Writing

Women in Fisheries Law and Policy (Towards Gender Mainstreaming)

by

Najla King1

Specialist and Consultant in International Maritime Law and Policy (IMO IMLI trained)

©Najla King. 4 August, 2016.

Abstract

This paper was written as part of an independent study, and focuses on women fishers in

Barbados. The international legal framework is outlined to give a broad overview of the fisheries

regulatory regime. Key findings on women in fisheries is discussed, followed by

recommendations for promoting gender equality in fisheries laws and policies. Finally, a general

conclusion is made regarding findings on Barbadian fisherwomen. An appendix featuring some

of the women who participated in the study is attached.

I. Overview of Women in Fisheries in Barbados

The fisheries sector is integral to Barbados’ economic, social and cultural landscape. Barbadian

fisherwomen, particularly play a critical role in fisheries management, development,

sustainability and national food security. Though fisheries was traditionally perceived to be a

man’s domain, there is an adequate representation of women in fisheries throughout the island.

Various measures need be implemented, however, to improve their circumstances in the sector

and to increase recognition of their formal and informal roles in fisheries. This study focuses on

fisherwomen in Barbados, with a view to charting a legal and regulatory framework that writes

women into fisheries policy.

1 Recommended Citation King, Najla. Women and Fisheries, a Case Study on Barbadian Fisherwomen: Writing Women in Fisheries Law and Policy (2016).

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II. International Fisheries Regulatory Framework

The international maritime/fisheries regime sets standards with respect to the conduct of

maritime labour in the broad spectrum; specific to fisheries, it provides guidance on best

practices to be adopted by States in relation to working conditions on board fishing vessels,

competence of fishing vessel personnel, and social security protection of workers in the fish

industry. Fisheries law and policy should not only be informed by local circumstances;

international maritime and fisheries law should also be incorporated into the domestic legal

framework. The following international instruments are worthy of consideration in charting a

legal regime for work in fishing:

(a) The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

Overview

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 sets international standards for seafarers working

and living condition on board ships. It addresses the following concerns: (i) minimum

requirements for seafarers to work on a ship; (ii) employment conditions; (iii) accommodation,

recreational facilities, food and catering; (iv) health protection, medical care, welfare and social

security protection; (v) compliance and enforcement issues; (vi) abandonment of seafarers by

the shipowner.2

Application of the MLC in the fisheries context

Though the MLC mainly applies to work on board commercial vessels, excluding fishing vessels.

Its overarching objectives, which are: (i) ensuring safety and security at work; (ii) fair employment

terms; (iii) decent working conditions; (iv) provision of health protection, medical care, welfare

measures and other forms of social protection, can be applied in the fisheries context as fisheries

is a form of maritime labour. Fishermen and fisherwomen fall into the domain of maritime

2 Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Adopted 23 February, 2006; entry into force 20 August, 2013.

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workers because their work is focused at sea, hence the maritime labour regulatory framework

as established in the MLC, 2006 is of some use in regulating work in fisheries.

(b) The ILO Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188) and the Work in Fishing

Recommendation, 2007 (No. 199)

The Work in Fishing Convention (WIF), 20073 prime objective is to ensure that fishers have decent

working conditions on board fishing vessels that minimum standards regarding conditions of

service, accommodation and food, occupational safety, and health (OSH) protection, medical

care and social security. It also includes specific provisions on enforcement and compliance by

flag and port States;4 with respect to jurisdictional exercise by the flag State and safety conditions

on board fishing vessels.

The Work in Fishing Recommendation5 (WIFR), 2007, which accompanies the WIF, 2007, gives

guidance on the implementation of the WIF Convention. It also addresses the same concerns of

the WIF Convention, and requires compliance with the Convention, especially in relation to the

granting of licenses for fishing in the EEZ (exclusive economic zone).

Four Resolutions were subsequently adopted by the International Law Commission (ILC) at its

96th Session to facilitate effective implementation of the WIF Convention. Together these

instruments seek to improve working conditions of fishers.

(c) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for

Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F)

The STCW-F applies to crews of seagoing fishing vessels, and to vessels generally 24 metres in

length and above. STCW-F was the first attempt to establish international mandatory standards

3 ILO Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188). Adopted 14 June, 2007. Not yet in force. 4 See Articles 40 and 43 (2) WIF, 2007. 5 Adopted 14 June, 2007.

