Government Commits $180 Million to Advance Fisheries Recovery After Hurricane Melissa

Recovery efforts within Jamaica’s fisheries sector have entered a new phase with the allocation of $180 million to support rebuilding activities following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries announced the second phase of the Fisheries Hurricane Melissa Recovery Programme during a ceremony held on February 13 at the National Fisheries Authority’s Montego Bay office. The initiative is being executed through the Authority as part of continued efforts to restore livelihoods across the industry.

As part of the event, four boats outfitted with engines were handed over to young fishers under the Fisheries Production Incentive Programme. Minister of Fisheries, Floyd Green, indicated that the latest phase marks a transition from debris removal and emergency response to targeted financial assistance aimed at strengthening production capacity.

Post-hurricane assessments placed losses to the fisheries industry at more than $5.7 billion, underscoring the scale of the impact from the Category 5 system.

In St. James, 18 beneficiaries received vouchers valued at over $7 million to carry out repairs to vessels and engines. Additional support measures are also underway. More than 2,000 water tanks, each with a 500-gallon storage capacity, are being installed at major fishing beaches, including River Bay, to improve access to potable water for post-harvest activities.

The Ministry further reported that 2,000 rolls of wire mesh, with a combined value of $35 million, have already been distributed across the island to assist fishers in replacing fish pots damaged during the hurricane.