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Improving the quality of life of Fisherfolk by developing a sustainable and profitable industry.
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Day 3 in Sri Lanka at the #WFFP Ocean School. Today, we joined 80 other participants from different parts of the world to learn more about AquaEcology and the deep connection between fishing, communities, culture and the environment.
As youth members of #CNFO, we are taking away a lot from this experience, especially the importance of decolonizing our minds and understanding how capitalism and consumerism can shape and threaten the livelihoods, cultures and traditional knowledge of fishing communities.
#aquaecology helps us value traditional ways of fishing and the knowledge that fishing communities have carried across generations.
With one more day to go, we are already thinking about how we can take these lessons back to the CNFO #LeadershipInstitute, including the six principles of AquaEcology, and share them with other fisherfolk leaders and youth across the Caribbean.
We went to Dodanduwa Lagoon in Sri Lanka, where we joined the community in planting mangroves along the lagoon.
The Rathgama fishing community in Sri Lanka stands as an example of resilience and solidarity.
After the devastating 2004 tsunami, NAFSO (National Fisheries Solidarity Movement), (Our Ocean School host) stepped in to support recovery, donating 30 boats to help fishers rebuild their livelihoods. Similar support reached other affected fishing communities across Sri Lanka as well.
Remarkably, many of those boats are still in use today, nearly two decades later.
🌊
#rathgama #srilanka #NAFSO #fishingcommunities #resilience #wffpoceanschool
Galle, one of Sri Lanka's oldest coastal cities, is home to a UNESCO listed fort and a deep, centuries old relationship with the sea.
Along its coastline, the iconic tradition of #Stilt fishing endures, fishermen perched on wooden poles above the water, a practice born purely from local knowledge of tides and fish behavior.
This, alongside the harbour's fishing communities, reflects generations of #aqua-Ecology in practice, knowledge passed down, not taught in classrooms.
As the #WFFP Ocean School continues here this week in Sri Lanka, Galle stands as a reminder that coastal cities and fishing traditions have always been deeply intertwined. 🌊
#galle #stiltfishing #srilanka #aquaecology #wffpoceanschool #fishingcommunities
Ayaana and Devon were part of the WFFP Youth Delegation in 2024, where young people at the World Forum of Fisher Peoples - WFFP 8th General Assembly made the important decision that youths should be trained and strengthened to take on greater roles within the fisherfolk movement.
Two years later, that vision has become a reality. With the opening of the WFFP Ocean School in 2026, Ayaana and Devon are among the first from the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) to participate.
The training is from 12th to 15th August 2026 in Sri Lanka.
🌊 International Youth Day 2026
Some things are carefully planned, while others happen by beautiful coincidence.
This International Youth Day, we are celebrating a very special moment: from 12–15 August 2026, members of the WFFP Global Youth have been invited to Sri Lanka for the first-ever physical session of the WFFP Ocean School.
Our main focus is AquaEcology, exploring how we can strengthen the relationship between aquatic ecosystems, fisher peoples, food sovereignty, and the protection of our waters and livelihoods.
It is a powerful coincidence that this historic first physical Ocean School gathering is taking place during International Youth Day. 🌊✊🏽
#InternationalYouthDay2026 #WFFP #oceanschool #aquaecology #youthandfisheries
Our global movement, the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP), is holding its Coordination Committee Meeting on Pari Island, Indonesia, from 4–9 August 2026.
The meeting brings together Coordination Committee members to shape the movement's priorities for the coming year.
Key agenda items include:
Reviewing the implementation and status of the resolutions adopted at the 8th General Assembly (GA8) in Brazil in 2024, celebrating achievements, and identifying areas that require further action.
Beginning preparations for the 9th General Assembly (GA9) to be held in Turkey in November 2027.
Planning activities for International Fisherwomen's Day on 5 November.
Advancing two major global campaigns: AquaEcology and Resisting Industrial Aquaculture.
Discussing applications for new WFFP members and strengthening the movement through membership expansion.
Deepening engagement with the International Planning Committee for Food Sovereignty (IPC) and other allied social movements.
Strengthening organizational development, communications, international advocacy, and global solidarity in defense of the rights of small-scale fisher peoples.
As a member of WFFP we continue to build a stronger, united global movement committed to human rights, food sovereignty, gender justice, and the protection of our waters and communities.
Two impactful days completed! 🌊🐟
Over 30–31 July, the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) successfully hosted the Fostering Climate-Resilient Fisheries in the Caribbean workshop in Anguilla, facilitated by Mitchell Lay (Mitch).
During the two-day workshop, fisherfolk and key stakeholders came together to strengthen the resilience of small-scale fisheries in the face of climate change. Participants explored fisheries policies from the global to the national level, learned about CNFO's climate resilience initiatives, discussed the impacts of climate change on fisheries livelihoods, reviewed the results of the Anguilla fisher survey, and worked collaboratively to identify policy gaps and develop an action plan for more resilient fishing communities.
