Fishermen in the Bahamas are collecting data that could improve forecasts

Summary

Climate Connections Podcast Summary: "Fishermen in the Bahamas are collecting data that could improve forecasts"

Host: Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz
Guest: Jeffrey Simmons, former acting director, Bahamas Department of Meteorology
Date: June 24, 2026

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Episode Overview

This brief episode highlights how Bahamian fishermen are playing a crucial role in hurricane forecasting by collecting real-time ocean data. By partnering with the Ocean Observing Network, these fishermen are contributing valuable information needed to better predict storm intensification, directly linking local livelihoods to global efforts against climate change and extreme weather.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Fishermen as Citizen Scientists

• Fishermen's New Role:

  • Local Bahamian fishermen are now equipped with sensors on their fishing gear. These devices record ocean depth and temperature data as they go about their daily work.
  • [00:03] “But now some of those fishermen are also harvesting data to help forecast hurricanes.” — Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz

• Contributing to a Global Network:

  • The collected data is shared with Bahamian officials, NOAA (US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and other international bodies.
  • This initiative is part of the global fishing vessel Ocean Observing Network.

2. Cost-Effectiveness and Impact

• Maximizing Resources:
  • Sensors provide a low-cost method for gathering valuable, real-time ocean data.
  • [00:34] “We see it as a very cost effective way of getting good real time ocean data.” — Jeffrey Simmons

3. Data for Hurricane Forecasting

• Ocean Heat and Storms:

  • Ocean heat is the key driver of hurricane intensity, making accurate, real-time ocean data critical for forecasting.
  • The information gathered can help the Bahamas and the wider region anticipate when hurricanes might rapidly intensify.

• Historical Context:

  • Simmons references Hurricane Dorian (2019), a Category 5 storm that devastated the Bahamas and caused significant loss of life. Better data could help forecasters and communities prepare for similar events.

4. Community Motivation and Benefits

• Personal Stakes:
  • Fishermen are eager to help because hurricanes disrupt their ability to work and threaten their safety.
  • Their direct involvement increases community preparedness and enhances resilience.
  • [01:06] “When hurricanes are out there, it creates problems for them. They can't get to work. So they are excited to be a part of the community to assist us in getting information so that we can create better forecasts for them.” — Jeffrey Simmons

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• [00:03] “But now some of those fishermen are also harvesting data to help forecast hurricanes.” — Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz
• [00:34] “We see it as a very cost effective way of getting good real time ocean data.” — Jeffrey Simmons
• [01:06] “When hurricanes are out there, it creates problems for them. They can't get to work. So they are excited to be a part of the community to assist us in getting information so that we can create better forecasts for them.” — Jeffrey Simmons

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01: Introduction to the topic and the fishermen’s new role in data collection
• 00:34: Jeffrey Simmons discusses cost-effectiveness and real-time data impact
• 00:40: Explanation of how data improves hurricane forecasting, with a reference to Hurricane Dorian
• 01:06: Insights into the fishermen’s motivation and community involvement

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Tone and Language

The episode’s tone is factual yet optimistic, focused on collaboration, innovation, and local empowerment. Dr. Leiserowitz sets a hopeful note by showing how grassroots efforts can support cutting-edge science and increase resilience to climate threats.

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This episode offers a clear example of how everyday people can make a real impact in the fight against climate change, using simple yet powerful technologies to protect their communities and the broader world.

Transcript

[A]

I'm Dr. Anthony Liesiewicz and this is Climate Connections. Every day, fishermen across the Bahamas head out to the ocean to harvest their catch. But now some of those fishermen are also harvesting data to help forecast hurricanes. They're contributing to the global fishing vessel Ocean Observing Network, which provided them with sensors that measure water depth and temperature. The sensors attach to fishing gear and record data that's shared with Bahamian officials, the US national oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and others.

[B]

We see it as a very cost effective way of getting good real time ocean data.

[A]

Jeffrey Simmons is the former acting director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology. He says ocean heat is the main source of energy for hurricanes, so the data could help forecasters better understand when a hurricane is likely to intensify quickly. For example, this happened in 2019 when Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm and killed dozens of people. And Simmons says the fishermen are eager to help.

[B]

When hurricanes are out there, it creates problems for them. They can't get to work. So they are excited to be a part of the community to assist us in getting information so that we can create better forecasts for them.

[A]

Climate Connections is produced by the Yale center for Environmental Communication. To learn more about climate change, visit climateconnections.org.