Establishment of fisherfolk organisations
Fisherfolk organisations are initiated and developed from collaborative efforts of fishers, existing fisherfolk organisations, academia, NGOs, donors and fisheries management entities. These fisherfolk organisations facilitate participatory representation of fisherfolk in fisheries governance and management by bringing fishers concerns, interests, knowledge and experience into the management considerations. Being linked at national, regional and global levels allow for these organisations to effectively participate in fisheries governance, facilitates communications, capacity building and representation.
• Access to information.
• Communication channels such as cell phone, internet and print media.
• Strong and motivated leadership.
• Committed fisheries management regimes.
• Existing policy/ legal framework.
• Multiple communications tools/channels required to reach fishers.
• Building fishers leadership abilities is important.
• Consistent and ongoing effort required.
• Global climate of stakeholder participation important.
• Capacity development is a long term undertaking and requires solid partnerships.
• Representation requires funding and a seat at the table.
• Small-scale fishers and their organisations are unable to support required activities and need dedicated partners.
• Challenges faced by Caribbean small-scale fishers are varied and numerous with powerful interest groups advocating for other interest.