A sincere thank you to all participants for their valuable contributions and active engagement. We also extend our gratitude to our partners, Blue Convergence Fund (BCF), Pan-American Development Foundation (PADF), and the Department of Natural Resources – Fisheries Unit, Anguilla
#climateresilientfisheries #smallscalefisheries #CNFO #anguilla #ClimateAction
Total Trump tariff crawfish exemption likely ‘long shot’
www.tribune242.com
A FISHERIES executive yesterday conceded it will be “a long shot” to get Bahamian lobster and stone crab exports totally exempted from Donald Trump’s 12.5 percent tariff but praised the Government’s bid to have the rate lowered as a “more realistic” goal.🌊 CNFO Advances Climate Resilience Work Across the Caribbean
The Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) has successfully completed its climate change engagement in #Saint #kitts and #Nevis, supported by the Blue Convergence Fund (BCF), and Pan American Development Foundation as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen climate resilience among traditional fishers.
CNFO will continue this important regional work, with the next engagement taking place in #anguilla next week.
Day 1 complete! 🌊🐟
What an inspiring first day of our Fostering Climate-Resilient Fisheries in the Caribbean workshop in St. Kitts and Nevis!
Today brought together fisherfolk and partners for meaningful discussions on strengthening the resilience of our small-scale fisheries in the face of climate change. We explored fisheries policies from the global to the national level, shared CNFO's ongoing work on climate resilience, examined research on the impacts of climate change on fisheries livelihoods, and had engaging conversations on policy gaps and how to better secure the future of small-scale fishing communities.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants for their active engagement and to our valued partners Blue Convergence Fund (BCF), Pan-American Development Foundation (PADF) for supporting this important initiative and Department of Marine Resources St.Kitts and Nevis.
💬 Tomorrow is Day 2, where we'll dive into the St. Kitts and Nevis fisher survey results and work together to develop a country action plan for stronger, more resilient fishing livelihoods.
Stay tuned for more highlights!
#climateresilientfisheries #smallscalefisheries #CNFO #stkittsandnevis #ClimateAction #fisherfolk
The Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) is pleased to announce the commencement of the project "Promoting the Implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines) in the Caribbean Community," with technical and financial support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The project officially commenced on 19 May 2026 and will run until 15 June 2027, with a grant value of USD $30,000.
This initiative aims to strengthen the implementation of the SSF Guidelines across the Caribbean by building positive narratives around small-scale fisheries and supporting policy development at both the national and regional levels. Specifically, the project will promote the development of National Plans of Action (NPOAs) for the implementation of the SSF Guidelines in Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis, while also contributing to regional dialogue and collaboration through the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM).
Throughout the implementation period, CNFO will work closely with fisherfolk organizations, government agencies, regional institutions, and other key stakeholders to undertake consultations, communications, knowledge-sharing activities, and the production of communication materials that raise awareness of the importance of small-scale fisheries and the SSF Guidelines.
On 6th July 2026, during the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) 10th Anniversary celebrations in Belize, Mitchell Lay was presented with the CNFO Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of small-scale fisherfolk across the Caribbean. The following profile highlights his remarkable journey and contributions.
Mitchell Lay – Antigua and Barbuda
Mitchell Lay is a small-scale fisher from Antigua and Barbuda whose passion for the sea began in childhood. His father owned a fishing boat and often fished recreationally, inspiring Mitchell's lifelong love of fishing and the marine environment.
After completing the formal school system, Mitchell began his career in the corporate world, working in information systems for a telecommunications company. During school breaks, he also gained experience in the agricultural sector. Although he enjoyed his professional career, he always had a deeper ambition. Growing up with the history of Caribbean islands and understanding how local people had often been exploited by foreign interests, he wanted to contribute to strengthening local production and food systems. His plan was to work for several years, save enough money to purchase his own fishing boat, and eventually become a full-time fisher. After seven years in the corporate sector, he achieved that goal.
Over the years, Mitchell has practised many forms of fishing, including net fishing, line fishing, spear fishing, trap fishing, and vertical longline fishing. Among his fondest memories is the day his young son saw him return with several large groupers and excitedly exclaimed, "Daddy, look a big fish!" Moments like these reminded him that fishing is more than a livelihood—it is a way of providing for family and passing on a heritage.
As challenges affecting the fisheries sector began to threaten his livelihood, Mitchell realized that individual fishers needed a stronger collective voice. He volunteered to help organize fellow fishers and advocate for their rights and interests. This commitment to service became the foundation of his involvement in national and later regional fisherfolk organizations. While continuing to fish to support his family, he also took on increasing responsibilities representing small-scale fishers across the Caribbean.
Today, Mitchell is encouraged to see more dedicated people working to improve the livelihoods of fishers throughout the region. His focus remains on sharing his knowledge, continuing to learn, and helping to build and inspire the next generation of fisherfolk leaders.