Dangriga Fishfolk Test Hurricane Readiness in Emergency Simulation

Fisherfolk and fishing cooperatives in Dangriga are putting their hurricane plans to the test through a three-phase preparedness simulation exercise.  The activity is being conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in partnership with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation. It is also supported by the Southern Region of the National Emergency Management Organization, NEMO.  Under a simulated tropical cyclone scenario, participants are testing how quickly warnings can be shared, how fishers and vessels can be accounted for, and how boats and equipment can be secured ahead of a storm.  The exercise also covers evacuation procedures, communication protocols and measures to ensure the fisheries sector can continue operating following a hurricane.  NEMO says simulations of this kind help determine what is working, expose gaps in emergency plans and improve coordination before the country faces an actual threat.