The Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), which was established in 1996, was developed from the original Coastal Conservation Project Unit created in 1983. Since 1983 we have sought to create one of the preeminent coastal zone management institutions in the Caribbean.

At present, the CZMU which is located in Warrens Towers II, Warrens, St. Michael, performs a variety of coastal management functions inter alia: coral reef monitoring, updating the inventory of coastal resources, consultations with the Town and Country Development Planning Office (TCDPO) regarding all coastal development, beach erosion and accretion monitoring and control, updating the inventory of coastal structures, regulation of marine research, public education of ICZM, coastal conservation project designs and management, and the review of any coastal projects.

Here at the CZMU we are dedicated to advancing the knowledge, use, development, conservation and management of the coastal zone and its resources. This is our underlying functional responsibility, as the Barbados coast is essential to the lives of all Barbadians. To achieve this responsibility the CZMU therefore relies on the strong interest and support of the Barbadian public.