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of safety for fishing vessel crews. The STCW-F must be used in conjunction with the Document

for Guidance on Training and Certification of Fishing Vessel Personnel, which was approved by

the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Labour

Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2000.

III. Women and Fisheries: Key Findings on Barbadian Fisherwomen

(a) The legal position of women in fisheries in Barbados

The current legislative framework is silent on gender in the fisheries sector. The Fisheries Act of

Barbados does not define the term ‘fisherman’ or ‘fisherwoman.’ This lack of definition is by

extension a lack of recognition of women’s roles in fisheries, and poses a challenge for women in

securing gender-related labour rights. Defining the fish worker gives him/her a status which

recognises the human element of his/her employment, in terms of the activities undertaken by

both fishermen and fisher women and the social and economic impact of such activities on men

and women, respectively. Women fishers would especially benefit from such recognition, as the

human factors of their work such as employment conditions, social security, education, health

and maternity issues can be effectively addressed. The fact of gender and gender-specific issues

can thus be effectively weighed in the policymaking process. A working definition should

encompass men and women labelled under the gender neutral terms ‘fisher’ or ‘fish worker’, as

opposed to discriminative terminology like ‘fisherman’ or ‘fisherwoman’ and should apply to

direct and indirect contribution and participation in fish work. This will allow for

acknowledgement of formal and informal labour and the various roles played by men and women

in carrying out such labour. It will also promote gender equity and ensure gender mainstreaming

in the fisheries sector. Fishermen and fisherwomen would be able to benefit from a status which

recognises the human dimension of their work and their legal position concerning employment

in the industry, as well as afford them necessary legal protection.

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(b) Women’s employment: formal

Seagoing – Many Barbadian fisherwomen are unwilling to go to sea, as evident by the heavier

concentration of women in onshore activities. An increasing number of them are boat owners

but men work their boats for them as they are not keen on seagoing fishing. There are a few

women who participate in the seagoing fishing subsector. Initiatives need be undertaken so that

women would not be under-represented in this area; for instance, navigational training

opportunities should be made available to women. Fishing vessels should also be female-friendly,

equipped with bathroom facilities, feminine hygiene equipment and sanitary products.

Constructing and/or outfitting vessels to take into account the special needs of women, may

encourage more women to go out to sea and give them the option of whether or not they wish

to stay out at sea for longer periods.

Fish Processing – This includes an array of onshore activities such as cleaning, scaling, boning and

selling of fish. Women are over-represented in the seafood processing subsector of fisheries, as

majority of female fishers work in this area. The women benefit from training and education in

seafood processing, handling, storage and fish quality control. There is a need for diversification

in education and training so that women would not be confined to the seafood processing sub-

industry should also be trained in navigation, gear technology, entrepreneurial studies, co-

operative, leadership and management studies and other non-fisheries areas, so that when the

fish season is slow the women can resort to other skills to generate income for themselves.

Management – A significant number of Barbadian women have made remarkable inroads into

this segment, both at middle management and top management positions. This is a positive, as

it reflects a welcoming reception of women at various levels into the fishing industry, which has

been traditionally been viewed as a man’s territory.

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(c) Women’s employment: informal

Unpaid/informal work by women in support of fishing family enterprises is pivotal to the sector,

but largely unrecognised. This form of labour is categorised below:

Onshore support ‘collaborative wives/spouses’ – Fishing family enterprises play an integral role

in local fisheries. The Barbadian fishing industry is family oriented, with wives, husbands and

children of fisher folk actively participating in fisheries. Fisher wives provide specific shore side

support in management, continuity, communication, bookkeeping and marketing.

Overall management: Wives/spouses of fishermen handle financial, management,

marketing and basic matters for their husbands/spouses, allowing them to focus solely

on fishing.

Continuity: Women play an essential role in the passing of traditional fishing knowledge

and skills to future generations, as they involve their children in the industry. This is also

critical to the survival of their business, and to the perpetuity of the fisheries sector on a

whole.

Communication: Women serve as a necessary contact point while their husband/spouse

is at sea. Communication was at one time a crucial requirement, but in light of

technological advancements, has become less so, as sea-going fishermen have improved

communication channels while at sea.

Bookkeeping: Women oversee accounting affairs of their seagoing husbands/spouses

and manage fisheries expenditures and revenues.

Marketing: Women contribute to the maintenance of an attractive fisheries market, as

they create a market network which keeps track of current fish prices, best deals and

market development.

