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Improving the quality of life of Fisherfolk by developing a sustainable and profitable industry.
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🌸 Mother’s Day Spotlight – Celebrating Women in Fisheries 🌸
This Mother’s Day, May 10th, 2026, CNFO proudly recognizes an exceptional woman whose dedication has helped shape the fisheries sector in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean — Miss Petronila Polius.
In a field historically dominated by men, Miss Polius broke barriers and set new standards. Joining the Department of Fisheries in 1993, she rose through the ranks with determination and excellence to become:
✨ The first woman Fisheries Extension Officer in Saint Lucia
✨ The first woman Head of the Fisheries Extension Unit
Her leadership has strengthened the connection between fisheries authorities and fishing communities, improving communication, empowering fisherfolk, and advancing sustainable practices.
Beyond national borders, she has represented Saint Lucia with professionalism at regional and international levels, earning respect across the Caribbean for her expertise, collaboration, and commitment.
As a mother figure in both family and community, Miss Polius exemplifies resilience, leadership, and service. Her journey highlights the vital role women play in building sustainable and inclusive fisheries.
💙 Today, we celebrate her achievements and all women in fisheries who continue to lead, inspire, and transform our communities.
#MothersDay2026 #WomenInFisheries #CNFO #CaribbeanFisheries #GenderEquality #BreakingBarriers
The #CNFO is participating in the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (#WFFP) Latin America and the Caribbean Meeting being hosted by the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation from 1st to 4th May in Georgetown #Guyana.
CNFO's April 2026 Fisherfolk Net!
Fisherfolk Net April 2026 - Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations
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Fisherfolk Net April 2026Share:ShareClick to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading...Nadine Nembhard...#BelizeRegistration is now open!
The Executive Secretariat of the Central American Agricultural Council (SECAC) invites you to participate in the Training Workshop: Transforming Fish Skin into Sustainable Leather and Its Use for the Production of Handicrafts, aimed at rural women, youth, and local stakeholders from Belize’s marine-coastal territories.
📍 Location: Sarteneja, Corozal, Belize
📅 Start date: April 22, 2026
✅ Requirement: If possible, participants should bring one fish skin with scales obtained from a non-protected species and in full compliance with applicable fisheries regulations.
During this workshop, participants will learn practical techniques in:
✅ fish skin transformation
✅ handicraft production
✅ entrepreneurship
✅ environmental sustainability
This initiative is being carried out within the framework of the SICA AZUL project and seeks to strengthen capacities to promote learning, innovation, and local development.
🔗 Register here: forms.gle/V8Ls3Uu4g3Zpv3m49
Be part of this experience of learning, innovation, and local development!
From the Basseterre Fisheries Complex to the Old Road Fisheries Complex, fishers continue to highlight the importance of the support provided to strengthen the sector.
Access to essential resources such as duty-free concessions on fishing gear and equipment plays a critical role in improving operations and sustaining livelihoods.
The fisheries complexes also serve as key points for the public to purchase fresh, local fish, supporting both fishers and national food security.
A direct look at how ongoing support is making a real difference within the fisheries sector.
This Blue Convergence Project will fund the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO) and Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) to promote knowledge sharing across five countries and territories in the region (i.e., Anguilla, Belize, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas) to encourage actions and policies for securing climate-resilient fisheries. Specifically, this project will
Conduct an assessment of potential vulnerabilities and existing knowledge among small-scale fishing communities;
Develop learning modules on policies and best practices for achieving climate-resilient fisheries; and
Hold workshops to validate strategies and develop country-specific and regional action plans.
blueconvergence.org/project/lay-caribbean/
The CNFO is excited to announce our new project working on climate-resilient fisheries with the Blue Convergence Fund. Check out ours and the other funded engagement projects here:
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Our Climate Resilient Fisheries Program recently awarded 11 new projects from the 2025 Climate Resilient Fisheries Grants Request for Proposals. These projects are the first portfolio of work to be funded by the program, and they showcase a range of approaches for advancing climate resilient fisheri...“The Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO), through its Leadership Institute, in close collaboration with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) and Fisheries Services, Ministry of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, successfully convened a four-day Regional Fisherfolk Peer Learning Exchange focused on the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) and ecosystem stewardship in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from March 2–5, 2026.
