Bio-diversity

In order to protect local Spiny Lobster populations from juvenile fishing and as part of a yearlong social marketing campaign, fishermen in Abaco will be trained in sustainable fishing practices by participating in one of four Sustainable Catch Workshops. This program will enable fishermen to: (1) Effectively adopt and employ sustainable fishing techniques, (2) Assist in the assessment of wild Spiny Lobster populations and (3) Gather and disseminate data from daily catch efforts. The community will be educated about the value of coastal, marine and freshwater ecosystems through a variety of activities. School children will participate in marine based field trips to coral reefs and mangroves and the community will benefit from education and outreach initiatives during the next year. These activities will encourage sustainable fishing practices whilst preserving biodiversity and reducing threats facing the marine environment and local lobster populations. To date this project is being used as a key activity in the national Fishery Improvement Project for the Bahamas. It is considered a demonstration project that can be replicated throughout the country and region as a global example of sustainable fishery management.

Bahamas