Barbados is a small island, with an area of 430 kmJ. It is predominantly coralline, with porous soils, except for an area known as the Scotland District, where clay soils are exposed. Surface water is limited, and the major reservoirs of water lie underground. Nonetheless, interest in aquaculture has surfaced, particularly since the 1980s. This paper gives a brief account of the history of aquaculture in Barbados, and presents information on the status of aquaculture in the island. At present mariculture ventures are limited to a pilot project on the cage-rearing of the dolphin fish or mahimahi (Coryphaena hippurus), and to small pilot projects on the cultivation of seamoss (Gracilaria spp.). Tilapia are reared as a food fish by only a small number of operators. Ornamental fish are bred and reared for the local pet-shop market.