The numbers are still being tallied, but early estimates from the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) suggest that damage to Jamaica’s fisheries sector could run into the billions of dollars following the passage of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

Preliminary assessments point to near-total destruction in several coastal and inland communities, where fishing vessels, aquaculture ponds and processing facilities have been wiped out. The NFA described the impact as “catastrophic,” warning that the fallout threatens livelihoods, food security and the overall stability of Jamaica’s blue economy.

The most extensive damage has been reported across the south-western belt — Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Hanover — where many fishing beaches remain inaccessible or completely destroyed. Reports are that entire fleets were lost in Whitehouse, Bluefields and Little Bay in Westmoreland, while Treasure Beach and Black River in St Elizabeth have seen processing sheds, ice houses and storage units torn apart.

Further east, Alligator Pond in Manchester and Old Harbour Bay in St Catherine have also been left in ruins, with piles of debris and sunken vessels blocking access to the sea. Fishermen along the St Thomas and Portland coasts have reported that damaged docks and murky waters filled with debris have made it impossible to resume operations.

He added that the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has resulted in several choke points that have disrupted the fisheries supply chain.

“We are witnessing not just damage to property, but a direct blow to the livelihoods of thousands of Jamaicans and the protein supply for our nation. Our immediate focus is on stabilising the situation, supporting our staff and fishers, and clearing critical choke points,” chief executive officer of the NFA, Dr Gavin Bellamy said in a press statement.

Inland aquaculture producers have also taken a heavy hit. Farms in St Catherine, Clarendon and St Elizabeth — which account for most of the country’s freshwater fish production — reported extensive losses of fry and mature stock, along with collapsed pond embankments and breached dykes.

The Authority said some of its own facilities in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland were severely compromised, while power outages and blocked roadways have hindered the movement of feed and fuel to surviving operations.

“The supply of fresh fish to local markets, vendors, and consumers has been interrupted, creating immediate food security concerns,” Bellamy continued.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28 with sustained winds near 160 miles per hour, battering Jamaica for more than 12 hours and leaving behind widespread destruction. Early government estimates put total economic losses above US$2.5 billion, affecting nearly every productive sector.

The fisheries industry, which rakes in roughly J$20-billion-a-year, supports more than 20,000 registered fishers.

The NFA, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), said it has begun a phased recovery programme. Initial efforts are centred on assessing damage, restoring communication with affected communities, and providing emergency supplies such as feed, fuel and ice to keep surviving operations afloat.

Dr Bellamy said the Authority is also developing a long-term resilience plan that will strengthen coastal defences and promote more climate-resilient aquaculture systems.

“The road to recovery will be long, but we are committed to building back a stronger, more resilient fisheries sector,” he said.