FAO, in collaboration with the Government of the Bahamas, are helping fishers to build back better by regaining control of their livelihoods and the lobster sector post-Hurricane Dorian. 

Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the northeast of the Bahamas on September 1, 2019. For approximately 68 hours, the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama were directly impacted by the Category 5 intensity of strong winds and a storm surge that resulted in flooding, damaged roads, infrastructure, and buildings. Fishers, processing houses and the entire fisheries industry, which is strongly supported by these islands, were severely impacted with nearly 40%, approximately USD 8.6 million, of the total estimated damages to the industry related to the loss of lobster condos.

In partnership with the Government of The Bahamas, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is supporting artisanal and commercial fishers affected by Hurricane Dorian to continue their livelihoods by distributing new lobster condos that will aid in rebuilding the lobster sector and the local economy. A total of 3,750 lobster condos will be distributed throughout the Grand Bahama and Abaco islands to registered fishers affected by Hurricane Dorian. Weighing scales and a freezer were also distributed to a Sweeting's Cay resident to assist in rebuilding a fish buying station. These instruments will assist in the rebuilding of fishing communities throughout both islands.

Raymon VanAnrooy, FAO Senior Fisheries Officer, remarked that "the 3,750 lobster condos have a total value of nearly USD127 000 and were distributed to more than 60 lobster fishers. Each of these condos are estimated to produce an (ex-vessel) income of USD 100 in lobster tails per year for the fishers. The condos are expected to contribute more than USD 1 million in income to the lobster fishers in the coming years."

FAO and the Government of The Bahamas officially began distributing condos on 17 June 2021 in Grand Bahama that continued for four days. Distribution in Abaco will take place in early July 2021.

Mr Gregory Bethel, Acting Director of Marine Resources of The Bahamas, stated that "the condos will be easy to handle, more affordable and are expected to last longer than the traditional condos of pressure treated wood and roof tins."

These activities are supported under the project "Rebuilding fisheries livelihoods in Abaco and Grand Bahama islands following Hurricane Dorian", funded by FAO's Technical Cooperation Programme. In the coming months, FAO plans to conduct several training workshops on fish trap construction to improve the trap construction skills of local fishers. Fish traps and spare parts for outboard engines will also be distributed to some affected fishers. The traps will incorporate biodegradable panels to reduce potential ghost fishing if traps are lost in the future.