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IV. Crafting a Legal Response: Writing Women in Fisheries Law and Policy, Towards Gender

Mainstreaming

(a) The Gender Mainstreaming Concept in Fisheries

Gender mainstreaming is the process of analysing the impact on men and women ‘of any planned

action, including legislation, policies or programs, in all areas and at all levels.’6 It is a technique

for making women’s and men’s issues and experiences a fundamental part of the design,

implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs to ensure the promotion of

gender equality. In the fisheries context it is an assessment of the implications for men and

women in fish work.

(b) The proposed Legal Response

Legal and policy reforms for effective inclusion of women into the domestic fisheries regulatory

framework is recommended as follows:

(a) International legal instruments like the MLC, WIF, WIFR and STCW-F should be incorporated

into the national legal system, with a protective approach and comprehensive legal regime for

women fishers.

(b) Descriptive nouns such as ‘fisherman’ or ‘fisherwoman’ should be excluded as far as possible

in legislation; instead gender sensitive terms like ‘fisher’, ‘fish trader’ or ‘fish worker’ is

encouraged. Such neutral terms would emphasise that although there is a sexual division of

labour between men and women in fisheries, they are all fish workers.

6 Lentisco, Angela and Enrique Alonso. On Gender Mainstreaming Strategies and Tools in Fisheries Development Projects: RFLP Gender Strategy and Lessons from the Asia-Pacific Region. Gender in Aquaculture and Fisheries: Moving the Agenda Forward Asian Fisheries Science Special Issue Vol. 25S (2012). p3.

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(c) Laws and policies should not perpetuate stereotypes by being clothed in biases about sexual

division of labour in fisheries. They should be designed to respond to men’s and women’s specific

needs while ensuring gender equality.

(d) A gender and development (GAD) approach as opposed to a women and development (WAD)

approach should be taken in the policymaking process. A GAD approach can effectively challenge

and address stereotypical roles and socially constructed notions of men and women in fishing. A

GAD approach further enables gender mainstreaming.

(e) National fisheries law and policies should have a general gender equality component, which

gives credence to relevant fundamental human rights instruments such as the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)7, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

(ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)8; to

name a few. Additionally, the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against

Women (CEDAW) should especially be used as a guiding tool to chart a legal protection regime

for women’s fundamental rights on an equal footing with men, to eliminate gender preference

and promote gender mainstreaming.

(f) Laws and policies should facilitate an organisational culture that creates a discrimination-free

and harassment-free work environment, thereby ensuring a comfortable, fair and safe working

environment for women.

(g) Incentives should be employed to protect against depletion of the local labour force for

fishing, especially concerning women, who may be forced due to economic or other challenges

in the industry, to migrate internally to other employment fields or externally to other fishing

industries. This would ensure continuity of family enterprises in fisheries, and protect against loss

of women in the fishery work force.

7 UDHR, Article 2 stipulates that every human being is entitled to all rights and freedoms… without any discrimination based on race, colour, gender, language, religion, political, etc. 8 Both the ICCPR and the ICESCR prohibit discrimination on grounds of sex.

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(h) The importance of women’s contribution to food security should also be reflected in policies.

To this end, gender sensitive responses to climate change impacts on women in fisheries are

necessary. As most households in Barbados are female-headed, poor fish catches due to adverse

climate patterns directly impact on women, as resource scarcity affect their income. Equitable

participation by women in the decision-making process, especially as it relates to resource

availability, resource accessibility, resource utilisation and resource systems stability is critical.

Women’s input on this and other fisheries-related affairs should be reflected in policies.

(i) National law should provide a comprehensive social security regime for fishers, including

maternity and paternity rights. This social security regime should also take into account the

activities of unpaid collaborating spouses, giving consideration to fisher wives and husbands in

the legal sense as well as to common law unions. Though it is difficult to precisely quantify the

work of collaborative partners, some form of recognition should be given in exchange for their

contributions.

(j) Women’s input into marine planning and resource management is also encouraged in

policymaking, as women interact differently to men with the marine environment and often have

different knowledge and experiences to impart. Their role in post-harvesting activities, for

instance, may give them increased knowledge of fish reproductive cycles. Women’s participation

is therefore important in the planning, development and management of coastal and marine

resources. Women have valuable information and specific issues in this area, which need be

taken into account for effective outcomes.

