It is only day four and we have seen so many places, met so many wonderful people and learnt so much in such a short time. Today we had a packed itinerary, as per usual, but for me it was certainly an “eye opener”. Our first order of the day was to meet with the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They were so welcoming and shared quite a bit of their experience in Fisheries management with us. Interestingly they were also eager to hear and learn about what we were doing in Belize. Several of their fisheries experts and policy analysts met with us as we discussed the work of our organizations and the issue of fisheries management.
It was great to hear how they manage their fisheries, the varying tools and mechanisms they have in place and the implementation of their newly established catch shares system. They shared the details of how it works and pointed to the process which was used to establish the catch limits and the distribution of shares. The discussions were rich and I am sure we all walked away feeling we had gained valuable knowledge from the exchange.
Next we got the incredible opportunity to meet with the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association which is without a doubt an incredibly successful group of primarily Fishermen’s wives working and advocating on behalf of Fishermen. The discussions were intense and you could sense their passion for the work they do. It was an excellent opportunity to hear the Fishermen’s perspective on the regulations implemented by the Government and the implementation of the catch shares system. It was clear that they understood the importance of sustainable fishery but they feel their voices are not heard or considered when regulations are being developed. They are concerned about their way of life and in my opinion, losing a bit of their identity.
It was during our meeting with the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association that I realized (my “eye opener”) it didn’t matter which part of the world I was in, it could have easily been a meeting in Belize as the issues we were discussing and the concerns being expressed surrounding sustainable fisheries management were exactly the same as back home. I can’t help but reflect on the words of the Fishermen’s Wives who said, “Why should we participate if the information we provide is always used against us” … words to consider and to think about when working with our fishers back home.
Great day!
Definitely words to consider, Nellie. And admirably in the same breath of that statement, the Fishermen's Wives Association continues to push forward in having their voices heard. Her words resounded in my mind throughtout the night...If you are not at the dinner table, you are on the plate. Balancing conservation/sustainable management of resources and the economic/socio-economic needs doesn't come easy and doesn't come overnight. Having participated in the discussions thus far at the different tiers, there is no sayiing that one group is right and the other wrong. At the least, there are certainly varying perspectives and challenges that come with that. But our only way forward is to participate and be a part of the progress, be a part of the solution. So as I prepare for another exciting day, keeping an open mind, I also carry with me the thought...If I am not at the dinner table I am on the plate.
ReplyDelete...Felicia