Fisher of the Month (June 2023): Michael Funk

Michael Funk is a recreational fisherman based in St. Croix, USVI, with a vast experience in fishing. He began fishing with his father at the tender age of 8.

Currently, he enjoys fishing for lionfish and uses the pole spear, as he considers it the most efficient tool for catching this species. Michael sees fishing as a source of both recreation, and nutrition

He is the treasurer for the Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education Foundation (CORE) Furthermore, he has participated in research projects through the University of the Virgin Islands regarding topics such as lionfish migration and

ciguatoxin concentrations. He serves in the CFMC St. Croix District Advisory Panel and the St. Croix Fishery Advisory Committee

"There needs to be a balance between fishers’ ability to maintain their livelihood and the demand on the marine life population,” expressed Michael, about fisherfolk participation in public policy and decision-making processes.

As with many others, Michael has concerns about the changes he has observed within the last few years in both the climate and the ocean.

“Warmer waters cause coral bleaching that can kill coral, which is the breeding grounds for many commercially important fish. Sediment runoff, poor coastal management, and trash are also negatively affecting the coral,” he pointed out.

Michael understands that a good fisher is one who is “environmentally aware” Sadly, he doesn’t quite see a bright future for fishing, and he holds responsible for this the “dwindling resources due to over population and demand for more seafood, as well as poor coastal management.”

Michael collaborated with the preparation of the cookbook published by CFMC. He shared with us his recipe for lionfish ceviche, and a recipe for lionfish soup. To see these recipes, go to the cookbook at https://issuu com/caribbeanfmc/docs/libro de recetas and go to pages 29 and 30

Note: The CFMC thanks Carlos Farchette for the interview with Michael Funk and the provided photo