(k) In the broad spectrum, women’s representation in the fisheries sector should not only be

depicted by their numbers, but moreso by policies that reflect their circumstances and give due

consideration to their peculiarities.

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V. Conclusion

The study found that fisherwomen in Barbados deem the fishing sector to be lucrative. Attractive

economic rewards is the key pull-factor of women into fish work, it is also the ‘stay’ factor, as it

requires low capital to start up fishing business and the returns are high. Other reasons for

gravitating towards the sector mentioned by the women is that fish trading has been in their

family lineage; being introduced to it by their parents and relatives. Some of them also married

into fishing, their husbands being fishermen and them getting involved as a result. The long years

working in, and involvement of their children in the industry evidences their intention to remain

in the industry, notwithstanding the issues and challenges they encounter. Most of the issues the

women face in the industry stem from being self-employed, as they have to provide their own

social security, own working tools and equipment. Being self-employed has its challenges. A

recurring complaint from the women who participated in the study pertained to garnering aid

from financial institutions who are not so eager to lend money due to their financial status and

concerns about their job security and corresponding ability to be able to repay their debts. The

study also found that the women feel both unappreciated and under-appreciated. They feel

ignored, expressing that even though they attend meetings and air their views, their inputs do

not translate into policy. In short, they feel lack of recognition in the sector and under-

representation in the decision-making process. In spite of this, Barbadian fisherwomen are

making significant strides, especially as it relates to rearing of their children, education and home

acquisition. Many of them are able to provide their children with tertiary education and acquire

homes solely on their fishery earnings. The women, themselves, are privy to training and

educational opportunities to enhance their working skills and practices. There are conflicts,

however, with money-making, participation in meetings, education and health and the women

often choose the former over the latter. The women are reluctant to sacrifice working and

consequential income loss to attend a class or meeting which clashes with their work times.

Economic demands rend it difficult for them to practice healthy lifestyles; thus they face health

issues such as arthritis, diabetes, heart problems and other maladies due to working extended

periods without breaks; working all-year round without taking a vacation for themselves, resting

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only on the four days in each year when the market is closed. The study concludes that despite

the obstacles faced by women in fisheries, the industry is not a doom and gloom one for women;

there are not marginalised, an adequate number of them occupy various positions throughout

the fisheries sector. It is recommended, however, that necessary legislative and policy reforms

with a gender element be developed and implemented to efficiently incorporate women into the

fisheries regulatory infrastructure.

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APPENDIX

Meet some of the Fisherwomen

Below is a compilation of some of the women who participated in the study. Only one woman

opted to give her real name, the others preferred fictitious names. The stories, however, are a

genuine account of the women’s experiences in fishing. The women who are not featured by

name had similar complaints to the women named in this appendix; their contributions to

fisheries as well as their issues and challenges are discussed in general as detailed in Parts III, IV

and V of this study.

***

Sonia Taitt-Bailey (her real name)

Vendor, Sonia Taitt-Bailey worked in fishing for 20+ years. Sonia works 7 days per week, 12 hours

per day. As a result of the status of the economy, Sonia had to increase her working hours.

‘Fisheries sustain my family. Fisheries is a family industry. My children involve, too,’ Sonia proudly

stated. The mother of 7 was able to educate five of her children at the University of the West

Indies, Cave Hill Campus and the other two at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic. She

expressed financial challenges with the glass cases for fish storage, lamenting that the price for

ice is $15 dollars per day to store fish and the ice has to be replaced throughout the day, ‘it real

costly to be buying ice so all de time,’ adding that it also poses marketing challenges as the

customer cannot see the fish properly in submerged ice, therefore affecting their buying choice.

One recommendation made by Sonia was to make provision for receiving of cheques and credit

cards in the market, lamenting that cash reliance has its disadvantages in that some of her

customers do not always have cash and cannot use cards as there is no facility in the markets for

such. Sonia advocates for navigational training for women so that those females who are willing

and are interested in seagoing fishing can do so.

