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Our News
In the Arequipa region, the “Southern Fishers Learning Network” brings together benthic resource fishers to train on sustainable fishing and marine conservation topics
From August 26 to 30, the city of Camaná (Arequipa) hosted a learning day aimed at artisanal fishers who are dedicated to the extraction of benthic resources.
For the sustainability of these resources, there are different specific management measures, as well as comprehensive regulations: the Fisheries Management Regulation (ROP) for benthic marine invertebrate resources, approved by Supreme Decree No. 018-2021-PRODUCE.
This ROP arises in response to various reports from the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE), which indicate a trend towards the decline of the main “shellfish” populations, many of which are at risk levels. Likewise, according to PRODUCE, the fishing effort dedicated to capturing these resources has gradually increased.
The decrease in “shellfish” populations, along with the increase in fishing effort, negatively affects the economic income of fishers, since there will be fewer resources available to offer in the market. Furthermore, the development of competition for these resources puts at risk their sustainability and the ability to guarantee their availability for future generations. In addition to this, in various fishing communities, problems arise related to the management of solid waste generated by fishing activity, the loss of nets and pollution, which significantly impact the marine ecosystem.
In that context, WWF Peru and the Regional Production Management (GEREPRO) of Arequipa established the “Southern Fishers Learning Network”, a space that aims to strengthen capacities and knowledge on topics related to sustainable fishing and marine conservation.
More than 25 artisanal fishers from Artisanal Fishing Organizations (OSPAS) from the fishing communities of Lomas, Atiquipa, Chala, Atico, La Planchada, Quilca and Camaná dedicated to the extraction of benthic resources, strengthened their knowledge in topics such as formalization, traceability, marketing, waste management, among others, under a theoretical-practical structure.
As part of the methodology, the workshop was divided into 11 learning sessions, with the participation of speakers belonging to GEREPRO Arequipa, PRODUCE, IMARPE, Organismo Nacional de Sanidad Pesquera (SANIPES), Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental (SPDA), Instituto Tecnológico de la Producción (ITP), Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado (SERNANP), Plataforma PDS y WWF Peru. Likewise, these sessions were complemented with spaces for articulation between the OSPAs and the participating public institutions.
Milagros Mitma, leader of Public Management of the Pacific Landscape of WWF Peru, pointed out that “This space was created to strengthen the capacities of the different OSPAs, providing them with key tools to learn about technical-legal aspects of formalization, improve their marketing practices, properly manage waste in fishing and knowing the inspection processes." Furthermore, she highlighted that "this would not have been possible without the commitment of the fishers who have dedicated their valuable time for almost a week".
For his part, David Vela Quico, Regional Production Manager of Arequipa, pointed out that “It is the first time that a learning space has been established for the benefit of OSPAs that are dedicated to the extraction of benthic resources in Arequipa. For this reason, we do not hesitate to support this initiative from GEREPRO and join WWF Peru to make it a reality.” He also added that “The network has allowed us to begin to strengthen our dialogue with the different OSPAs.”
From WWF Peru and GEREPRO Arequipa, we consider that these types of initiatives are essential to guarantee sustainable and fair fishing, ensuring not only the conservation of our marine resources, but also the well-being of the communities that depend on them.