The exchange brought together fisherfolk and key stakeholders from across the Caribbean for a dynamic learning experience, including site visits to landing sites, fish markets, and community-based enterprises, and direct engagement with fishers and cooperatives. From Barrouallie to Bequia, participants explored key issues such as climate change impacts, sustainable fisheries practices, community-based sea moss farming, and community-led stewardship approaches.
Through open dialogue and shared experiences, participants identified practical solutions to strengthen resilience and support sustainable coastal livelihoods across the region.
This exchange was convened under the Advancing the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) project, which is funded by the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and co-financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection through KfW. Learn more here: canari.org/projects/advancing-ecosystem-approach-to-fisheries/
API - The Agency for Public Information: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Link to story:
www.facebook.com/reel/2132122860965370
#EAF #Fisherfolk #Caribbean #ClimateResilience #SustainableFisheries #CANARI #CNFO #FisheriesServices”
The National Fisherfolk Organisations in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), in collaboration with the CNFO and Sandals Resorts International, continue to advance important discussions on policy, value chains, and marketing to support the local fisheries sector.
Following a key engagement held on 12–13 May 2025 at the Sandals Resorts SVG Conference Room, several steps have been taken to strengthen collaboration and build a direct relationship between fisherfolk and the resort sector.
Ongoing dialogue and follow-up actions are now focused on creating opportunities for Sandals Resorts to source fish directly from local fisherfolk in SVG, supporting both livelihoods and local food systems.
A recent visit to Sandals Resort on Good Friday also included fisherfolk interviews as part of efforts to deepen this partnership and strengthen supply connections moving forward.
Fisheries Minister Raises Small Island Challenges at Global FAO Forum. Read more here: tinyurl.com/44fjs64b.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.#suriname
Mark Lall, Secretary of the Fishermen’s Collective
The increase in fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East could cause fish prices on the Surinamese market to rise. This is confirmed by Mark Lall, secretary of the Fishermen’s Collective, in an interview with SUN. “The fuel price has now become a major challenge in the fisheries sector. The operating costs of the boats are rising, while other expenses such as feed are also increasing. This makes the cost per kilogram of fish more expensive,” says Lall.
The fisheries sector is not dependent on government subsidies
Lall notes that the fisheries subcategory within the agricultural chain is the only one not dependent on government subsidies. “We do not receive any government support. On the contrary, we look among ourselves at how we can earn more from our fish yields. Although we do not request support from the government, it is still welcome. Sometimes it seems unfair for the fisheries sector when we see how other subcategories in agriculture receive heavy support,” emphasizes the board member of the Fishermen’s Collective.
Bad weather
Another challenge the fisheries sector has been facing for some time is bad weather. Climatic conditions are changing, making the sea very rough. This affects fish catches, which means higher prices are needed to cover costs. Most fish is exported. “Let’s hope that foreign buyers are still willing to pay more for our fish,” Lall notes.
Role of the government
Although the fisheries sector may not be financially dependent on the government, the government still has an important role in facilitating the sector. “The government has a guiding role here. They set the regulations we work under and make the policies. They issue fishing permits and ensure enforcement of the strict rules. Our fishing grounds must be protected, and illegal activities must be combated.” Lall also draws attention to unfair competition. “Legal fishermen who meet all requirements and pay taxes must be protected against illegal fishers who do not follow the rules and also do not pay taxes. That is unfair competition,” says the secretary of the Fishermen’s Collective.
Finally, he calls on the government to involve fishermen when creating policies in this area. “Fishermen have experience and knowledge of the sector, know where the problems lie, and what the solutions can be. Stakeholders in this sector must be involved,” concludes Lall.
Hogere brandstofkosten kan visprijzen omhoog stuwen
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De verhoging van de brandstofprijzen als gevolg van de oorlog in het Midden-Oosten kan maken dat de prijzen van vis op de Surinaamse markt omhoog gaan. Dat bevestigt Mark Lall, sec