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***

Jan Kennedy (not her real name)

Vendor and boat-owner, Jan Kennedy has been in the industry for 16+ years. She is able to pay

her utilities, educate her children and live a relatively comfortable life. The homeowner, who

acquired her home from fishery income expressed that women in the industry are not sufficiently

recognised. She elaborated on financial obstacles such as the complexing of getting loans from

banks and getting mortgages to buy boats. ‘Two fishermen work my boat. I largely survive on my

boat,’ she said with an air of self-fulfilment. Jan struggled to improve her circumstances as a self-

employed fisherwoman. She is currently working towards buying another boat. Jan is, however,

concerned with the continuity of her business, as her 3 children; one, a musician, another

pursuing a legal career and the other pursuing studies in psychology (all educated from Jan’s

fishing income) are not interested in working in the industry. ‘I prefer my kids to work in the

industry. When I die, my business will die, she confessed. Regarding the professional aspect of

being a fisherwoman, Jan unapologetically states that, ‘fish workers should be honoured for their

work,’ citing that ‘restaurants, hotels, big processors, the hospitals rely on fish.’ She further

commented that ‘if fish workers had to strike, people would realise how important we are.’ Jan

highlighted that she brings foreign exchange into Barbados, exporting 4000 fish weekly. ‘Fisheries

bring in a lot of revenue. There’s a lot of money in this business, but we are snubbed,’ she

continued. ‘When I go to the bank to transact business the bank staff and customers turn up their

noses at me, but I take a handsome sum whenever I go to deposit money,’ she further elaborated

on the treatment she suffers as a fisherwoman. Jan relies solely on the marine environment for

her survival; rejoicing when fish yields are plenty, toughing it out when they are not. Speaking

specifically on the impact of environmental factors and resource availability on her, she explained

that there will always be slow periods. ‘Every day is not the same; you don’t always get a good

catch, the boat doesn’t always bring in fish, especially when the Sargassum seaweed9 is a lot. So

basically no fish, no pay and it is expensive to cover boat operation.’ Jan described work in fishing

‘like doing a man’s job.’ Jan suggests establishment of a fund to cover an array of financial and

9 Sargassum (brown algae seaweed) is non-native to Barbados.

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social security concerns of fish workers, of particular mention was the issue of maternity. ‘Either

pay NIS or protect yourself from getting pregnant,’ she advised. Jan also suggests that there be a

women’s organisation to represent women in fisheries. In personal recognition of the fact of her

contribution to creation of employment opportunities in the sector, she wishes to put more boats

on the sea so she can hire more people. ‘More boats, more jobs,’ she summed up.

***

Sophia Thorne (not her real name)

Approaching 79 years of age, Sophia Thorne worked in the fishing industry for 40+ years. The

mother, grandmother and great-grandmother says that she educated her children from fisheries

and assisted with the education of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The fire victim,

who built her now-lost home from her fishery earnings, advocates for a fisherwomen

organisation. ‘We issues fall on deaf ears,’ the elderly lady said unabashedly, opining that women

are given voice and nothing else in the decision-making process. She complained that the industry

is not properly regulated, exposing that ‘many fish workers do not have health certificates and

fishing licenses as required, but nobody don’t check.’ Sophia feels that the system and operation

of things in the market is unfair and unfriendly, remarking ‘every man for himself.’ She explains

that the general work atmosphere has impacted upon her negatively as an elderly fisherwoman

as she is unable due to age and health constraints to compete with younger fisher folk. She

expounds that the uneven playing field in the market affects her economically, in that she has to

compete with illegitimate fish workers who by law should not be in the market plying their trade

as they operate without health certificates and fish licenses. She also has to compete with

younger fish workers who are often hostile and cut into her customer flow. ‘I can’t run around

and get sales like before,’ the septuagenarian said. Sophia believes that a fairer market system

and effective enforcement of fisheries laws and market regulations would improve general

working conditions, and by extension improve her circumstances as an older fish worker. She

suggests that some kind of measures be put in place to protect elderly persons operating in the

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industry, so that they would not be forced out unreasonably, adding, it is my choice when I want

to stop fish work.’

***

Jenny Kensett (not her real name)

Jenny Kensett, a market supervisor, worked in the industry for 27+ years. The strict disciplinarian

reminiscently said that, ‘the beauty of working in market days gone,’ alluding to the current

disorder that pervades in markets today. Lax enforcement of market laws and regulations is

considered by Jenny to be a hindrance to effective and efficient functioning of the market, as well

as to her being able to conduct her work accordingly, as her attempts to uphold these laws are

met with antagonism. Scaling of fish by unlicensed persons is one such unlawful practice she

protested against. Another ill she complained of is the lack of presence of quality control officers,

explaining that every market must have a quality control officer to regulate storage and

temperature of fish and ensure that quality fish is being sold. Regarding women in the industry

on a whole, she contended that the decision-making and participation process need be more

transparent and reflective of women’s issues, stating that, ‘women have a voice, but it is unheard.

