Food security and environmental damage are both major issues on the Caribbean island of Curaçao. To address both, a local organization (the Federashon Kooperativanan Uní di Produkshon) has developed a sustainable fishery course. Young fishers learn how to earn a livelihood sustainably. At the same time, they learn about their home island’s marine ecological systems and the harm that destructive fishing can cause. WWF Dutch Caribbean sponsored the pilot program of this initiative.
The course is both theoretical and practical. In collaboration with several local environmental organizations and projects (Carmabi, Sea Turtle Conservation, Conch Hatchery), it covers marine conservation. It also teaches the aspiring fishers about fishery laws and protected species, sustainable fishing methods, and managing a business.
Practical training covers choosing and setting up responsible gear, identifying fish in the field, safe catch-and-release techniques, and post-catch handling to reduce waste. Participants practice humane release methods and discuss how to integrate sustainable habits into daily fishing practices.
Students tour the Queen conch hatchery and get hands-on experience in fishing from the coast and from boats. They go snorkeling at the coral reef to gain appreciation of the undersea world and see first-hand the damage that anchoring can cause.
The course takes five weeks. The Seacology grant covers the costs of one course with up to 20 students (there is a waitlist for this popular program), including meeting spaces and rental boats, fishing gear, teacher compensation, and food.
