The Belize Audubon Society views fishers as important stakeholders, an integral part of the Blue Economy and its functions. To maintain the relationship between the NGO and the fishers, officers from the Audubon Society often conduct boat to boat interactions with fishers, to engage in important informational sessions. In a feature sponsored by the Earth Journalism Network Jose Sanchez reports on this interaction between the fishers and the organization.
Jose Sanchez Reporting
The Blue Economy is defined as a sustainable ocean-based economy comprising of a range of economic sectors and related policies that aims to foster economic and social progress while maintaining the health of our oceans and coasts. Within that broad definition, conservation organizations have carved out innovative ways to maintain the health of our seas and coasts. As the co-manager of the Blue Hole and Half Moon Natural monuments, the Belize Audubon Society views fishers as important stakeholders within the Lighthouse reef Atoll. According to Lucito Ayuso, Audubon's Community Liaison Officer, initially the organization would visit villages such as Sarteneja, Chunox and Copper Bank, but the fishers were rarely at home. This resulted in organizations developing boat to boat interactions with fishers.
Lucito Ayuso, Community Liaison Officer, Belize Audubon Society
"We do this every year, the Boat to boat where we come to you during the opening for the conch and lobster. This time it's for the lobster. We wish you the best for this lobster season. How was the lobster season last year?"
Fisher
"Last year was okay, but the weather didn't give the time for work."
Lucito Ayuso, Community Liaison Officer, Belize Audubon Society
"What's the carapace? The minimum carapace length that you should fish. (in Spanish)"
Fishers
"Two inches, I think. Three inches."
Lucito Ayuso, Community Liaison Officer, Belize Audubon Society
"Very good, man. You know your stuff. What about the tail weight?"
Fishers
"Four."
Lucito Ayuso, Community Liaison Officer, Belize Audubon Society
"The idea of the Boat to boat came back in 2012 when we had a GEF funded project. Prior to the inception of the boat to boat strategy, we had community meetings, but we never got our direct stakeholders engaged in those meetings. Who we got were the wives and the children of the direct stakeholders with whom we want to meet, who are the fishermen. So, the idea came between the community liaison manager and the former Protected Areas Manager of meeting the fisher folks in their turf, where they fish. So, in December 2012, we embarked into the trying out the strategy when during a Christmas time we thought about taking grapes and an ice-cold coke to them as we engage in discussions. When we started the initiative and the very first time, we went out at sea to meet them, it was not an easy task to build relationship with them. Since they saw the organization as an antagonist going into their turf, interfering with their fishing practices."
The perception has changed and fishers look forward to the occasional and informational sessions by the organization.
Rodwell Quishal, Fisher
"The reason because I chose Half Moon Caye is because right here, we got the lobster bigger than Turneffe and it's more how I could tell you, easier to come and have nice diving because nobody molest us, like on Turneffe. Well, up to now, Belize Audubon is working good with the fishermen because every opening they come with the boat and the skiff and they ask us "How is season going" and "What you need?" and if "you need more rangers to circle the area?". The part that I love it is because they bring some chips and some soft drinks."
Lucito Ayuso, Community Liaison Officer, Belize Audubon Society
"The strategy engages fisherfolks one on one in their fishing vessels. Through the strategy, fisher folks are given the opportunity to voice their opinions, suggestions with regard to sustainable fishing practices at Blue Hole Natural Monument and Lighthouse Reef Atoll."
This story was made possible with funding from "Internews' Earth Journalism Network"
