Participation of Fishers in the Conservation of Fishing Resources

PARTICIPATION OF FISHERS IN THE CONSERVATION OF FISHING RESOURCES

The participation of commercial and recreational fishers in the protection of fishing resources is vital for the health and balance of marine ecosystems. There are several ways in which the fishing community is already involved and can continue to be involved in fisheries conservation efforts:

COMPLIANCE WITH CLOSED SEASONS

Closed seasons are limitations on fishing that protect fish populations. For example, seasonal closures protect species during their reproduction season, during which they are most vulnerable to fishing pressure There are local and federal closed seasons and it is key to remember that these fishing closures are not always compatible. It is important to keep up to date with the closures. You can find the closed seasons calendar at https://caribbeanfmc.com/calendars/closed-seasons.

PROTECTION OF FISH AGGREGATIONS

There are species of fish that aggregate to reproduce. It is like a big party in the sea where the fish meet for reproduction These aggregations are the future of the species. Watch the Big Fish Initiative campaign video about Smart Fishing and protecting fish aggregations! Visit https://youtu.be/jTySb-PqQKM?si=W0bJ5yZWonSMJhR1 and look for Big Fish Initiative on social media.

CORRECT REPORTING OF FISHING STATISTICS

The information provided by fishers about their catches is vital for making decisions about the management of a species. Correctly reporting the catches translates into better available data. You can learn more about fishing statistics on the CFMC YouTube channel! Visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGplJZPX6mO-4BN3949yVQbMKD-PW 8xL

PARTICIPATION IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

There are mechanisms in which both commercial and recreational fishers can get involved. The CFMC, for example, has three District Advisory Panels–Puerto Rico, St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John–in which the members offer their input on issues related to fishing in the US Caribbean.

COLLABORATION WITH THE SCIENTIFIC SECTOR

Science is a set of knowledge obtained in a structured way through observation and reasoning. In this set of knowledge, fishers occupy a very important place when documenting and explaining the behavior of species, the state in which they are found, and the patterns observed in the sea. A healthy collaboration between the fishing community and the scientific sector makes a positive difference in marine research processes.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Being up to date in any profession is very important! There are workshops and orientations offered for the fishing community. Examples of this are the Commercial Fishers Education Program (PEPCO), the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP), the Recreational Fishers Education Program (PEPER) and the workshops offered by NOAA Fisheries. Follow CFMC social media to find out the dates and locations of these activities!