Fishermen

The fishermen participation in the Proyecto Caguama is essential. There is nobody who knows better the ocean and the natural resources in this region than they do. The fishermen of Lopez Mateos have participated in different ways in loggerhead conservation.

Integrating the information given by the researchers with the empiric one they have acquired in their daily visit to the ocean, fishermen have reaffirmed the natural richness and importance of their region. This has awakened in them the will to take action in sea turtle conservation. Through responsible fishing workshops, the fishermen have expressed their concern and ideas to reduce loggerhead by-catch. In recent years, halibut fishermen proposed modifications to be to their nets in order to stop sea turtle by-catch without compromising their profits. Lately, the fishermen, with other community members, have launched an ecotourism project. This project was conceived as an economic alternative that will end in the protection of loggerhead turtles in this region. Fishermen from across the region are joining proCaguama to protect sea turtles while maintaining their livelihoods.