联合国贸易发展委员会-新冠疫情对海洋经济和贸易战略的影响及启示（英）-2021.12-87页_7mb

Summary of the Impact and Implications of COVID-19 for the Ocean Economy and Trade Strategy: Case Studies from Barbados, Belize and Costa Rica

Core Content

This report analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ocean economy and trade strategy of Barbados, Belize and Costa Rica, with a focus on fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and governance. It also provides recommendations for rebuilding a resilient and sustainable ocean economy post-pandemic.

Main Findings

Global Impact of COVID-19 on the Ocean Economy

• Economic contraction: The pandemic caused the largest economic contraction in modern times, with global GDP estimated to fall by 3.5% in 2020.
• Trade decline: International trade dropped by 9%, and 255 million full-time jobs were lost.
• Fisheries and aquaculture: Fish production fell by 40–80%, with small-scale fishers and vulnerable groups hardest hit.
• Tourism collapse: Tourism arrivals declined by 60–80%, resulting in losses of $910 billion to $1.2 trillion, and the closure of many MSMEs.
• Market volatility: Demand for seafood dropped, leading to price declines, while retail sales rebounded with the rise of direct delivery and online platforms.
• Governance challenges: The pandemic disrupted international cooperation, climate change initiatives, and ocean science projects, but virtual meetings helped maintain some momentum.

Impacts on Specific Ocean Economy Sectors

• Marine fisheries and aquaculture:
  • Disruption in production inputs, market access, and credit availability.
  • Increased costs due to extended stock holding and reduced demand.
  • IUU fishing was exacerbated in some regions due to reduced monitoring.
• Tourism and related sectors:
  • Closure of tourist facilities and marine tourism activities.
  • Loss of revenue and employment.
  • Digitalization and eco-tourism became important for recovery.
• Vulnerable groups and women:
  • Suffered disproportionately due to limited access to social protection.
  • Informal sectors were often excluded from relief measures.
• Ocean governance and science:
  • The need for stronger governance and data collection became evident.
  • Remote sensing, satellite data, and drones proved useful for monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS).

Measures Adopted

Global Measures

• Emergency declarations: Countries implemented lockdowns, closed borders, and suspended non-essential economic activities.
• Economic and social support: Relief packages, tax incentives, and direct transfers were introduced to support fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.
• Digital adaptation: Use of online platforms, e-commerce, and digital skills training became widespread to support recovery and resilience.
• MCS enhancement: Investment in sanitary protocols, monitoring systems, and technology adoption was prioritized to ensure safety and compliance.

Country-Specific Measures

Barbados

• Fisheries: Initially classified as non-essential, fisheries reopened with restricted hours based on surname initials.
• Infrastructure upgrades: Renovation of fish markets to improve sanitary conditions and access to ice, solar power, and services.
• Support for small-scale operators: Awareness campaigns and fiscal and social incentives were introduced.
• Vaccination and tourism: Vaccination efforts and remote work initiatives were launched to attract digital nomads.

Belize

• Fishing season impact: The pandemic coincided with the spiny lobster season and the end of queen conch season.
• Supply chain issues: Increased costs due to limited access to supplies, spare parts, and maintenance.
• Tourism recovery: Vaccination requirements, safe corridors, and certified establishments were introduced to attract responsible tourists.
• Financial support: Cash transfers and unemployment relief programs targeted vulnerable groups.

Costa Rica

• Fisheries: 50–80% reduction in production and processing, 30–40% price drop, and 70% export decline.
• Dependence on U.S. market: The U.S. had three waves of lockdowns, significantly affecting fish imports.
• Tourism recovery: "Pura Vida Pledge" and eco-tourism promotion were key to resuming tourism.
• Infrastructure and training: Investment in sanitation protocols, digitalization, and employee retraining was emphasized.

Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

• Over-reliance on key markets: All three countries depend heavily on U.S. markets, making them vulnerable to economic shocks.
• Inadequate governance: Poor MCS systems and lack of scientific data hindered effective management.
• Informal sector exclusion: Vulnerable groups and informal fishers were often left out of relief programs.
• Workforce disruptions: Reduced labor availability due to travel restrictions and social distancing.

Opportunities

• Digital transformation: E-commerce, automation, and remote technologies offer new market access and efficiency gains.
• Blue economy diversification: Investment in sustainable aquaculture (e.g., shrimp, bivalve molluscs, seaweed, and sea cucumbers) can reduce vulnerability.
• Marine conservation: Co-management schemes and citizen science initiatives can enhance community involvement.
• Eco-tourism and sustainability: Focusing on eco-tourism and sustainable practices can drive recovery and protect marine ecosystems.

Key Recommendations

• Reform fisheries governance: Develop science-based management and MCS systems to combat IUU fishing and ensure market transparency.
• Invest in digitalization: Enhance e-commerce, automation, and digital skills to improve market access and efficiency.
• Promote sustainable aquaculture: Explore opportunities in marine aquaculture to diversify income streams and increase resilience.
• Strengthen ocean governance: Leverage innovative technologies to monitor resources, protect habitats, and enforce laws.
• Support vulnerable groups: Ensure inclusive policies that reach small-scale fishers, women, and marginalized communities.
• Re-evaluate tourism strategies: Focus on eco-tourism, safety protocols, and sustainability to rebuild tourism-dependent economies.

Conclusion

The pandemic severely impacted the ocean economy of Barbados, Belize, and Costa Rica, particularly fisheries, tourism, and related sectors. However, it also highlighted opportunities for digital innovation, sustainable aquaculture, and inclusive governance. The recovery of these economies requires a strategic shift towards resilience, diversification, and sustainability.