The women’s input are not seen in the policies.’ Jenny, who is especially concerned for the

financial security of women in the industry urges the women in her market to pay national

insurance (NIS), arguing that it should be mandatory for fish workers to pay NIS. She is also keen

on her women being trained, admitting that even this has its complexities as the women are not

eager to sacrifice a day’s work to attend courses, suggesting that courses should be structured

and hosted at times and places that would be more convenient. The dedicated supervisor

champions the women as the powerhouse in the industry. As she put it, ‘Women are behind the

men in the industry, but they’re not recognised. Women take over the boat when it comes in and

determines who to sell fish to even though they do not own the boat.’ Jenny suggests that an

association specifically for women in the sector would be beneficial in making fisherwomen more

visible; proposing that more policies and programs within the fishing sector consider gender

issues so that women is the industry are better socially recognised.

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***

Anne Bellamy (not her real name)

Fisher wife, Anne Bellamy, works alongside her husband in fisheries and takes charge of all shore

side activities. ‘I clean, cut, bag and sell fish, and collect the fish money,’ Anne outlined her

activities. Anne who participated in the industry as a collaborating wife for 10+ years highlighted

that some Barbadian fisherwomen migrate to Trinidad and Tobago to bone flying fish and resell

boneless flying fish to Barbados, citing better work opportunities as the main reason for women’s

relocation to Trinidad and Tobago. The disadvantages of such movement could not be ignored

by Anne, who deems it as a valuable loss of skilled women in fishing work force, loss of creativity

and foreign exchange. Anne argues for increased recognition by women in fishing, including

fisher wives, like herself. ‘Fishermen wives actually run the business, so there should be financial

benefits for us,’ said Anne. When asked if she is aware that in France fishermen wives have rights

and are entitled to benefits, she admitted that though she was unaware of the situation in France

she hoped to see a similar provision made for Barbadian fisher wives and spouses because the

wives did majority of the work, while the husbands merely go out to sea and bring in fish. ‘When

he bring in de boat, everything else after that is up to me.’ Anne also complained of the financial

barriers to fish workers, sharing a personal encounter when her husband got injured on the boat.

Anne said that even though she pays NIS, she could not claim for her husband. She was told that

he has to pay his own NIS. She also pointed out the difficulty of her husband getting loans as he

is self-employed, and financial institutions seriously scrutinise his ability to repay.

***

Beth Charleston (not her real name)

23 years in fisheries and counting, vendor, Beth Charleston started out selling fish commercially

for a company; aborting that mode of fish work she launched full scale into domestic fisheries,

selling mainly to householders. A fish worker’s activist is an apt description for Beth who sits on

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the committees of two fisheries organisations, actively seeking to improve the industry itself and

by extension the circumstances of fish workers. ‘I am interested in the industry on a whole, it’s

not just about making money,’ said the impassioned Beth. Beth’s fishing activities are not only

confined to the market; she takes fishing from the market to the community and youth. She

taught practical lessons in fish handling at various schools, including schools for the differently

able. ‘The stigma of working in the industry is reflected in the lack of recognition of fish workers.

So that’s why I took it upon myself to go to schools and advocate a career in fishing as an

attractive employment avenue,’ Beth explained. Beth believes that the lack of recognition in the

sector stems not only from external factors but also internal ones, pointing out in particular that

fish workers themselves do not acknowledge how important both them and the industry are;

adding that, ‘they (the fishers) need to view the market as a legitimate business and see

customers as clients.’ The sector has not been all sunshine for Beth, however. The financial

realities of being a self-employed worker glared Beth full in the face on two distinctive occasions.

