Integration of fisherfolk
Fisherman are addressed in their work place in informal conversations aiming to raise awareness on the impacts of their behavior. They are also regularly invited to participate in training sessions in which scientific data is shared. This expresses the need of changes in their behavior. We share scientific data such as conservation status of loggerhead turtles as an endangered species due to plastic ingestion, ocean pollution and other human actions (UICN). We also share information such as the prediction by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the World Economic Forum that “there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050” if we do not change our behavior.
Fishermen are simple and humble people and can be easily accessed as they are members of the same community as the solution providers. After gaining their trust they become good solution partners.
Local fishermen are very knowledgeable people and their experiences are very useful and should be taken into account. Their daily activities provide them useful information that has been used to improve the solution. They know where the threats are stronger and where sea turtles are more vulnerable to hunting. Their knowledge has also assisted us in determining the best time of the day the sea turtles lay eggs, the main spots and the period of hatchings.