“We believe our lives depend on the quality of the environment; our health depends on the quality of the natural resources we consume; and our coastal and marine environment is vital in sustaining our well-being. Future Fishers is therefore dedicated to working with local, national and other key stakeholders to achieve national and global targets set for protecting the environment, creating livelihood opportunities and improving the long-term sustainability of our natural resources. “
Demonstrating accountability
The 2023 Annual Report for Future Fishers outlines the organization’s continued efforts in capacity building, sustainable fishing practices, and community engagement along Trinidad’s northeast coast. Key highlights include the successful training of fishers in Engine Repair and Safety at Sea, surpassing educational targets. The report emphasizes significant improvements in FISHNET. The active participation of fishers in depot talks and our learning more about the issues have led us to develop 2 research on the sector in the area. Furthermore, Future Fishers has expanded its initiatives into value-added fish product development, training 22 persons in smoked and salted fish and providing kilns to producers, aiming to enhance the economic viability of low-value fish species. The organisation also reports on the work of building a cooperative with fishers to strengthen community ties and ensure better market positioning for fishers, supported by grant funding and comprehensive governance frameworks.
In 2024, Future Fishers presented a Year in Review that highlighted its progress in strengthening the fishing sector and supporting coastal communities. The organisation delivered leadership and financial management training, conducted Safety at Sea workshops and promoted FISHNET to improve governance and data access. It served over 1000 individuals at national and regional events and facilitated the formation of the East Trinidad Co-operative Society Limited, and developed a plan for a Fishers Business Hub. Research initiatives included an economic valuation of the M2M fisheries. Capacity-building efforts reached 89 graduates in safety, engine repair and processing training, while 16 fishers accessed grants under the Ministry of Agriculture Agro-Incentive Programme.
The new way of thinking among stakeholders provides opportunity for collaboration, cooperation, capacity building and collective decision making …
The issues that challenge the industry include governance, resource management, social inclusion, operating cost and capacity of the fishers…
Developing, managing and measuring indicators are important for comparing the relative strengths of communities and equitably allocating resources…
Helping CSOs navigate the level of thinking required to improve organisational capabilities and yield greater, more inclusive conservation impacts…
