SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Sint Maarten marine biologist and natural resource manager Tadzio Bervoets recently delivered three days of practical training in Barbados to support sustainable fisheries and marine spatial planning.
Held from September 1 to 3 at the invitation of the Barbados Marine Spatial Planning office, in collaboration with the Barbados fisheries department, the training brought together fisheries and conservation professionals to build, deploy and analyse footage from Baited Remote Underwater Video systems, commonly known as BRUVs.
These underwater camera systems record marine life without capturing or handling animals. Bervoets guided participants through the process, from constructing the equipment to reviewing footage and discussing how the findings can inform fisheries management and ocean planning.
“The goal was to provide practical skills that participants can use in their ongoing work,” Bervoets said. “Better information about marine life and habitats helps us support sustainable fisheries and make informed decisions about how we use our seas.”
Marine spatial planning considers fishing, tourism, shipping and conservation together, helping address competing uses while protecting important habitats. Underwater monitoring can contribute evidence to this process alongside catch records and fishers’ knowledge.
“Sustainable fisheries and marine spatial planning go hand in hand,” Bervoets said. “We need to protect the habitats that sustain fish populations and ensure fishing communities have a meaningful role in decisions about their waters.”
The collaboration with the Barbados fisheries department and Marine Spatial Planning office connected the training to practical management needs, with lessons relevant to Sint Maarten’s shared coastal waters.
Bervoets thanked the organisers and participants, highlighting the value of Caribbean professionals sharing expertise to strengthen fisheries management, protect marine resources and support coastal livelihoods.