The avid NIS payer received no benefit when she suffered a leg injury at one time, and another

time when she cut her finger on the job, she also did not receive NIS. Beth argues for more

benefits other than old age and maternity, such as invalidity benefit. Another complaint of Beth’s

is poor communication between management and workers. ‘Management puts things in place

and then tells workers after. They need to consult more with us before making decisions’ stated

Beth. The visionary who travelled to Nova Scotia is trained in development planning, however,

her skills and expertise are not able to fully flourish. Speaking specifically to some of her

suggestions for enhancing the market where she operates, she said, ‘there are a lot of yeses to

my recommendations but they never manifested.’ Two major ideas Beth shared were one: to

establish a fishing village which links tourism, youth, culture and technology, and involves a

cluster of different entities. The appendage of a restaurant, internet café and bar either onto or

in very close proximity to the market. Interlinked with this suggestion was her advice that

fisheries should build the tourism industry. ‘I try to reinforce to management that agriculture and

fisheries is crucial and put fisheries, instead of tourism to be the island’s top earner.’ A second

idea of Beth’s was to make fisheries integral to tertiary level education. ‘I was going to train some

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UWI10 students how to fillet and handle fish, then get them to teach it to younger children. I was

also gonna get them to teach the elderly how to use technology.’ Informing that these are only

the tip of the ice berg for ideas floating around in her creative mind, she laments ‘as a

fisherwoman I have so much to offer, so much I want to give, so much I would like to see happen

for the industry. I have shared these and many other ideas at meetings, but it don’t go nowhere;

women’s participation do not go beyond management level.’ Beth sees the fishing sector as

unique and valuable and continues, in spite of the odds, to get that message across.

***

Eve Farrell (not her real name)

One out of the few seagoing fisherwomen in Barbados, Eve Farrell has been engaging in seagoing

fishing for 15+ years. Her love for the sea sprung from being born and raised near the sea. Eve

specialises in seine net fishing, a form of fishing used to catch fish that inhabit near-shore waters.

‘I prefer reef fishing, don’t like to go too far out,’ Eve said, informing that on a few occasions she

did some deep sea fishing for flying fish, going as far as 10 miles out to sea. Eve admits that

though she is generally fearless of the sea, the rough waters and currents deter her from actively

pursuing deep sea fishing, also lack of convenient amenities on board fishing vessels that would

make it more comfortable for her to remain at sea for longer periods. ‘Reef fishing is easier, I

don’t have to spend long hours on the water with that kind of fishing,’ explained Eve. When asked

what prevents more women from participating in seagoing fishing – fear, inability to swim and

the female unfriendly nature of fishing vessels were the reasons given. ‘You must be able to swim

and dive, you must be fearless to battle them waters. It is fear that keeps most women off the

waters, and the lack of toilet facilities on boats,’ she expounded. Apart from fearlessness,

strength was one other attribute Eve stated that is required for women to venture out to sea.

Navigation, manoeuvrability and proper vessel handling are key skills one must be equipped with

to manage well with seagoing fisheries. ‘It is an active job, so you must be strong. You must be

able to concentrate on the boat’s movement while fishing, and manoeuvre while holding the

10 Acronym for regional tertiary educational institution University of the West Indies.

19

fishing line,’ Eve illuminated. Most times Eve is the only female on the boat; sometimes younger

females accompany her, however, just for the thrill of it, but for Eve it is an occupation. The part-

time seamstress who resorts to this other talent when the fishing season is slow revealed that

even though men dominate the vessel, their attitude towards her is welcoming. ‘Men like women

on the boat. They like female company,’ she said smiling. Her only encounter with real danger

was an instance where she got trapped in Sargassum seaweed, a non-native marine plant species

and was unable to see; having to claw her way out of it. ‘Sometimes you have to keep the boat

engine running to cut up the seaweed or go overboard to clear it.’ Climatic changes as manifested

through the unleashing of Sargassum seaweed in Barbadian waters has financially affected Eve,

who was forced back on her sewing machine due to decrease in reef fish as a result. Confined by

choice to seine (reef) fishing due to the risks and dangers involved in deep sea fishing and the

lack of feminine conveniences aboard fishing vessels, it is clear how this fisherwoman is impacted

on differently by climate change as compared to her male counterparts who can comfortably

engage in all other forms of fishing to make a living. Nonetheless, these obstacles are not enough

to make Eve abandon seagoing fishing. ‘I can’t see myself doing anything else. Selling fish is

boring. I just fish, bring in my catch, somebody else does the selling, and when the profits are

divided up I get my share,’ stated Eve. Expressing that she would like to see more women

participate in seagoing fishing, she proudly recalled taking some UWI female students out to fish

as part of their research project. Eve hopes that more women would in future consider the

seagoing fisheries sub-sector as an employment avenue; boasting that when the fish are

bountiful so is the money.