Uncertainties ahead, as 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season starts in El Niño year

How will Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture fare off during the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season relative to previous ones? The answer will depend on how well we prepare and respond in the aftermath of adverse weather. However, this year, the region must also consider the potential impacts of El Niño on its fisheries, both in the short term and the long term.

CRFM Executive Director, Dr. Marc Williams, has recently said: “Every year, our fisheries and aquaculture sector faces damage to vessels, fish farms, landing sites, equipment, and marine ecosystems. These challenges directly affect food security, livelihoods, national economies, and the well-being of our people.”

Although he noted the sector’s vulnerabilities, he added that the Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, innovation, and determination.

Dr. Williams stressed that “preparedness saves lives, protects livelihoods, and reduces recovery costs.” He added that preparedness must be a permanent pillar of our fisheries and aquaculture development strategies.

So what should we expect our weather to be like over the next 6 months?

Although a positive consequence of El Niño could be the suppression of hurricane activity, its impacts on our climate and weather could furthermore erode the health of Caribbean coral reefs as well as impact fish catches.

El Niño also comes with warmer average sea surface temperatures, which may stress corals. It is a double-edged sword, as “El Niño conditions tend to support less tropical storms and hurricanes, while warmer ocean temperatures and low winds support a more active year,” NOAA says.

NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham is quoted as saying that, “Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold. That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”

Dr. Williams underscored the need for action:

✔strengthen early warning systems;
✔improve climate-smart practices;
✔enhance fisheries safety and marine forecasting;
✔ invest in resilient infrastructure across the value chain;
✔strengthen coordination among agencies;
✔focus on small-scale fishers, women, youth, and rural households;
✔equip people with the tools, knowledge, technology, and support systems

“As we enter another hurricane season, let us remain vigilant, united, and prepared,” Dr. Williams said.

In case you missed it, you can now watch the recent webinar which was hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat in partnership with the CRFM, on protecting our fisheries and assets in the event of a disaster.

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